Bathory was a Swedish black metal band formed in 1983 by musician Quorthon. Known for their raw sound and dark themes, they played a significant role in the development of the black metal genre, influencing many bands that followed. The band released several albums, with notable works including Under the Sign of the Black Mark and Blood on Ice. Bathory is also recognized for its Viking metal style, which emerged in the 1990s, blending elements of black metal with themes from Norse mythology and history.