BATHORY - S/T self-titled Goat Black Viking Metal 12" Vinyl LP Album

- This is an initial release with the generic inner sleeve with rounded corners (Patent No. 1.125.555 MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN G.H.)

Bathory is the self-titled debut album of the Swedish black metal band Bathory. It is considered one of the first recorded examples that defined the black metal style. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

Album Front Cover Photo of BATHORY - S/T self-titled Goat Black Viking Metal
Essentials of: BATHORY - S/T self-titled Goat Black Viking Metal
"Bathory Self-Titled" Album Description:

In the realm of black metal, Bathory stands as a pioneer, and its self-titled debut album is a sacred relic in the genre's history. Released on October 2, 1984, this 12" vinyl LP marks a pivotal moment, shaping the identity of black metal with its raw, unbridled energy.

Historical Prelude: The Genesis of Bathory

To comprehend the significance of Bathory's debut, one must delve into the band's origins. Formed in 1983 by the enigmatic Quorthon, Bathory emerged from the Swedish underground with a vision that transcended conventional metal norms. Quorthon, whose real name was Thomas Forsberg, sought to create music that embodied the essence of darkness, drawing inspiration from the occult, Norse mythology, and the macabre.

Studio Alchemy: Crafting the Black Metal Elixir

Bathory's self-titled album was recorded in Heavenshore Studio, Stockholm, in August 1984. The recording process itself was far from sophisticated, reflecting the DIY spirit of the burgeoning black metal scene. The album exudes a primal, raw sound, captured on rudimentary equipment, adding to its mystique. Quorthon's haunting vocals, relentless guitar riffs, and thunderous percussion laid the foundation for the black metal aesthetic.

Unleashing Darkness: Musical Themes and Influences

The album comprises a collection of short, intense tracks that embody the spirit of black metal. Songs like "Hades," "Reaper," and "Sacrifice" showcase Bathory's ability to conjure an atmosphere of malevolence. The lyrics delve into themes of Satanism, darkness, and Nordic folklore, reflecting Quorthon's fascination with the occult and his desire to create music that invoked a sense of dread.

Legacy of Shadows: Impact on Black Metal

Bathory's debut album had a profound impact, influencing countless black metal bands that followed. Its lo-fi production, visceral sound, and occult themes set a precedent for the genre's aesthetics. Bathory's pioneering spirit laid the groundwork for the Norwegian black metal explosion of the early '90s, cementing its status as a cornerstone in the black metal pantheon.

Music Genre:

Extreme Black Metal, Viking Metal

Label & Catalognr:

Under One Flag FLAG 8

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1984 Made in United Kingdom ( UK ) 

Collector Specific Notes

 

Album Packaging:
This is an initial release with the generic inner sleeve with rounded corners (Patent No. 1.125.555 MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN G.H.)
Album Front Cover:

How can the album cover be distinguished from other versions of this album

  • The front cover shows a white goat's head with red eyes
  • The name of the band "Bathory" is printed in large letters near the top.
  • There is NO catalognr on the front cover.
Album Back Cover

How does the album back cover be different from other versions

  • There is NO barcode on the album cover.
  • In the upper right corner of the album back cover there are: "Under One Flag", in red "FLAG 8", MU 221
Record Label

Record label information:

  • The record label has a black background with the drawing of a flag covering most of the upper half of the label.
  • There is no label code
  • There is no rights society
  • Is there a right society
  • The catalognr "FLAG 8" is same as on the album cover.
  • The rim-text runs from 8:30 to until 3:30 and is in English.
Production & Recording Information
Producers:

This album was produced by Quorthon and The Boss.

 Stig Börje "The Boss" Forsberg was a record label owner, music producer and drummer. He was father of Quorthon ( Thomas Forsberg ) and has produced several of Bathory's as well as albums for "The OZ".

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Sound Engineer: The Boss

Sound mix: Electra Studio, Stockholm, Sweden.

Recording Location:

Heaven Shore Studio, Stockholm, Sweden.

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Ace Spunky Black Spade, Quorthon

Musicians:
  • Quorthon – Guitars, Vocals

    Quorthon ( real-name: Thomas Börje Forsberg ) is founding member of the Bathory band (1983 ) and is singer and guitarist in the band. He has been with Bathory from 1983 until 2004 when he was found dead, due to heart failure.

  • Kothaar (Rickard "Ribban" Bergman ) – Bass
  • Vvornth (Stefan Larsson ) – Percussion, Drums

     Stefan Larsson - Drummer with the Swedish Black Metal band "Bathory" from 1984 until 1986. Before joining Bathory, Larsson played with the punk band: Obsklass.

Tracklisting Side Darkness:
  1. Hades - 2:45
  2. Reaper - 2:44
  3. Necromansy - 3:40
  4. Sacrifice - 3:16
Tracklisting Side Evil:
  1. In Conspiracy with Satan - 2:29
  2. Armageddon - 2:31
  3. Raise the Dead - 3:41
  4. War - 2:15
High Resolution & Quality Photos
Front Cover Photo Of BATHORY - S/T self-titled Goat Black Viking Metal
High Resolution Photo #10 Bathory debut album https://vinyl-records.nl

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )

Photo Of The Back Cover BATHORY - S/T self-titled Goat Black Viking Metal
High Resolution Photo #11 Bathory debut album https://vinyl-records.nl
Close up of the record's label
High Resolution Photo #12 Bathory debut album https://vinyl-records.nl
Photo of Side One: BATHORY - S/T self-titled Goat Black Viking Metal
High Resolution Photo #13 Bathory debut album https://vinyl-records.nl
Photo of Side Two: BATHORY - S/T self-titled Goat Black Viking Metal
High Resolution Photo #14 Bathory debut album https://vinyl-records.nl
Index of BATHORY - Vinyl Albums Discography
BATHORY - Self-Titled 12" LP
Thumbnail of BATHORY - Self-Titled album front cover

Under One Flag FLAG 8 , 1984 , United Kingdom

To comprehend the significance of Bathory's debut, one must delve into the band's origins. Formed in 1983 by the enigmatic Quorthon, Bathory emerged from the Swedish underground

Learn more
BATHORY - Blood Fire Death 12" LP
Thumbnail of BATHORY - Blood Fire Death album front cover

Under One Flag FLAG 26 , 1988 , France

"Blood Fire Death" seamlessly fuses black metal aggression with epic Viking metal anthems. Tracks like "A Fine Day to Die" and "Blood Fire Death" showcase Bathory's ability

Learn more
BATHORY - Hammerheart 12" LP
Thumbnail of BATHORY - Hammerheart album front cover

  Noise International N 0153-1 , 1990 , Germany

Quorthon, the mastermind behind Bathory, meticulously crafted "Hammerheart." Recorded in Stockholm, Sweden, the album's production retained a sense of rawness, paying homage to the band's roots

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BATHORY - The Return 12" LP
Thumbnail of BATHORY - The Return album front cover

 Under One Flag FLAG 9 , 1987 , United Kingdom

The production work by Quorthon (Thomas Börje Forsberg) and Boss (Börje Forsberg) adds to the album's raw and unfiltered aesthetic. The intentionally lo-fi production enhances the album

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BATHORY - Under the Sign of the Black Mark 12" LP
Thumbnail of BATHORY - Under the Sign of the Black Mark album front cover

Under One Flag FLAG 11 , 1987

Released in 1987, "Under the Sign of the Black Mark" stands as a sonic manifesto, capturing the primal essence of black metal. Recorded in Stockholm, Sweden, Bathory, led by the enigmatic Quorthon

Learn more