Blood Fire Death

by

Bathory

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When one think's of black metal they have one of two thoughts, their hatred for it or their favorite bm band's/album's. For me, Bathory is one of those band's and Blood, Fire Death is one of those album's. This is classic black metal for a few reasons, the music is incredible and it has influenced many bm band's I love today. Quorthon was/is one of the most respected men in the Viking/BM scene. Well, with music of this caliber, why wouldn't he be?

1. Odens Ride Over Nordland: An intro which does what an intro is supposed to do, get you excited for the rest of the album. Filled with a ton of atmosphere. 4/5

2. A Fine Day To Die: CLASSIC black metal song. The intro carries over into this song and then some acoustic guitar which stunned me when I heard it, they were that good. At 1 minute and 44 seconds, the rest of the song kicks in full speed, showing why Quorthon takes no prisoner. 10/5

3. The Golden Walls of Heaven: Following up a track such as "A Fine Day To Die" is by no means an easy task. However, this song does well. Between the great drums and guitar solo that rips, this song is quite good. 4.5/5

4. Pace 'til Death: A fast paced, in your face metal song. One of the shorter tracks. For some reason, i always thought Slayer would have done a great cover of this. 4/5

5. Holocaust: A good song but if I had to pick, I probably listen to this one the least out of the whole album, even though most of the time I find myself listening to this one all the way through. The guitar work is impressive. 4/5

6. For All Those Who Died: What can I say? This could be my favorite old school BM song EVER. This song has classic written all over it, the lyrics are full of passion and they come off as such in Quorthon vocal's. The music is also the best here. Every aspect is perfect. When he screams the lyrics for all those who died, about a minute into it then the drums roll back in, chills go down my spine. Mandatory BM listening. 50/5

7. Dies Irae: Reminds me of a longer version of Pace 'til Death. The guitar work in the last minute or so is one of the best part's in this song. 4/5

8. Blood Fire Death: obviously, he wanted the last full length song, to be one that would not be forgotten anytime soon. This is up there with "For All Those Who Died" and "A Fine Day To Die" as the best song's here. The guitar work is some of the best on here and when those drums REALLY start to get going about 1 minute and 15 seconds into it. You know you're in for a ride, haunting vocals. 10/5

9. Outro: Simply an outro, nothing more.

So, as you may probably be able to asume, I am a big fan of this band and this album. For anybody who thought Dimmu Borgir (NOT trying to insult them) ruled the fiery pits of Black Metal you need to get this.

For all those who cried aloud

But whose tears were never heard

For questioning one almighty father

Of a heavenly distanced world

Beloved thee who submit

The holy writings assured

The golden cross stained with innocent blood

But stand yet a thousand heavenward

Burning naked but smiling

Not full of fear but pride

Knowing death alone could cleanse them

Of the reasons for which they all die

For all those who died

For all those whose great beauty

Stirred their tortures to rage

And for all those whose great ugliness

Did the same

For all those who cried aloud in vain

For mercy on the rack

But whom of dying naked in scorn

Not ashamed

Burning naked but smiling

Not full of fear but pride

Knowing death alone could cleanse them

Of the reasons for which they all died

For all those who died

Pleas for mercy signs of guilt

Naked bodies broken on the wheel

Tears sign the confession

With crusted blood lips sealed

Trial by water

"For all Those Who Died"

- Bathory

R.I.P. Quorthon