- Sail the Norse Seas with Bathory's 'Hammerheart' - A Viking Metal Masterpiece!
Bathory's "Hammerheart," unleashed in April 1990, marks a profound shift from black to viking metal. Recorded in Stockholm, its epic soundscapes and Norse mythic tales redefine metal. A cornerstone in the viking metal genre, it solidifies Bathory's legacy as pioneers of a sonic odyssey through ancient realms.
In the world of metal history, Bathory's "Hammerheart," the fifth chapter in their discography, stands as a defining moment in the evolution of Viking metal. Released as a 12" vinyl LP, this album, following the footsteps of its predecessor "Blood Fire Death," marked a pivotal shift away from black metal, solidifying Bathory's legacy as viking metal pioneers.
Continuity of Saga: A Sonic Transition
"Hammerheart," released as a musical saga in April 1990, continued the band's exploration of Norse mythology. This album, with its epic soundscapes and grandiose compositions, signaled Bathory's complete departure from the raw aggression of black metal, embracing the atmospheric and storytelling elements that would define viking metal.
The Sonic Anvil: Crafting Hammerheart
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 while embracing the epic scope of Viking metal. The inclusion of acoustic instruments, choral arrangements, and expansive song structures created a sonic landscape reminiscent of ancient Nordic tales.
A Cornerstone of Viking Metal: Musical Themes
"Hammerheart" is a tapestry woven with tales of Norse mythology, battles, and epic journeys. Tracks like "Shores in Flames" and "One Rode to Asa Bay" showcase Bathory's ability to transport listeners to distant realms. The combination of Quorthon's distinctive vocals, powerful guitar work, and evocative lyrics established "Hammerheart" as a cornerstone work in the emerging genre of viking metal.
Legacy of Legends: Impact on Viking Metal
Bathory's "Hammerheart" played a crucial role in shaping the viking metal genre, influencing subsequent bands to embark on their own mythic journeys. The album's legacy endures, with its impact felt not only in the '90s metal scene but resonating through the ages, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore the rich tapestry of Norse mythology in their music.
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Collector's Notes :
Hammerheart is the fifth album released by Bathory. It continued Blood Fire Death's transition away from black metal to what would become recognized as viking metal, and is considered a cornerstone work of the genre. |
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Music Genre: Swedish Black Metal, Viking Metal |
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Album Production Information: Hammerheart was produced by Boss, Quorthon, Boerje Forsberg
Stig Börje "Boss" Forsberg - Producer
Stig Börje "The Boss" Forsberg was a record label owner, music producer and drummer whose influence echoed through the early Swedish extreme metal scene. Father of Quorthon (Thomas Forsberg), he co-produced several Bathory releases and worked with other bands like The OZ, leaving a vital mark on underground metal history.
Jörn Böhmer Olsen - PhotographerJulia Schechner - Design Ralf Sörensen - Photographer |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Noise International N 0153-1 / NUK 153-1 / Tyfon Gramophon |
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Media Format: 12" Full-Length Vinyl LPAlbum weight: 260 gram |
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Year & Country: 1990 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Bathory Hammerheart |
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Complete Track Listing of: Bathory Hammerheart |
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The Song/tracks on "Bathory Hammerheart" are
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Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Bathory Hammerheart |
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Photo of Album's Back Cover |
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Photo of Album's Inner Cover |
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Close-up Photo of Record Label |
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| Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
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Visit: Bathory (Self-Titled) 12" LP Album
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Visit: Blood Fire Death 12" LP Album
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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
Visit: Hammerheart 12" LP Album
Bathory’s The Return… of the Darkness and Evil isn’t just a record, it’s a sulfur-soaked manifesto that spits in your face and laughs while the wax still spins. Quorthon and Boss carve chaos straight to tape, lo-fi flames licking every riff. This isn’t background music—it’s a séance with Satan, a migraine dressed as music, pure filthy ecstasy for anyone dumb enough to crave it.
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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
Visit: Under the Sign of the Black Mark 12" LP Albujm