Bathory - Blood on Ice (1996)

It seems fitting to follow Avantasia up with something equally atmospheric and epic - one of Bathory's earliest concept albums, "Blood on Ice". This tells the story of a boy, aged 10, whose village is destroyed by a terrible beast. He is the sole survivor, and makes his home in the forest, learning the language of the beasts. Until, one day, a one-eyed man comes upon him in the forest and informs him that he has been chosen as champion of the Gods and must fight their battle in the shadows beyond the world. To aid in this quest, he is given a sword (probably tyrfing) and an eight-legged steed, sleipnir and will be guided by two ravens (Huginn and Muninn). Before he can achieve this goal, he must gain some supernatural powers - which seem to be acquired by purposely maiming himself (losing his heart and his eyes). Then he is given wonderous powers, and heads to Hel to take on the two-headed beast that slaughtered his family.

This is a brilliant classic, which was recorded in 1989 but not released until 1996 because it was considered not quite appropriate for Bathory's sound. After the success of "Hammerheart", however, and pressure from the fans, it was finally remastered and released to reasonable acclaim.

The cover is stunning, and very blue - depicting many things - the eight-legged horse, a swordsman with no eyes (and oddly pointed ears) which I assume is the hero, a snake, an old wise man with a cauldron, an army riding black horses, wild Nordic scenary, a hooded figure with four wolves and in the centre - a sword, wrapped in orange flames - the only other colour on the page. Inside we have a lengthy explaination behind this album and many other things that were going on in Quorthon's life (including the release of his solo album, helpfully entitled "Album"). Then the whole thing again in a language that is possible Norwegian, but could also be German. Then, the lyrics - also in both languages.

"Intro" opens the CD with a herd of sheep and a great menace looming on the horizon, narling and the solemn beat of drums indicating impending doom and tragedy. Then, stampeding hooves, something wicked this way comes. The sheeps bleating becomes more desperate, the ominous beats continue... Shouting voices and we crash into the epic but ominous "Blood on Ice". Choirs and doom-laden drums add to the menace. For a band with so few members, Bathory certainly manage to create a solid wall of sound - it's like a great rolling avalanche moving with slow but steady desolation.

A beautiful and acoustic number, "Man of Iron" (which he prounces i-Ron) brings forth the spirit of the forest and the trees. Our hero grows older, learning the language of the animals and never giving up his desire to seek revenge for his peopl. Quorthon has a truly lovely voice when he sings.

A rather more sinister and rapid "One Eyed Old Man" enters the forest, and tracks down our hero in this tumultuous, wild and frantic piece.The rhythm is surprisingly melodious. Production seems a little "gluggy", however. It ends with a prophecy and a promise.

"The Sword" is a wild and raucous ride, more reminscent of Bathory-of-old. It seems our hero has received a particularly important weapon - one forged in fire and ice. Now is the first stage to his vengence and his future as the Chosen One.

His second "gift" is "The Stallion" and this track is heavy ubt flowing, like the immense and powerful horse, white as snow, with eight legs that can "run as if you carried wings".

His journey begins with a visit to "The Woodwoman" a strange being that:

"...she leaves no footprints in the snow..."

I love this song. It's haunting, and eerie, with beautiful vocalisations (with a touch of the raw and rough) and a good narrative. The production seems clearer here too,  a clarity lacking on some of the earlier tracks. Another almost-ballad where the guitar and the background noises speak of icy mountain peaks, and forests buried in snow. Here he exchanges his heart (has it placed in the pit of a snake) for the ability to take a mortal wound.

But the self-dismemberment does not stop here, for now he continues on to "The Lake". Another immense, heavy, multi-laden track with great heaving waves and turbulent waters. Into this lake, he throws his eyes which grants him the ability to see from within.

Now that he has no eyes and no heart, it is time to call upon the "Gods of Thunder of Wind and of Rain" to aid him in his task. This is another steamroller of sound, with epic structure and again totally makes you feel like you're out there in the glaciers,standing with your arms outspread and staring with empty eyes up at the raging, tumultuous clouds.

"The Ravens" is a slow, short number, hauntingly beautiful and oh my, Quorthon can actually sing pretty jolly well. Huginn and Muninn are his eyes in the sky, guiding him to Hel to face his destiny.

And finally he has his "Revenge of the Blood on Ice" - an immense and impressive thunderous epic that runs for almost ten minutes, and ends with the lost spirits finding their way to Valhalla.

Overall, I do not like this album as much as "Twilight of the Gods" or "Hammerheart" but it is still an epic venture. The sound is a little rough and raw, despite being remastered and re-edited and it feels somewhat to me as though he would be more befitting of being on vinyl rather than CD. It is powerful and intense and deserves a rating of 8/10.

I have just found out/been reminded that Quorthon was found dead in his apartment on June 7th (he had died 4 days previously),  2004, of suspected heart failure. He was only 38. RIP Quorthon, one of the most noteable men on the black metal scene.