BATHORY - The Return… of the Darkness and Evil - 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Brutal Swedish black metal fury dripping with satanic riffs raw chaos and bloodstained legacy

Album Front Cover Photo of BATHORY - The Return… of the Darkness and Evil

Bathory's "The Return of the Darkness and Evil," unleashed in 1985, is a menacing manifesto of early black metal. Recorded in Stockholm, its raw production and occult themes set the stage for the genre's ascent. A pivotal moment in Bathory's discography, shaping the trajectory of extreme black metal

The Return… of the Darkness and Evil Album Description:

Released in 1987, Bathory's "The Return… of the Darkness and Evil" 12" vinyl LP album stands as a groundbreaking and influential work in the realm of black metal. Produced by Quorthon and Boss, this album marks a significant shift in Bathory's sound, delivering an uncompromising and ferocious musical experience that solidifies their status as pioneers of the genre.

"The Return… of the Darkness and Evil" unleashes a torrent of darkness and evil through its raw and aggressive sound. Bathory's approach to black metal on this album pushes boundaries with its menacing atmosphere, relentless drumming, dissonant guitar riffs, and Quorthon's haunting vocals. The album's overall aura captures the essence of the genre, forging a path for future black metal acts.

Bathory's evolution and innovation are evident throughout the album. As their third full-length release, "The Return… of the Darkness and Evil" showcases the band's growth in songwriting and musical execution.

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's sinister atmosphere, emphasizing the raw power and intensity of Bathory's performance. This approach has become a hallmark of black metal, influencing countless bands in the years to come.

"The Return… of the Darkness and Evil" delves into controversial themes and imagery, reflecting Bathory's dedication to embracing the dark and extreme aspects of black metal. The album's lyrical content explores themes of occultism, Satanism, and darkness, pushing the boundaries of conventional norms and challenging societal expectations.

"The Return… of the Darkness and Evil" cements Bathory's enduring legacy and influence on the black metal genre. The album's impact on subsequent generations of black metal bands and fans cannot be overstated. Bathory's fearless exploration of extreme musical territories and their unapologetic embrace of darkness set the stage for the development and evolution of black metal as a genre.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Swedish Extreme Black Metal, Viking Metal

Label & Catalognr:

Under One Flag FLAG 9

Media Format:

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

Year & Country:

1987 – United Kingdom (UK)

Producers:

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:

Recorded and mixed by Boss

Recording Location:

Electra Studio, Stockholm, Sweden

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Album cover design by Quorthon

Photography:

Album front cover photography: Gunnar Silins

Album back cover photo: Bathory

Collector Specific Notes:

Album Packaging:

This album comes with the original black and white custom inner sleeve (OIS), with on one side artwork and lyrics and on the other side lyrics and directions for ordering a Bathory T-Shirt.

Record Label Details:
  • The record label "Under One Flag" has a large flag on the top-half of the label
  • The album title is printed near the top of the record label (below 12 o'clock)
  • There is NO Label Code (LC)
  • There is NO Rights Society
  • The catalognr "FLAG 9" is the same as on the album cover
  • The rim-text runs from 8:30 to 3:30 and is printed in English
Matrix and Run-out Codes:

FLAG-9-A1 / FLAG-9-A1

Band Members / Musicians:

  • Quorthon – Electric Guitar, Additional Bass Guitar, Vocals, Lyrics
    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
  • Andreas Johansson – Bass Guitar
    Andreas Johansson played bass guitar for Bathory, supporting Quorthon’s raw riffs with heavy low-end tones that anchored the band’s ferocious sound. Though his time with the group was brief, his contribution added depth to the early recordings and helped define Bathory’s black metal legacy. Bathory Discography
  • Stefan Larsson – 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

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side Darkness (Side A):
  1. Revelation of Doom (Intro) – 3:27
  2. Total Destruction – 3:50
  3. Born for Burning – 5:13
  4. The Wind of Mayhem – 3:13
  5. Bestial Lust – 2:41
Video: Bathory - Born for Burning
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Possessed – 2:42
  2. The Rite of Darkness – 2:05
  3. Reap of Evil – 3:28
  4. Son of the Damned – 2:48
  5. Sadist (Tormentor) – 3:00
  6. The Return of the Darkness and Evil – 3:49
Video: Bathory - The Return of Darkness and Evil
Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of Bathory’s album The Return… of the Darkness and Evil. The artwork features a dark, cloudy night sky with a bright, crescent-shaped moon glowing through drifting clouds. The band name BATHORY is written in large, ornate Gothic-style gold letters across the top. At the bottom, the title The Return…… appears in the same golden Gothic font, set against the shadowed clouds. The overall mood is ominous, atmospheric, and foreboding, symbolizing the dark themes of the album.

The album cover presents a night sky cloaked in darkness, with thick, rolling clouds partially obscuring a luminous crescent-shaped moon. The clouds appear heavy and textured, adding depth and a sense of movement across the cover’s surface.

At the top, the band’s name BATHORY dominates the scene in large, gold, Gothic-styled lettering, bold and commanding against the murky backdrop. The stylized letters give the impression of ancient manuscripts or medieval scripture, intensifying the atmosphere.

Along the bottom edge, the title The Return…… is inscribed in the same ornate golden font, echoing the design above. Its trailing dots extend the phrase into mystery, leaving the viewer suspended in the ominous tone that pervades the artwork.

The overall mood is foreboding and evocative, aligning perfectly with the album’s black metal themes. It conveys a feeling of eerie anticipation, as if the night sky itself serves as a stage for dark rituals and unearthly presence.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of Bathory’s album The Return… of the Darkness and Evil. The artwork features a dark, stone-like textured background streaked with red, resembling dripping blood. Overlaid in ornate golden Gothic lettering are the album’s lyrics and themes, referencing songs such as Possessed, Bestial Lust, The Wind of Mayhem, The Rite of Darkness, and Born for Burning. At the lower left, a golden demonic creature with horns and claws is illustrated in silhouette. The Under One Flag record label logo appears at the top right, with catalog details FLAG 9 MU 221. The overall design is ominous, dramatic, and steeped in occult imagery, aligning with the album’s black metal identity.

The back cover is dominated by a textured background resembling cold stone streaked with vertical trails of crimson red, evoking the look of dripping blood. The effect creates a haunting and violent atmosphere, perfectly aligned with the album’s sinister themes.

Across this unsettling surface, the text is inscribed in ornate golden Gothic lettering. The words are partly lyrical, echoing the song titles and phrases such as Possessed, Bestial Lust, The Wind of Mayhem, The Rite of Darkness, and Born for Burning. These references set the mood for the music within and immerse the viewer in Bathory’s world of darkness.

In the lower left corner, a golden silhouette of a horned demonic creature crouches menacingly, claws outstretched as if ready to strike. On the lower right, the Black Mark logo stands like a dark seal of authenticity.

At the top right corner is the Under One Flag record label insignia, with catalog details FLAG 9 and MU 221. These details anchor the release historically while the overall design emphasizes an aura of ritualistic menace and raw black metal spirit.

First Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Inner sleeve of Bathory’s album The Return… of the Darkness and Evil. The design is black with white printed text and artwork. On the left side are complete song lyrics, including Son of the Damned, Bestial Lust, and The Return of the Darkness and Evil. On the upper right, a woodcut-style illustration depicts a demonic goat-headed figure surrounded by frightened humans, reinforcing the album’s dark themes. Below this, production credits list Quorthon and Boss as producers, recorded and mixed at Electra Studio in Stockholm, Sweden. Photography credits include Gunnar Silins for the front cover and Bathory for the back cover. At the lower center is the Bathory logo, a goat’s head pentagram artwork, with track themes like Hades, Reap of Necromancy, and Sacrifice. Liner notes and a thank-you list to fans and friends occupy the bottom right section. The layout combines sinister imagery with detailed acknowledgments, firmly embedding the release in its underground black metal identity.

The custom inner sleeve is printed in black with striking white text and imagery. The left side is dominated by full lyrics to key tracks such as Son of the Damned, Bestial Lust, and The Return of the Darkness and Evil, displayed in stark Gothic lettering.

At the upper right, a chilling woodcut-style illustration shows a horned demonic figure towering over a group of distressed humans. The medieval-inspired artwork reinforces the album’s themes of damnation, fear, and occult ritual.

Beneath the artwork, production credits note that the album was produced by Quorthon and Boss, recorded and mixed at Electra Studio in Stockholm, Sweden. Additional credits acknowledge Gunnar Silins for front cover photography and Bathory themselves for the back cover image.

The bottom section carries the Bathory logo with a goat’s head and pentagram, flanked by references to track themes like Hades, Necromancy, and Sacrifice. On the lower right, liner notes include a detailed thank-you list to friends, fans, and underground allies, capturing the band’s deep roots in the early black metal scene.

Second Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Inner sleeve of Bathory’s album The Return… of the Darkness and Evil. The layout is printed in white on a black background, featuring lyrics for songs including Total Destruction, Born for Burning, The Wind of Mayhem, Sadist (Tormentor), Possessed, The Rite of Darkness, and Reap of Evil. At the bottom left, the Bathory logo is prominently displayed in ornate Gothic script. To the right, a small advertisement for an official Bathory T-shirt is included, showing the goat-head design on the shirt with purchase details and a Stockholm mailing address. The page balances sinister lyrical themes with practical fan merchandise promotion, reflecting both the underground DIY ethos and the band’s occult-driven identity.

The second custom inner sleeve continues the stark black-and-white aesthetic. Across the page, the lyrics of several tracks are presented in dense blocks of text, including Total Destruction, Born for Burning, The Wind of Mayhem, Sadist (Tormentor), Possessed, The Rite of Darkness, and Reap of Evil.

Each song’s text is printed in clean white type against the jet-black background, emphasizing their grim and violent imagery. Together they create a continuous wall of occult storytelling, immersing the reader in Bathory’s apocalyptic vision.

At the bottom left, the band’s name BATHORY appears boldly in large Gothic script, serving as a powerful visual anchor. On the lower right, a small graphic advertises an official Bathory T-shirt featuring the band’s goat-head artwork, alongside payment instructions and a Stockholm mailing address.

This combination of chilling lyrics and underground merchandise encapsulates the band’s raw ethos: blending fierce independence, occult identity, and a direct connection to their devoted fanbase.

Close up of Side ONE record’s label
Close-up of the Side Darkness (A Side) record label of Bathory’s album The Return… of the Darkness and Evil. The circular label features the Under One Flag logo in bold blue script across the bottom. Behind it, a dramatic image of a red and gold flag waves with illuminated folds. At the top, the album title The Return and the band name Bathory are printed in white. To the left, catalog details read FLAG 9, Side Darkness (A Side), 33⅓ RPM. The track list is centered at the bottom half, showing Total Destruction, Born for Burning, Wind of Mayhem, and Bestial Lust. Production notes confirm all songs were written by Quorthon, produced by Quorthon and The Boss, published by Tyfon Music, © 1985 Tyfon Grammofon AB. The surrounding black vinyl grooves complete the presentation, framing the label’s stark design.

The Side Darkness (A Side) record label displays the Under One Flag design prominently in bold blue script across the lower portion. Behind the logo, a richly detailed red and gold flag fills the background, its folds catching the light to create a fiery effect.

At the top, the text identifies the release with The Return and Bathory in clean white print. To the left are catalog details: FLAG 9, Side Darkness (A Side), and 33⅓ RPM, ensuring clarity for collectors and listeners alike.

The track listing is clearly visible in white type: Total Destruction, Born for Burning, Wind of Mayhem, and Bestial Lust. These song titles anchor the visual design to the album’s dark and ferocious identity.

At the bottom edge, production details note that all songs were written by Quorthon, produced by Quorthon and The Boss, published by Tyfon Music, and © 1985 Tyfon Grammofon AB. The black vinyl grooves surrounding the label give a sharp, authentic frame to the composition.

Close up of Side TWO record’s label
Close-up of the Side Evil (B Side) record label of Bathory’s album The Return… of the Darkness and Evil. The circular label features the Under One Flag logo in bold blue script across the bottom. Behind the text, a detailed image of a tattered red and gold flag waves dramatically. The top half lists the album title The Return, the band name Bathory, and catalog details FLAG 9, Side Evil (B Side), and 33⅓ RPM. The track listing is displayed clearly in white text, including Possessed, The Rite of Darkness, The Reap of Evil, Son of the Damned, Sadist (Tormentor), and The Return of the Darkness and Evil. Production credits indicate all songs were written by Quorthon and produced by Quorthon and The Boss, published by Tyfon Music, © 1985 Tyfon Grammofon AB. The black vinyl grooves surround the label, framing the vivid design.

The record label for the Side Evil (B Side) of the album is striking, with the Under One Flag logo boldly written in sweeping blue script across the lower half. Behind the text, a tattered red and gold flag is rendered in vivid detail, its folds and shadows conveying motion and drama.

At the top, the title The Return and the band name Bathory appear in white lettering, accompanied by the catalog details FLAG 9, Side Evil (B Side), and 33⅓ RPM. These details provide both identity and authenticity for the release.

Centered on the label is the track list for this side of the record, displayed in sharp white type: Possessed, The Rite of Darkness, The Reap of Evil, Son of the Damned, Sadist (Tormentor), and The Return of the Darkness and Evil.

At the bottom, production credits specify that all songs were written by Quorthon, produced by Quorthon and The Boss, and published by Tyfon Music, with © 1985 Tyfon Grammofon AB. The surrounding black vinyl grooves frame the label’s artwork, adding depth and context to the album’s physical presence.

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.

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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