Review by illusionist for Bathory - Blood on Ice (1996)

I enjoy the lyrical concept of this album, its storytelling, but it just doesn't live up musically. There are a total of two great songs that make me want to re-listen on a regular basis (The Lake, Gods of Thunder...). The rest range from shaky to meh to decent. This is in stark contrast to its peers Hammerheart and Twilight of the Gods, where nearly every single song is noteworthy. Good for one listen or two, but wouldn't return to this album in its entirety or recommend it to anyone but Bathory completionists. Definitely listen to the two songs I highlighted though.