Review by Ben for Bathory - The Return...... (1985)

Bathory's debut album had already caused quite a stir in 1984. It took metal to a new level of darkness with evil imagery, satanic lyrics etc. I think it holds up well to this very day. Unfortunately, this second release has never managed to capture me in quite the same way. It has an even darker sound than the first one and Quorthon's vocals are even more evil sounding, yet there are hardly any memorable songs on here. Total Destruction is great and others such as Born For Burning and The Return of Darkness and Evil are decent enough, but the album seems to just roll by without grabbing my attention.

This is still an important and influential release, yet I feel it is the least in quality out of the classic Bathory black metal albums.