On the back of 6 full-lengths that helped define and redefine the musical language, aesthetics and spirit of extreme metal, Bathory would release a pair of records that are either completely ignored in the discussion of their discography or outright derided. Quorthon always incorporated thrash and speed metal into his records—even at its most atmospheric, Bathory was a project whose early influences were always audible—but the “thrash era” of Bathory is widely considered the nadir of his discography. Most casual fans ignore the records (fuck, Octagon isn’t even on Spotify), and many diehards will ward you off the era completely. … Continue reading Are The Bathory Thrash Albums ACTUALLY Bad, Though?