Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Bathory
Title
Nordland 1
Type
LP/EP
Company
Black Mark
YOR
2002
Style
Black
1/22/2003 - Review by: Troy Cole
Bathory - Nordland 1 - reviewed by: 1EVIL1

Track Listing
1. Prelude
2. Nordland
3. Vinterblot
4. Dragons Breath
5. Ring Of Gold
6. Foreverdark Woods
7. Broken Sword
8. Great Hall Awaits A Fallen Brother
9. Mother Earth Father Thunder
10. Heimfard
My experience with Bathory has created a love/hate relationship, because every album differs from the previous, but may sound like the album before last. Confused? Well, so am I.

The last effort Destroyer of Worlds was not well received by reviewers or many fans, except the truly hardcore. I, for one was ready for the return of Bathory, but found myself readily let down by their not so triumphant return. This is a band that has pioneered Nordic/Viking Metal and influenced many bands, but at the same time seems lost in their own journey. However, now, I believe with Nordland 1 they may have found a destination (for at least this 2 album saga).

It is my honest opinion that this is the best album the group has ever done. They place the listener on an unrelenting journey through Scandinavia with galloping riffs, multi-layered music, great vocals, and a heaviness not really represented in this genre of music. Album highlights include "Nordland", "Vinterblot" & "Great Hall Awaits A Fallen Brother". The only reason I can't give this album 5 skulls is because of poor production. Each song makes me want to keep turning up the volume, but I can't in fear I'll blow my speakers out. I realize this is part of the Bathory
sound and the Nordic feel, but with the catchy riffs and the bombastic sound you just have to ask yourself, "what would this album be like if Andy Sneap took a crack at it?" If this album is any indication of things to come, keep an eye out for Nordland 2! --1EVIL1 1.22.03
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: BATHORY
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Nordland 1
2002
Black Mark
Troy Cole1/22/2003
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: BATHORY
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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