Formed in 1983 by the mysterious Quorthon (Thomas Börje Forsberg), Bathory is widely regarded as one of the founding pillars of black metal and viking metal. Hailing from Sweden, the band’s early sound was raw, fast, and satanic—captured on cult albums like Bathory (1984), The Return… (1985), and Under the Sign of the Black Mark (1987). These primitive recordings became the blueprint for the Norwegian black metal movement that followed.

By the late 1980s, Bathory took a bold turn. Abandoning satanic imagery, Quorthon embraced Norse mythology and epic storytelling. With Blood Fire Death (1988) and Hammerheart (1990), he essentially created viking metal — characterized by grand, slow-burning compositions and lyrics rooted in Scandinavian legend. This visionary shift would inspire bands like Enslaved and Amon Amarth.

Until his death in 2004, Quorthon remained an underground icon — reclusive, uncompromising, and responsible for every instrument on his albums. His legacy continues to resonate across the entire extreme-metal landscape.

On MusikMachine, explore embroidered patches and dark t-shirts inspired by Bathory’s legendary aesthetic — essential items for fans of metal and Norse-inspired mythology.