A Bloody Soundtrack to Countess Elizabeth Báthory

Reading Time: 11 min read

One of the rare female serial killers, who happened to be royalty, a number of songs have been written about the ‘Blood Countess,’ Elizabeth Báthory.

Countess Elizabeth Báthory was something else – a hot mess to say the least. Safe to say, the Blood Countess wasn’t playing around when it came to murder. As History tells it, “her bloodthirsty activities have led many to cite her as one of the first vampires in history[1].” Despite being part of a family that included royalty, the same family also included dysfunction beyond the countess herself. Her status allowed her to be prolific, but as with all serial killers, they make mistakes – even royalty. After feeding on the lowest females in society, she began to expand into those with status. That was a no-no.

A lot has been written about the Countess, but we won’t expound upon her crimes here. Our purpose? Compile and analyze a bloody soundtrack about Elizabeth. There have been lots of songs written or inspired by her. Why? Perhaps it’s because she’s one of the earliest serial killers. Maybe it’s because she’s the rare female serial killer. Another possiblilty? Her influence, as bad as it is, transcended her death in her fifties. How many horror films, novels, and so on have been based on her perverseness and cruelty? Lots. Here is a bloody soundtrack, compiled mostly of metal, for Countess Elizabeth Báthory.

[1] H. (2009). Bathory’s torturous escapades are exposed. Retrieved August 11, 2017, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/bathorys-torturous-escapades-are-exposed

1. Slayer, “Beauty Through Order”

World Painted Blood • American • 2009

Veteran metal collective Slayer are perfectly suited to provide a soundtrack for the Countess, in all her hellishness. From the jump on “Beauty Through Order” (World Painted Blood), Slayer addresses her love for bathing in the blood of her victims: “It’s the feel of your blood / As it flows smoothly down my skin / Intoxicating my soul / Immortality, seducing me.” The song continues on in chilling fashion, always highlighting the “vampirical,” cold nature of Báthory.

“Frozen in time is the ice flowing in your veins
Are you insane?
At your mercy, they suffered while you sat there painless Vile and shameless.”

There’s more of course, as Slayer brings biting to play (“Biting the flesh, face my sick prelude / Now meet your frozen death”), as well as her status in society (“Murder is my birthright the bloodline proves aristocracy / Walled in, left for dead, your actions show no hypocrisy”). “Beauty Through Order” appeared on another playlist from our serial killer series, Chilling Songs About Serial Killers: Take 1.

2. Opera Diabolicus, “Blood Countess Bathory”

1614 • Metalville• 2012

“Beware! You don’t know what I’ve seen, what she hides in her / Chamber below / Beware of the devil enchantress / /Every thought will bring you despair / Her thaumaturgy is stronger than you’ll ever know.” Swedish metal band Opera Diabolicus, like Slayer, also tackle Countess Elizabeth Báthory. The collective doesn’t merely focus on just one song, but dedicates an entire album, 1614. The main attraction is “Blood Countess Bathory,” in all its hellishness. Throughout its course, Opera Diabolicus do a superb job capturing her twisted-ness.

“Thy deeds are over, we’ve torn down your gate
The trial has begun, your accomplices arraigned
Blood on the wall, blood on the floor
For what they have done their heads are going to roll
Blood on the wall, blood on her hands
No words passed your lips but silence means yes
Gone are dreams, return to me
Can’t you see I’m Countess Báthory
Countess Báthory.”

“Blood Countess Bathory” appeared on another playlist from our serial killer series, Chilling Songs About Serial Killers: Take 1.

3. Cradle of Filth, “Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids”

Cruelty and the Beast • Sony • 1998

“Hear me now / All crimes should be treasured / If they bring thee pleasure somehow.” What a way to open things up, Cradle of Filth. Rather than dedicating only one song to the Blood Countess, Cradle of Filth dedicates an album with Cruelty and the Beast. Focusing on “Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids,” clearly, Elizabeth Báthory is the star of the show. Poetic language characterizes her as both a woman of status and one chocked-full of hellishness: “Midst the whirl and daylight fauna / Of society at court / Elizabeth bedazzled, her presence sought applause / Though her torch lit shadow / Thrown upon damp cellar walls / Greeted nothing but despair / From slaves her nights enthralled.”

There’s more poetry – dark poetry of course: “And to her dead reflection / ‘Twas as if her pallor gleamed / Like an angel’s warmed by candles / Where erotic stains had cleaved / Demons dragged this libertine / Lusts creaming for release / Upon the anointed flesh of maidens preened / As canvas for caprice.” WOW.

4. Evile, “Bathe in Blood”

Enter the Grave • Earache • 2007

English thrash metal band Evile don’t fuck play around. Formed in 2004, the band was previously known as Metal Militia. Elizabeth Báthory gets a fitting soundtrack from them on “Bathe in Blood.” It seems as if the jagged, biting guitars never let up. The assertive lead vocals of Matt Drake, fueled by angst, capture the bloodlust of Báthory superbly. A frenetic pace midway through “Bathe in Blood” exemplifies the craziness and perverse mindset of the Countess. The lyrics, furthermore, paint the picture of a truly sick killer.

“Kill, bathe in blood of the pure
Fresh youthful meat
No hope of feeling from me
Your death will be sweet
Drained of your freedom and life
Stripped of your will
I’ll keep you bleeding for me
You are my thrill.”

Of course, there’s more:

“Terror on your deathly face
Blood spills from your wounds
Fate has sentence you to death
Your gift I consume
Victim of violent torture
What was yours is now mine
I tear the beauty from your flesh
I feed on the divine.”

5. Countess, “The Wrath of Satan’s Whore”

Ad Maiorem Sathanae Gloriam • Countess • 1995

On “The Wrath of Satan’s Whore,” Countess is in no rush. Who is Countess? A Dutch black metal band that was formed in 1992. “The Wrath of Satan’s Whore” appeared on their 1995 album, Ad Maiorem Sathanae Gloriam, which translates in English as To the Greater Glory of Satan. How Mephistophelean and Satanic of them.

An extended instrumental intro, establishes mysteriousness; it’s foreboding to say the least. Then, the true “Wrath of Satan’s Whore” is unveiled, thanks to the coarse, harsh vocals of frontman Orlok.

If the introduction had a radiance despite its enigmatic nature, in Orlok’s hands, things become morbid to say the least. There’s certainly a lack of melody…

“More than six times a hundred maidens fair
Lured into the countess’ castle unaware
Dark lady of Hungary obsessed by blood
The virgins trapped in Hell cries in vain to God.”

6. Candlemass, “The Bleeding Baroness”

Death Magic Doom • Nuclear Blast • 2009

Candlemass ain’t new to this dark, damning metal thing. The Swedish doom metal band has been operation since the mid 80s. “The Bleeding Baroness” didn’t arrive until 2009, appearing on the album, Death Magic Doom. “The Bleeding Baroness” has three distinct sections. At the beginning and later on, it’s in a slowish triple meter. The guitars are incredibly dark and heavy in tone. The lyrics at the beginning only add to the enigma, foreshadowing what’s to come.

“Can you see her, slender and pale? / But so graceful she walks down the stairs / A perception of musk fills the air / The kiss of darkness, the baron’s own heir.” The second distinct section is in good ole common time. It’s still heavy, capturing the self-indulgence and lust of Elizabeth.

“She’s so ruthless... evil, grotesque
In her glory... the Baroness... godless
Blood is precious... so delicious
Vampire white... ferociously vicious bleed.”

Then, there’s one more distinct section. There’s a change of pace on the chorus. The tempo slows, while the lead vocalist continues to sing with the utmost angst and passion.

“The Bleeding Baroness
Hours of slumber
Just before she will take you and make you wish that you’ve never been born
The Bleeding Baroness
Crimes of passion
She needs you and feeds you and bleeds you with the rise of the moon.”

Candlemass conjure up an exceptional tone poem for the Blood Countess, no questions asked.

7. Mütiilation, “To the Memory of the Dark Countess”

Remains of a Ruined, Dead, Cursed Soul • Osmose Productions • 2014

Wild. That’s the best way to describe “To the Memory of the Dark Countess,” as well as the French black metal band itself. Mütiilation, like many of the bands appearing on this list, have been around for a while, forming in 1991. According to The Metal Archives, their lyrics themes comprise of vampirism, Satanism, depression, filth, melancholy, and sadness. Charming. One can only assume that the lyrics match the heinous acts committed by Elizabeth Báthory. Hard to tell of course… The lyrics are indecipherable.

8. Tormentor, “Elisabeth Bathory”

Anno Domini • Nocturnal Art Productions • 1988

“Countess it is your night / You haunted by your wild desires / Possessed by bestial lust / You are the goddess of the love.” Fittingly, Tormentor, the band from Hungary puts in their two cents about Countess Báthory. Their tale of Elizabeth, “Elisabeth Bathory,” hails from their 1988 album, Anno Domini. Expectedly, at times, Tormentor are sarcastic towards the Countess.

Even with some sarcasm coming into play, the vocals aren’t the least bit sympathetic in sound. This is an eerie listen by all means. Perfectly suited for Halloween – maybe not for the kids though. Definitely not for the kids: “Her mind is insatiable / She craves virgins’ blood evermore / Her flames will never die… / Surrounded by infernal glory.”

9. X Japan, “Rose of Pain”

Blue Blood • Kioon Japan • 1989

Epic. Maybe that’s generic, but it’s the best way to characterize the 12-minute “Rose of Pain” by Japanese metal band X Japan. Sometimes it’s overt heavy metal, with all the kickass riffs. At other times, it’s symphonic metal, showcasing incredible musicianship. Spirited through and through, “Rose of Pain” is nothing short of a gem. Sure, you can’t understand the Japanese, but the spirit of Elizabeth feels alive and well – wait, that didn’t sound right…

10. Electric Wizard, “Torquemada 71”

Witchcult • Metal Blade • 2007

When an album earns the title Witchcult, you know it’s going to be a trip. Some of the song titles off of the 2007 Electric Wizard are interesting. “Satanic Rites of Drugula,” “Raptus,” and “Black Magic Rituals & Perversions” certainly aren’t your everyday song titles. Neither is “Torquemada 71,” which is written explicitly about Elizabeth Báthory.

“Baby writhing on my torture rack
Necrosadist
Your naked flesh bears his mark
Feed my caress...
Of all my victims, you loved the pain
My necroqueen
The bloody countess reborn again...”

Oh my! For good measure, Electric Wizard even name drops the countess:

“Torquemada 71
I am the inquisition
Torquemada 71
From your sweet lips, confession
Torquemada 71
My Countess Báthory
Torquemada 71
Come now and torture me.”

11. Barathrum, “Countess Erszebeth Nadasdy”

Saatana • Fontana International • 1999

“Wicked lady Countess Erszebeth Nadasdy.” Yep, Finnish doom metal band Barathrum nails that one right on the head. Throughout the course of “Countess Erszebeth Nadasdy,” Barathrum keep things dramatic – chocked full of evilness.

“The dark lady of her castle
Invented the secret of everlasting youth
Accidentally, she made a wound for the chamber maid
Maid bled drops of blood on the hand of the countess
And behold – that drop of blood
Changed dramatically the surface of her skin
And her skin looked like a young girl’s peach cheek
Every time when it was washed by virgin’s blood.”

Yeah, it’s over the top, but think just how over the top the Blood Countess was!

12. Aiden, “Elizabeth”

Knives • Victory • 2009

“She bathed in blood how apropos / Became a witness to the suffering / Skinned alive, she even took their soul.” Short but sweet, Aiden, like the other bands on this playlist, make sure that they highlight the bloodlust of the Countess. What makes Aiden slightly different from the other bands is they aren’t a metal group but rather, a goth, punk rock collective. No matter – the Blood Countess is still dramatized exceptionally well with ample angst. Towards the end of the song, they specifically name Elizabeth Báthory as the subject.

“She bathed in the blood that much you know
Of the demon countess Báthory
Through these cemetery gates we go
With my eyes closed
Elizabeth!
She will not bathe alone...”

13. Bathory, “Woman of Dark Desires”

Under the Sign of the Black Mark • Black Mark • 1987

Bathory tackles Báthory – seems fitting enough. Sweden seems to have no shortage of metal bands, for whatever reason. Bathory adds to the list with their frightening, unsettling sound. Not new to this, the Viking metal band formed in 1983. Now defunct, according to The Metal Archives, their lyrical themes include Satanism, Norse mythology, and of course, death. This explains why Erszebeth gets such fitting treatment on “Woman of Dark Desires.”

The melody of “Woman of Dark Desires” certainly has a deficiency in the tunefulness department. What it doesn’t lack is edginess or hellishness:

“Now the hour is come, the time is right for the feast to take its roll
And by the sunrise 60 bodies will be found raped from their blood and souls
The beauty patiently selects victims for the night
Innocent blood will give eternal beauty life.”

14. Ghost, “Elizabeth”

Opus Eponymous • Metal Blade • 2010

Yep, more Swedish metal. Ghost aren’t left out of the Elizabeth Báthory madness. The Linköping band haven’t been around as long as some of the others, but possess the same vigor biographing the infamous serial killer. Like many of their contemporaries, Ghost dabbles in themes of Satanism, darkness, and evil. Heaven doesn’t seem to be their modus operandi.

While “Elizabeth” is dark and chilling like many of the other songs on this list, Ghost are more melodic compared to other bands. The vocal clarity is a selling point.

“Underneath the moonlight of old Hungarian skies
Buried in the blood-drenched earth
These barren lands of ice
She was an evil woman with an evil old soul
Piercing eyes emotionless
A heart so black and cold.”

15-17. Kamelot, “Elizabeth”

Karma • Sanctuary • 2001

Kamelot closes out this most bloody soundtrack to Elizabeth Báthory. An American-based metal collective, the band features members from other countries. Three songs from their 2001 album Karma cover Elizabeth Báthory, in all her terribleness.

“Elizabeth I: Mirror, Mirror” opens with lush, symphonic qualities. Vocally, the melody shines with beauty capturing the desires of the countess to stay young forever.

“Mirror can you tell me
How to stay forever young
Let me know the secret
I will hold my twisted tongue
Please protect my beauty
Velvet skin so pure and white
Hear my name resounding
Like a hymn at dead of night.”

As it progresses, more of the metal elements unveil themselves. Still, the melody remains tuneful and clear.

“Elizabeth II: Requiem for the Innocent” begins a bit darker with more bite. Still, the melody remains intact.

“Don’t you want to die
Walk beside me evermore
Don’t you feel alive
Like you’ve never felt before
Don’t you want to die
Souls transcending, silver shine
Don’t you feel live
Your blood preserves my place in time.”

“Elizabeth III: Fall from Grace” marks the final and lengthiest portion of the trio. Although it’s listed as an eleven-minute juggernaut, only about four minutes is music while the rest is silence. From the jump, the guitars are incredibly athletic, jam-packed with energy.

“What if there’s a God a hell and heaven
Fire is the torment I must face
Dying by the souls I have forsaken
No one’s going to catch my fall from grace.”

Photo Credits: Enrique Meseguer (Pixabay), American, Metalville, Sony, Earache, Countess, Nuclear Blast, Osmose Productions, Nocturnal Art Productions, Kioon Japan, Metal Blade, Fontana International, Victory, Black Mark, Sanctuary

A Bloody Soundtrack to Countess Elizabeth Báthory | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on August 14, 2017August 14, 2017