Bathory - Under The Sign Of The Black Mark - guest review

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Bathory - Under The Sign Of The Black Mark - guest review

Cover image of the reviewed item
Band
Bathory
Album
Under The Sign Of The Black Mark
Style
First wave of black metal
Release date
May 11, 1987
Reviewer
8.5
8.4
Tracklist
01. Nocternal Obeisance
02. Massacre
03. Woman Of Dark Desires
04. Call From The Grave
05. Equimanthorn
06. Enter The Eternal Fire
07. Chariots Of Fire
08. 13 Candles
09. Of Doom......
10. Outro
Guest review by
Axe Argonian
January 04, 2011
Under the Sign of the Black Mark was, in many ways, one of the first great releases to incite the black metal genre. Yes, I am aware that Bathory's two previous records are black metal; however, it was Under the Sign of the Black Mark that created a standard by which all black metal releases should be judged. That standard was, however, not contrived by larger than life orchestrations or in-depth atmospheres but by the very soul of black metal which was truly defined in this record: dark, aggressive, and haunting music that would scare even Michael Myers on his unholy rampage. Indeed, Under the Sign of the Black Mark is the definitive black metal album.

Despite its low quality production, Under the Sign of the Black Mark is quite a well-composed album. Beginning with a haunting introduction, Under the Sign of the Black Mark takes listeners on a ride through hell and back, while hammering away at them with rapid drumming, thrash-oriented, cacophonic guitar riffs, and the very kind of shrieks that define black metal today. Admittedly, the ride is very enjoyable, chaotic, and brutal, while even delivering adequate guitar solos amidst the chaos, but one should keep in mind that this is not accessible music for anyone new to black metal. Furthermore, one who is expecting epic orchestras and progressive interludes will be very disappointed with Under the Sign of the Black Mark's simplicity. Indeed, it is not complex, nor is it of a high-quality mark; however, its very brutal simplicity is what defines black metal as an underground genre of extreme music. This is the album that inspired the modern-day tr00 black metal bands to play. Therefore, if one comes to Under the Sign of the Black Mark in curiosity, he should expect nothing more than raw, cacophonic black metal.

Honestly, the discourse of this loud, hellish ride cannot be concluded without the mention of the menacing themes that aptly supplement this album. Over the course of this ride, one will encounter imagery of battle ("Massacre"), mortifying cries for mercy ("Call from the Grave"), and hell ("Enter the Eternal Fire"; "13 Candles"), the very subject that captives so many black metal artists today. Now, while it is true that the lyrics in Under the Sign of the Black Mark are not the most thought-provoking or in-depth lyrics one can find, they succinctly compliment this raw, chaotic ride. One should also remember that before most black metal artists felt the need to write songs dedicated to flaming infernos of hell, Bathory was the first black metal band to do so.

Under the Sign of the Black Mark is what it is: evil; menacing; dissonant; and dark. Those very four adjectives have become a staple in the world of black metal, and if it weren't for Bathory and this record, black metal may have turned out differently. Or, it may not have even come into existence. Regardless, this album is a great listen for two kinds of people: black metal fans and those who may want to delve into black metal. Black metal fans should hear it, for it not only delivers the goods but also creates the genre that they love so dearly; and although I did mention previously that Under the Sign of the Black Mark is not a very accessible listen, newcomers to black metal should hear this album anyway before hearing the overly contrived black metal music of today (epic orchestrations and Gorgoroth-like drama included) to completely comprehend what black metal was and should be.
Rating breakdown
Performance: 8
Songwriting: 8
Originality: 9
Production: 7
Written by Axe Argonian | January 04, 2011
Guest review disclaimer:
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.

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26.06.2026 - 21:12
Rating: 10

Posts: 8
Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 15.01.2011 at 04:30

Written by Richard on 15.01.2011 at 04:16

I think Quorthon said in interviews that he wasn't even familiar with Venom's music in the early days of Bathory.. he was just influenced by the same kinds of music as Venom was also influened by at that point, so there happened to be certain similarities.

That was total bullshit. I remember back when the comp was released he even stated in an interview that he thought Venom were brilliant. Plus back then everyone into metal, even the mainstream had hear about and had heard Venom one waty or the other.
Quorthong became revisionist in that sense a bit later down the road when his music became popular (which did take quite a while btw)

What you’re saying is also total bullshit. Venom and Bathory did have both of the same influences so basically much of the similar elements they had were much coincidences. He only later acknowledged Venom because he wanted to get the Venom fangirls and senile crumps off his plank. Venom was not an influence from his third album and beyond
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