Quorthon

H

is Real Name was Thomas Börje Forsberg (R.I.P. 2004) but you probably know him as Quorthon, the infamous man behind Bathory, decided after the release of six Bathory albums, that he would like to try something different, showing a total different side.

On Album (1994) he was influenced by traditional heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath and Mountain; punk influences were recognizable. The debut album was recorded in a low class studio in two weeks, using only a guitar, a bass and a drum machine. Recording in such low quality was his M.O., for even with Bathory he employed this technique mercilessly to the point other bands emulated it en masse. At one point his studio was in a garage known as Heavenshore Studios, with mechanics working around him and neighbors mowing their lawns.

On Purity Of Essence (1997) Quorton decided to experiment, showing his more rocking side. His inspirations were bands like Sex Pistols and The Beatles. But he was also still a prominent member of Bathory. Although it is commonly accepted that this side-project ended in 1997 due to inactivity, Quorthon's musical activities were nonetheless ended in 2004 by his death from heart failure on June 7 of that year; he was found in his apartment.