Netflix has announced an upcoming original documentary chronicling the legacy of the pioneering Swedish black metal band Bathory, a group long hailed as one of the most influential acts in extreme music history. The film, titled “Bathory: Spreading the Darkness,” is scheduled for release this November and promises to deliver an unfiltered exploration of the band’s impact on the black and Viking metal genres.
Founded in 1983 by the late Quorthon (Thomas Börje Forsberg), Bathory’s aggressive sound and lo-fi aesthetic laid the foundation for what would become the Scandinavian black metal movement. The documentary will offer rare archival footage, interviews with musicians inspired by Bathory, and insights into the band’s controversial legacy. It also delves into the transition Bathory made from raw black metal to epic Viking-themed soundscapes, influencing countless bands across the globe.
Netflix describes the project as “a fire-forged journey into the soul of darkness, creativity, and rebellion.” Directed by noted music documentarian Erik Malmström, the film also features never-before-seen footage from early studio sessions, concert reenactments, and animated segments inspired by Bathory’s iconic album artwork.
Though Bathory never toured extensively or enjoyed major commercial success during their active years, their cult status has only grown since Quorthon’s untimely death in 2004. Fans and critics alike have often cited albums such as Under the Sign of the Black Mark (1987) and Hammerheart (1990) as cornerstones of metal history.
“Bathory: Spreading the Darkness” marks Netflix’s latest foray into music documentaries, following critically acclaimed releases centered on artists like Metallica, Taylor Swift, and Kanye West. The platform’s decision to highlight a band as underground and mythologized as Bathory signals a growing interest in the darker, more obscure corners of music history.
The documentary will be available for streaming globally starting November, exclusively on Netflix.
