BATHORY — Bathory (review)

BATHORY — Bathory album cover Album · 1984 · Black Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
2.5/5 ·
J-Man
Looking back on Bathory's debut from today's perspective, it's almost difficult to believe that such an album was released in 1984. With just under 27 minutes of lo-fi, fast-paced metal riffage, Quorthon and company truly paved the way for the upcoming second wave of black metal with this groundbreaking debut. Everything from the vehemently anti-Christian lyrics to the intentionally terrible sound of the production would later become a staple in black metal's future, and I'd even venture to call Bathory the first full-blown black metal album. Although it contains a strong influence from thrash and speed metal, there are enough defining black metal characteristics to make it worthy of that title. Bathory is a very flawed album in my eyes, and I do think Quorthon would make better music later on, but this is still a landmark of extreme metal and an essential purchase for those interested in black metal.

Since I wasn't even born yet when this was released, the only way I can listen to the album is in retrospect. Having already been familiar with many second-wave black metal bands when I first listened to Bathory, I already had the advantage of understanding the impact this release would have on future black metal releases. The lo-fi production, raspy vocals, buzzing guitar tones, fast riffs, and sinister lyrics are all here, and this can probably be considered one of the most influential albums in extreme metal. It's clear right from the beginning that this is a highly ambitious, but (at least in my opinion) imperfect, observation - while the buzzing guitar riffs and savage production are an interesting gimmick, there aren't a whole lot of particularly captivating musical ideas throughout the album's short duration. There are some memorable riffs scattered throughout the 27 minute duration, but that still isn't quite enough to grab my attention. Compositionally, this strikes me as a rather shallow release, and while I won't be one to deny Bathory's historical impact, it is a rather flawed effort in my eyes.

Even though you'll have a tough time finding too many black metal albums more important than this one, it's never been one of my favorites. Quorthon would improve as a songwriter over the next few years, and I think those curious about Bathory can definitely find better than this. A confident, original, and groundbreaking debut without doubt, but not the most satisfying as far as I'm concerned. The songwriting is a bit underdeveloped and the production lacks any sort of definition, though the unique ambition still shines through on this effort. 2.5 - 3 stars are deserved for this original, albeit severely flawed, debut.
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