LYCOS RETRIEVER
Bathory: Quorthon
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Though ostensibly a band, Bathory biography is really the musical vehicle for Swedish metalist Quorthon (nee Thomas Forsberg). Bathory biography sound has touched upon numerous metal sub-styles, but the outfit is best known for creating the sinister "black metal" sound popular in Scandinavia. * is ... considered the first band to play in the "Viking metal" style, a grandiose type of metal heavily indebted to Norse mythology and imagery. Although Quorthon himself never indulged in the violent, destructive behavior (including church burnings, suicide, and murder) that brought black metal bands such as Chaos and Burzum international attention, he is thought of by many as the de facto godfather of that community. Quorthon died unexpectedly in 2004.
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Inevitably... Bathory returned in 2001 with Destroyer of Worlds, which inaugurated a new phase characterized by a more streamlined, rock-oriented approach, while retaining the epic scope of works past to strike a mature balance. The latter inclinations were once again pushed to the fore on the twin album project Nordland, part one of which was released in late 2002, with the second arriving in 2003. Twenty years on and still as reclusive and media-shy as ever, it's difficult to imagine Quorthon ever laying Bathory to rest. ~ Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide
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Bathory was formed in Stockholm in 1983, for fun, by the then 17-year-old Quorthon. After various names and numerous line-up changes, the group finally settled on Bathory. Their first recording deal came that same year, when Quorthon managed to secure the consent of Tyfon Grammofon's boss, who was the main man's father, to record two tracks for the compilation Scandinavian Metal Attack. The tracks which he recorded gained unexpected attention by fans. Soon afterward, Tyfon Grammofon contacted Quorthon and asked him to record a full-length album.
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According to Blabbermouth.net Quorthon, the founder of legendary Swedish black metal band Bathory, passed away due to an apparent heart failure Monday. He was considered one of the most influential black metal musicians in the world, having inspired countless bands with albums like The Return and Under the Sign of the Black Mark. He will be missed.
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A great Bathory album These are the songs that never made it in with the album Blood Fire Death that was orignally was supposed to be two CD's. This was too costly and the fans asked for Quorthon to release these songs. After all the mail he decided to release them.
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Twilight of the Gods was indeed a unique creature in the ever permutating history of Bathory. Taking the Viking drama of Hammerheart to a more drawn out and lamenting end, Twilight is a very epic piece of work that, if nothing else, proved Quorthon's wide range of ability. Obviously the black metal blueprints of his first three albums were far in his past. Rather, long, quiet acoustic passages as well as somewhat heavier sections were arranged quite majestically. As with the intro to "Blood and Iron" or the bulk of the title track, the contrasting aggression and soliloquy-via-acoustic-guitar sections brought out a lot of emotion to the music.
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