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 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.

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) was the visionary founder of Bathory, a pioneer who shaped the sound of black and Viking metal through raw intensity and epic themes. As singer, guitarist, and composer, he transformed underground metal into legend, leaving a legacy that still defines the genre. Bathory Discography
  • Kothaar (Rickard "Ribban" Bergman ) – Bass
  • Vvornth (Stefan Larsson ) – Percussion, Drums
    Stefan Larsson was the drummer of Bathory during the mid-1980s, bringing raw power and relentless energy to the band’s early black metal sound. Before joining Bathory, he played in the Swedish punk outfit Obsklass, adding grit to his style. His contribution marked a key phase in Bathory’s evolution. Bathory Discography
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
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

Visit: Bathory (Self-Titled) 12" LP Album
BATHORY - Blood Fire Death
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

Visit: Blood Fire Death 12" LP Album
BATHORY - Hammerheart
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

Visit: Hammerheart 12" LP Album
Updated BATHORY – The Return… of the Darkness and Evil album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
BATHORY – The Return… of the Darkness and Evil

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.

Visit Updated Page
BATHORY - Under the Sign of the Black Mark
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

Visit: Under the Sign of the Black Mark 12" LP Albujm