Breaking: Quorthon’s Sister Jennie Tebler Revives Bathory to Honor His Legacy—New Lineup, Same Spirit, as Iconic Black Metal Band Returns to Reignite the Flame of the Underground
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the metal world, Jennie Tebler, the only surviving sibling of the late black metal pioneer Quorthon (born Thomas Börje Forsberg), has announced the revival of Bathory—the legendary Swedish band often credited with laying the foundation for both black metal and Viking metal. This bold resurrection is not a reunion in the traditional sense, but rather a tribute-driven revival, carefully curated and led by Tebler to honor her brother’s enduring legacy.
Quorthon passed away in 2004, leaving behind a towering legacy that helped shape the sound, imagery, and ethos of extreme metal. For over two decades, Bathory stood at the forefront of innovation in metal, evolving from raw and aggressive early black metal into the atmospheric and epic strains of Viking metal that would inspire countless bands across the globe.
Now, more than 20 years after his death, Jennie Tebler has stepped forward to breathe new life into the iconic project. “This is not about replacing Quorthon,” Tebler emphasized in a press statement. “It’s about preserving what he created—his vision, his sound, his spirit—and sharing it with a new generation of fans who may have never experienced it live.”
The new Bathory lineup is said to include musicians personally selected by Tebler, chosen for both their technical ability and their deep respect for the band’s legacy. While their identities remain undisclosed, insiders hint at a mix of seasoned black and death metal veterans, alongside rising underground talent. The band is currently rehearsing a setlist that spans Bathory’s entire discography, from the raw fury of Under the Sign of the Black Mark to the anthemic grandeur of Hammerheart and Twilight of the Gods.
Fans can expect a limited run of tribute shows in select European cities later this year, with plans to expand globally depending on reception. A live tribute album and documentary chronicling the project are also reportedly in development.
This revival is already stirring passionate debate within the metal community. Some purists argue that Bathory should remain untouched as a sacred legacy. Others, however, see Tebler’s decision as a heartfelt and respectful homage—one that brings Quorthon’s music back to the stage and introduces it to a live audience for the first time in decades.
Whatever the stance, one thing is certain: the return of Bathory, under the stewardship of someone as intimately connected to its origins as Jennie Tebler, marks a significant moment in metal history. Whether it becomes a lasting revival or a one-time tribute, it promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of one of extreme metal’s most revered and influential acts.