Bathory

Bathory was a highly influential Swedish metal band formed in 1983 by Thomas Börje Forsberg, better known by his stage name Quorthon. Originally emerging from the early extreme metal scene, Bathory played a key role in shaping the sound of both black metal and Viking metal. Their first few albums, including the self-titled Bathory (1984) and Under the Sign of the Black Mark (1987), helped define the lo-fi, aggressive style that would become synonymous with first-wave black metal. Bathory later transitioned toward a more epic, melodic sound rooted in Norse mythology, with albums like Hammerheart (1990) and the Nordland I and II series showcasing this Viking metal direction.

Quorthon remained the driving force and often the sole member behind Bathory, writing and recording most of the music himself. He passed away in 2004, but his legacy endures through a discography that has inspired countless metal bands across the globe. The posthumous box set series In Memory of Quorthon offers fans a chance to revisit his influential work and celebrate his contributions to metal history.

Genres

Black Metal

Metal

Folk Metal

Speed Metal

Death Metal

Progressive Metal

Doom Metal

Thrash Metal

Power Metal

Heavy Metal

Viking Metal

Related Artists

Darkthrone

Burzum

Immortal

Emperor

Watain

Gorgoroth

Enslaved

Mayhem

Satyricon

Marduk

Ulver

Sabaton

Latest Release

In Memory of Quorthon, Vol. 3

Bathory

Album - 15 Tracks - Released January 1, 2006