In the summer of 2004, Thomas Börje Forsberg – better known as Quorthon – passed into eternity, leaving behind the immortal legacy of BATHORY for generations to come. A project that was among the first to open the gates to black and Viking metal, inspiring and shaping hundreds – if not thousands – of bands and musicians. Although Quorthon performed his music live only a few times and only at the very beginning of his career, this legacy is today carried forward by BLOOD FIRE DEATH (BFD) – a tribute to the BATHORY phenomenon.
Comprised of elite musicians from the Norwegian and Swedish heavy music scenes, BFD delivers BATHORY as Quorthon himself envisioned it. Today, the project is steered by Erik (WATAIN), Ivar Bjørnson (ENSLAVED), Blasphemer (VLTIMAS, ex-MAYHEM), Apollyon (AURA NOIR), and Faust (DJEVEL, ex-EMPEROR), with guest appearances in tribute from artists such as Grutle (ENSLAVED), Frederick Melander (ex-BATHORY), Gaahl (ex-GORGOROTH, GAAHLS WYRD), Nergal (BEHEMOTH), Attila (MAYHEM) and others.
As befits true professionals, the musicians embody BATHORY’s songs with a powerful black metal sound, conveying unrestrained aggression, Nordic coldness, and the raw, primal energy of the project. As throughout Quorthon’s entire discography, BLOOD FIRE DEATH’s performances blend black metal with Viking and thrash metal elements, while preserving the distinctive BATHORY sound. While there are many cover bands and tributes in the world, BLOOD FIRE DEATH stands apart through well-earned respect, top-tier performance, and the most sincere form of tribute.
Photo: @sunvemetal
