Bathory

Sweden, 1983–2004

Swedish project of Quorthon, formed in 1983. Its first albums codified the lo-fi, tremolo-picked template of Scandinavian black metal, before Blood Fire Death and Hammerheart pioneered epic 'Viking metal' — a foundational influence on the Norwegian scene.

MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced Bathory and 3 artists Bathory influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Bathory?

• Venom — Quorthon built Bathory directly on Venom — their crude, satanic speed-metal is the seed of Bathory's black metal.
• Black Sabbath — Black Sabbath's heaviness is part of the metal bedrock beneath Bathory's raw black and Viking metal.
• Motörhead — Part of the metal tradition Quorthon built on, with Black Sabbath and Venom.

Which artists did Bathory influence?

• Mayhem — Bathory's raw, lo-fi black metal is a direct template for Mayhem's sound.
• Emperor — Bathory's epic, atmospheric black metal is a clear model for Emperor's grand, symphonic sound.
• Burzum — Bathory's raw, hypnotic and atmospheric black metal is a foundational model for Burzum.