Category: black metal

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How To Spot A Fake Yellow Bathory LP (BMLP-666-1)

Bathory- Bathory LP 1984 Black Mark Production BMLP 666-1

The self-titled Bathory LP (Bathory – Bathory LP 1984 Black Mark Production – BMLP 666-1) with the “yellow goat” album cover is considered one of the “holy grail” scores for heavy and black metal record collectors the globe over. But, unfortunately, it is also one of the most counterfeited records out there because of its value. So let’s find out how not to get fooled into buying a fake, or if you don’t have thousands to spend — what a replica is worth.

Why Is This Album So Valuable?

The first album from Bathory is a landmark album from the metal genre. While it sounds recorded in a garage, it became the template for countless black metal bands afterward. The first thousand copies were pressed independently on Quarthon’s Black Mark Productions with a gold-colored goat on the front cover before being picked up by Combat and Under One Flag for broader distribution. The first press with a yellow goat can fetch $5,000 or some for an authentic copy.

FUN FACT: The original goat was supposed to be gold, but due do budget issues, the fledgling Black Mark Productions label had to settle for yellow.

How To Spot A Fake Bathory Album

The iconic artwork for this album is very simple. Therefore there are some very convincing knockoffs available in various markets. Listed below are the main things to be looking for:

  • Examine the dead wax or the “runout matrix” on the album. It is the engraving in the vinyl after the playing surface. The engraving in a real copy should read as follows on Side A (“Darkness”): 840905GP with BMLP 666 1 A PD-CR Pentagram image] [666 image in pyramid shape] and then on Side B will have this etching 840905GP BMLP 666 1 B PD-CR [Cross image]
  • The most prolific bootlegs came out in Europe in the mid-1990s. The most common runouts are 666-1, or you may see some copies with nothing in the dead wax at all.
  • Most of the original pressings came with a printed inner sleeve. However, these can also be faked. Also, some authentic copies may be short an inner sleeve if the original owner lost it.
  • If the album looks “too new” you should look more carefully. Remember that this album came out in 1984 and is 37 years old at this point. You should expect to see some wear.
  • If the color looks “wrong”, it is likely a fake. This is a common problem among cheap bootlegs.

Marketplace Safety

Despite how rare this album is and eBay’s policy to not allow the sale of counterfeit albums, there always seem to be 2-3 copies available for $2200-$2500 at any given time. Most likely, they are not authentic, but here is how you stay safe if you want to spend big money.

  • Contact the seller and inquire about the runout matrix. If they don’t respond or refuse to provide it, you should hard pass. You can also request they provide pictures, though they can be difficult to see.
  • Whether on Discogs or eBay, look for a reputable seller that has many reviews and a lot of items for sale — not someone who could pack up and disappear overnight.
  • If the seller does not accept returns, you should not buy from them.

Album Artwork

As I said, this iconic album artwork is quite basic. Here are some pictures from one of the common European bootleg pressings. Notice how tough it is to tell if it is fake or authentic.

How Much Is A Yellow Goat Bootleg Worth?

If you want to have a yellow goat Bathory, but don’t feel like forking out two grand, it is totally understandable. If you can get past the moral dilemma of not paying the Quarthon estate, you can get replica copies for 50 bucks, sometimes less.

Have A Copy You Want To Sell?

Contact me at the link below, here is the info.

Want To Sell Your Metal Records Or CDS? I Pay More Than Anyone!
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The Top 10 Most Expensive Metal CDs Of 2020 We’ve Encountered

top 10 metal cds most expensive

This list is compiled from CDs acquired while buying metal CD collections in the year 2020. It is by no means a comprehensive list of every metal CD out there; these are just ones we have first-hand experience with. The values we had assigned are based on what we have sold them for and are not an aggregate.

1. Urn ‎– 666 Megatons CD 2006 No Sign Of Life ‎– NSOL001

1. Urn ‎– 666 Megatons CD 2006 No Sign Of Life ‎– NSOL001

Urn ‎– 666 Megatons CD 2006 No Sign Of Life ‎– NSOL00 – the special edition from this Finish thrash/black metal band that includes the DVD is RARE. Urn was a cool proto-Black Metal sound similar to “Show NoMercy” era Slayer – the full edition, which includes a live DVD, is almost impossible to find and goes for north of 100 bucks on a regular basis.

Sold 10/1 $159.00

2. The Black ‎– The Priest Of Satan CD 1994 Necropolis Records ‎NR 003

2. The Black ‎– The Priest Of Satan CD 1994 Necropolis Records ‎NR 003

The Black ‎– The Priest Of Satan CD 1994 Necropolis Records ‎NR 003 – This CD has been re-issued several times, including more recently on Osmose Productions – if you can find the original on Necropolis Records, it can be worth a pretty penny.

Sold 9/11 $99.95

3. Swans ‎– Swans Are Dead CD 1998 Young God Records ‎– YG03

3. Swans ‎– Swans Are Dead CD 1998 Young God Records ‎– YG03

Swans ‎– Swans Are Dead CD 1998 Young God Records ‎– YG03 – Although The Swans are not technically a metal band, it is quite common to see their brand of gothic rock turning up in the collections we buy. The original pressing of their CDs is very hard to come by, and reissues aren’t that common either, making almost every CD in their catalog quite valuable.

Sold 8/8 – $79.95

4. Ingested – The Surreption CD 2012 Siege of Amida Records

4. Ingested - The Surreption CD 2012 Siege of Amida Records $99.95

Ingested – The Surreption CD 2012 Siege of Amida Records – I will be honest: when I first saw this one, I thought it might be a fluke, but upon some investigation, copies of those are really scarce and sell for north of $100 on Discogs on a monthly basis. It is also worth noting that Ingested sounds like a $99 per CD band; they play some ridiculously tight technical death metal and are one of my new favorites.

Sold 12/29 – $99.95

5. Xibalba – Ah Dzam Poop Ek CD 2005 Guttural Records ‎– CDGR002

5. Xibalba – Ah Dzam Poop Ek CD 2005 Guttural Records ‎– CDGR002

Xibalba – Ah Dzam Poop Ek CD 2005 Guttural Records ‎– CDGR002 Mexico – the original pricing from Mexico only lists eight tracks; there are later reissues, but if you can find the first one, it is quite valuable.

Sold 7/11 – $74.99

6. Baphomet – Death In The Beginning CD 2012 Sevared Records ‎– SR-216 $74.95

6. Baphomet – Death In The Beginning CD 2012 Sevared Records ‎– SR-216 $74.95

Baphomet – Death In The Beginning CD 2012 Sevared Records ‎– SR-216 – Includes the advance tape from 1990. Many songs were subsequently renamed, including the “Boiled in Blood” live 7″ as a bonus.

Sold 9/10 – $74.95

7. Devourment ‎– Molesting The Decapitated CD 1999 United Guttural UGR 005

7. Devourment ‎– Molesting The Decapitated CD 1999 United Guttural UGR 005

Devourment ‎– Molesting The Decapitated CD 1999 United Guttural UGR 005 – I was actually surprised that this one didn’t sell for more; this is the original version of this death metal classic from this brutal Texas-based outfit. Beware, there are many bootlegs floating around of this release.

Sold 8/9 $74.95

8. Suffocation – Effigy of the Forgotten/Pierced from Within CD 2003 Roadrunner

8. Suffocation - Effigy of the Forgotten/Pierced from Within CD 2003 Roadrunner

Suffocation – Effigy of the Forgotten/Pierced from Within 2x CD 2003 Roadrunner (2 From The Vault Series) – almost all of the CDs from Roadrunner’s discontinued “2 From The Vault” series fetch a pretty penny. Some other big ones to look for are Obituary and Exhorder.

Sold 7/7 – $74.95

9. Ancient Wisdom – For Snow Covered The Northland CD 1996 Avantgarde Music

9. Ancient Wisdom - For Snow Covered The Northland CD 1996 Avantgarde Music

Ancient Wisdom – For Snow Covered The Northland CD 1996 Avantgarde Music – This CD from an obscure but extremely talented Italian progressive black metal band is extremely hard to find, not to mention the music is amazing. These guys should’ve been much bigger!

Sold 6/6/ – $69.95

10. Amebix – No Sanctuary: The Spiderleg Recordings CD 2008 Revolver USA

10. Amebix - No Sanctuary: The Spiderleg Recordings CD 2008 Revolver USA

Amebix – No Sanctuary: The Spiderleg Recordings CD [Digipak] 2008 Revolver USA – Although this one might fall more into the crust punk genre, Ambix is still quite popular among the metal crown. This gym was in wider distribution on Alternative Tentacles, but if you can find the original, it’s worth quite a bit.

SOLD 11/11 $66.95

New update – see the 2021 and 2023 list of most expensive CDs here.

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Arcturus ‎– Constellation LP 1997 Nocturnal Art Productions ‎ECLIPSE006 – 1st Press Rare

Arcturus ‎– Constellation LP 1997 Nocturnal Art Productions ‎ECLIPSE006

The Arcturus “Constellation” was released in a very limed run of just 500 copies in 1997. The first 500 copies are hand-numbered, and includes a black and white poster. The first pressing copies of this album are very rare and go for north of $300 on Discogs. From time to time, you can pick up a copy on eBay, but not often.

Arcturus’s style is quite different from most Noweiegen black metal bands. It includes elements of power metal, has some early keyboard/symphonic influences. This release featured Garm on vocals and Samoth on guitar, which was the line-up that recorded the “Constellation” mini-album. It was released on Nocturnal Art Productions in 1994. Samoth left the band in 1995 after an arrest for church burnings. Here is a selection from Youtube…

Arcturus ‎– Constellation Full Album

Track List and Info

Arcturus – Constellation
Label: Nocturnal Art Productions ‎– ECLIPSE006
Limited Edition, Numbered
Country: Norway
Released: 1997
Genre: Black Metal

Tracklist


A1 Raudt Og Svart
A2 Wintry Grey
A3 Naar Kulda Tar (Frostnettenes Prolog)
A4 Du Nordavind
B1 My Angel
B2 Morax
B3 Morax (Anno 1996 Ev)
B4 Outro (Radiant Star Befallen)

I buy metal collections like this and if you know anyone who has rare albums like this for sale I am always in the market!

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Venom vs Venom Inc? Classic Album “Black Metal” 1982 – Who Would Win In A Fight?

venom black metal cover

These days there are 2 Venoms: Venom and Venom Inc: Which One Is The Real McCoy?

Venom was formed in 1979 in Newcastle, England. 1982 they released their groundbreaking “Black Metal” album. Many credit Venom as being the first back metal band. Venom’smusic was more primitive than the fancy black metal bands of today. Their sound almost punk or like Motorhead.

  • While the exact details are murky. In 2003 Chronos tried to reunite the original venom line-up but was turned now.
  • Cronos’s real name is Conrad Thomas Lant and retains the rights to the Venom name.
  • Chrono’s plays fretless bass on the early Venom albums, which made the band sound even more chaotic and sloppy. This is what I call the “bathory effect“.
  • Mantas and Abaddon continue to Venom Inc.
  • Demolition Man replaced Chronos in on bass/vocals. He tours and recorded with Venom Inc.
  • Chrono appeared on Dave Grohl’s Probot album which also includes members of Celtic Frost, Trouble, Motorhead, King Diamond, and VoiVod.
  • Most music critics hate Venom.
VENOM VS VEMON INC

VOTE HERE – WHO DO YOU THINK WOULD WIN IN A FIST FIGHT?

WHICH VERSION OF VENOM WOULD WIN IN A FIST FIGHT

View Results

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Listen To “Black Metal” Full Album

PICK UP A RARE COPY OF Black Metal HERE ON EBAY

Black Metal Album Artwork and Sleeve

venom black metal cover
Black Metal Coverf
Clack MVenom – Black Metal CD 1982 Slipcover Expanded Editionetal

1 Black Metal 3:43
2 To Hell And Back 3:03
3 Buried Alive 4:14
4 Raise The Dead 2:51
5 Teacher’s Pet 4:44
6 Leave Me In Hell 3:35
7 Sacrifice 4:30
8 Heaven’s On Fire 3:43
9 Countess Bathory 3:44
10 Don’t Burn The Witch 3:21
11 At War With Satan (Preview) 2:19

Bonus Tracks (On Re-Issue)

12 Bursting Out (60 Min+ Version) 2:58
13 Black Metal (Radio 1 Session) 3:08
14 Nightmare (Radio 1 Session) 3:27
15 Too Loud For The Crowd (Radio 1 Session) 2:09
16 Bloodlust (Radio 1 Session) 2:44
17 Die Hard (12″ Version) 3:06
18 Acid Queen (12″ Version) 2:31
19 Bursting Out (12″ Version) 2:59
20 Hounds Of Hell (Outtake) 3:20

venom black metal cover

Venom Line-Up 1985

Cronos – Vocals, Bass
Mantas – Guitars
Abaddon – Drums

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The 12 Best Funny Heavy Metal MEMES Of All Time

black metal Olympics heavy metal meme

It’s time to lighten the mood on this blog while still keeping it heavy! I’m talking about heavy-metal MEMES! Here are the top 12 that we know of right now! This post is constantly updated with the MEME pictures, so check back once in a while!!

Like Funny Metal MEMES? Let’s get started at #1…

1. The Cannibal Corpse MEME

You have to have somewhat of a morbid sense of humor I truly appreciate that one, but it gave me a laugh!

Next up?

2. Death Metal Dating

death metal dating meme

Heavy metal isn’t known for hot chicks. I can understand how dating some girl who claims to like death metal is: I’ve been there before. LOL

3, Marry Had A Little Lamb?

4. The Black Sabbath MEME

Black Sabbath heavy metal meme

While far from being in an unknown band, Black Sabbath never got the level of respect that the Beatles had for Led Zeppelin as British rock royalty.

I doubt they care!

5. The Faces of Death Metal MEME

faces of black metal heavy metal meme

On this one, you have to understand the reference. It is a lampoon on the documentary “Faces Of Meth” which chronicles what people look like before and after methamphetamine use. As you can see, death metal is a gateway drug to court paint and just for a less harmless.

6. Death Metal Gardening

Death Metal Gardening MEME

7. Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King at McDonald’s

It’s a classic metal meme with Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King chomping some burgers before a show. You may be metal, but not half as much Slayer’s guitar team.

8. Heavy Metal Politics Meme

9. Vic Rattlehead vs 5 Finger Fruitpunch

10. The Metallica “St. Anger Drum Sound” MEME

11. King Diamond Nuns Have No Fun

12. Megadeth Fans vs. Metallica Fans vs. Iron Maiden Fans

I had to include this one just because you know it is true!!

That’s All For Now

Sometimes, it’s tough to be brutal when your mom wants you to work in the yard! You might smear your corpse paint!

That’s all for now; check back later when we publish our next list.

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Everything You Wanted To Know About BATHORY “THE RETURN” 1986, But Were Afraid To Ask

Quorthon from Bathory band photo

How On Guy From Sweeden, Some Lawnmowers, and Poor Production Became A Template For “Real Black Metal” Sound

The Return (of the Darkness and Evil) was the second album by Swedish black metal “band Bathory”. Bathory was not a “band” in the true sense of the word. Bathory was “the Foo-Fighters of black metal”. Quarton played every instrument, including drums. The Return was released on May, 27 1985.

I can remember listening to “The Return”. I was like 13 and still lived with my parents. I was scared I was in the presence of Satan, my Catholic guilt made me hide the album under my bed. The Return later spawned a slew of copycat bands, especially in the Norwegian “true black metal” scene.

Band Photos (Even Though There Was No Real Bnd)

Listen On YouTube

FROM MY PLAYLIST OF METAL BAND THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN BIGGER
THE FULL BATHORY “THE RETURN” LP

“The Return” Album Cover

BATHORY – “THE RETURN”

Tracklist

Side ‘Darkness’

1.”Revelationof Doom (Intro)” -3:27
2.”Total Destruction” – 3:50
3.”Born for Burning” – 5:13
4.”The Wind of Mayhem” – 3:13
5.”Bestial Lust (Bitch)” – 2:41

Side ‘Evil’

1. “Possessed” – 2:42
2. “The Rite of Darkness” – 2:05
3. “Reap of Evil” – 3:28
4.”Son of the Damned” – 2:48
“Sadist (Tormentor)” – 3:00
5.”The Return of the Darkness and Evil” -3:49
5. “Outro” -0:25

quarchon from Bathory
Quarton from Bathory

Art Work and Inner Sleeve

Who Was Actually In The Bathory Band

Many people don’t this, but Bathory was a one-man band. Hence, the lack of live performances over the years. For some odd reason, other musicians credited even though Quarton himself, played guitar, bass, drums and did vocals. You listen to that album it is quite apparent, as you can hear the tempo-shifting in the drums.

  • Quorthon (Thomas Börje Forsberg) – guitars, vocals, additional bass guitar, production, recording, mixing, album cover design
  • Andreas Johansson – bass ??
  • Stefan Larsson – drums ??

The Bathory Production Sound

This is the style of raw production was copied by Bands like Darkthrone who wanted that “scary” lo-fi the first 2 Bathory albums. Quarton would later admit that this was not by design. He said the reason the album sounded that was is because of “lawnmowers passing the studio and a poor budget”.

The Death Of Quarton

Quarton died of a heart attack on June 7th 2004 in Stockholm, Sweden. Although never confirmed, drug use was suspected to be a contributing factor. He was 39 years old.