There are some interesting compilations which have emerged from the underground in 2012, Enslaved, Emperor and this Bathory tribute from the great people at Godreah Records. Covering both Black and Viking metal eras from Bathory, contemporary artists have produced a fitting tribute to the great Quorthon and his band who inspired so much of what I think is good in today’s underground metal offering.

The stand out covers to my ears are Nokturnal Mortum’s ‘Valhalla’ whilst being faithful to the original but giving it their slavic sound twist, and Nine Covens ‘The Return of Darkness and Evil’ with an ultra necro bile spitting version the great man would be proud of!

The only track I struggle with is Sigh’s ‘Under the Runes’ which didn’t quite work for me, but that negative aside, this is a wonderful excursion into Bathory and could even serve as an entry CD to those younger yet to discover the delights of the great man’s work!

Other contributing artists include Skyforger with ‘The Woodswoman’, Eastern Front doing ‘Holocaust’, Gnaw Their Tongues’ version of Call From the Grave… go and buy this album!!