Quorthon was the stage name of Swedish musician and songwriter Thomas Börje Forsberg, best known as the founder and frontman of the influential black metal band Bathory. Born on February 17, 1966, he played a significant role in shaping the early black metal scene in the 1980s, blending elements of heavy metal and Viking themes in his music. Quorthon released several albums with Bathory, including the groundbreaking self-titled debut in 1984 and the epic Blood Fire Death in 1988. He was known for his distinctive vocal style and innovative songwriting, which left a lasting impact on the metal genre before his passing on June 7, 2004.