Editing Bloodbath

{{Short description|Swedish death metal supergroup}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Bloodbath
| image             = Bloodbath-Hellfest2010.jpg
| caption           = Bloodbath at [[Hellfest]] 2010
| image_size        = 
| landscape         = yes
| alias             = 
| origin            = [[Stockholm]], Sweden
| genre             = {{hlist|[[Death metal]]|[[blackened death metal]]}}
| years_active      = 1998–present
| label             = {{hlist|[[Peaceville Records|Peaceville]]|[[Century Media Records|Century Media]]|[[Napalm Records|Napalm]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nextmosh.com/bloodbath-sign-worldwide-deal-with-napalm-records|title=Bloodbath sign worldwide deal with Napalm Records|website=NextMosh|date=28 April 2022|access-date=9 May 2022}}</ref>}}
| associated_acts   = {{flatlist|
* [[Opeth]]
* [[Katatonia]]
* [[Paradise Lost (band)|Paradise Lost]]
* [[Edge of Sanity]]
* [[Hypocrisy (band)|Hypocrisy]]
* [[Craft (band)|Craft]]
}}
| website           = {{URL|http://www.bloodbath.biz/}}
| current_members   = {{plainlist|
* [[Anders Nyström]]
* [[Martin Axenrot]]
* [[Nick Holmes (singer)|Nick Holmes]]
* Tomas Åkvik
}}
| past_members      = {{plainlist|
* [[Jonas Renkse]]
* [[Mikael Åkerfeldt]]
* [[Dan Swanö]]
* [[Per Eriksson (musician)|Per Eriksson]]
* [[Peter Tägtgren]]
* Joakim Karlsson
}}
}}

'''Bloodbath''' is a Swedish [[death metal]] [[supergroup (music)|supergroup]] from [[Stockholm]], formed in 1998. The band has released six full-length albums, two EPs and two DVDs depicting their performances at [[Wacken Open Air]] (in 2005) and [[Bloodstock Open Air]] (in 2010). The group consists of [[Martin Axenrot]] (ex-[[Opeth]]), [[Anders Nyström]] (ex-[[Katatonia]]) and [[Nick Holmes (singer)|Nick Holmes]] ([[Paradise Lost (band)|Paradise Lost]]).

==History==
The band named themselves after the song "Blood Bath" from the album ''[[To the Gory End]]'' by extreme metal band [[Cancer (band)|Cancer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv0kslVqX1E  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/tv0kslVqX1E |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Bloodbath interview 1/3 |publisher=YouTube |date=17 September 2011 |access-date=1 April 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The initial lineup consisted of [[Mikael Åkerfeldt]] ([[Opeth]]) on vocals, [[Dan Swanö]] ([[Edge of Sanity]], [[Nightingale (band)|Nightingale]]) on drums, [[Anders Nyström|Anders "Blakkheim" Nyström]] ([[Katatonia]], [[Diabolical Masquerade]]) on guitar, and [[Jonas Renkse]] (Katatonia, [[October Tide]]) on bass. Bloodbath released the [[Extended play|EP]] ''[[Breeding Death]]'' within a year of forming. The EP was written within two days of the band forming. Nystrom said, "that just shows that if you are with a like-minded bunch of people who all have their history within death metal, all are capable with their instruments, then of course you can knock out professional death metal in no time at all."<ref name="AutoQY-3">{{Cite web |last=updated |first=Jonathan Horsleylast |date=2015-03-11 |title=Bloodbath's guide to death metal guitar |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/bloodbaths-guide-to-death-metal-guitar-617642 |access-date=2025-01-21 |website=MusicRadar |language=en}}</ref> The band's debut EP was followed two years later by their debut album ''[[Resurrection Through Carnage]]''.<REF name="AutoQY-3"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://musicbrainz.org/artist/bc27c60a-a967-41c9-9633-c682ca0d77d5.html |title=Bloodbath |publisher=MusicBrainz |access-date=21 July 2011}}</ref>

In 2004, Åkerfeldt left Bloodbath, wanting to free up more time for his primary band Opeth, with [[Peter Tägtgren]] ([[Hypocrisy (band)|Hypocrisy]]) being brought in to replace him. The lineup changed further, with Swanö switching to guitar and [[Martin Axenrot]] ([[Witchery]], [[Satanic Slaughter]], Opeth) filling the position of drummer. With these changes the size and subsequent scope of the band increased, expanding beyond that of what was initially only a secondary side project. The band's second full release, ''[[Nightmares Made Flesh]]'', was released in Europe in September 2004.{{Cn|date=January 2025}}

In February 2005, Tägtgren left the band citing "conflicting schedules". That same year, Åkerfeldt rejoined for a single live show at Germany's [[Wacken Open Air]] on 5 August. The band was quoted as saying, prior to the upcoming show, that it would be "Not only the first, but also the last gig for Bloodbath (with Mikael Åkerfeldt on vocals)".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bloodbath.biz/?p=11 |title=Wacken Open Air: The Bloodbath Report! &#124; Bloodbath News |publisher=Bloodbath.biz |date=9 August 2005 |access-date=21 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929170201/http://bloodbath.biz/?p=11 |archive-date=29 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It would later turn out to also be the last show with Swanö. In September 2005, Bloodbath began searching for a new lead singer.{{Cn|date=January 2025}}

In August 2006, the band announced the departure of Swanö due to musical differences, as well as Swanö being busy with other projects. They simultaneously closed the vocal auditions, announcing that no suitable singer had been found.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bloodbath.biz/?p=10 |title=Changes Through Blood, Life & Death &#124; Bloodbath News |publisher=Bloodbath.biz |date=2 August 2006 |access-date=21 July 2011}}</ref>

On 27 March 2007, the band announced that a new line-up would be unveiled, along with news that they were producing new material, to be released that summer. In August 2007, Renkse posted on the band's official forums, suggesting that work was in progress.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/bloodbath/293763-new-mini-cd-new-line-up-22.html#post6445431 |title=New Mini-CD and New Line-up - Page 22 - Ultimate Metal Forum |publisher=Ultimatemetal.com |access-date=21 July 2011 |archive-date=6 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106233526/http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/bloodbath/293763-new-mini-cd-new-line-up-22.html#post6445431 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 30 January 2008, it was announced via the Bloodbath website that Åkerfeldt would be rejoining the line-up on vocals, along with new member Per Eriksson (ex-21 Lucifers, ex-Genocrush Ferox) on guitar. In March 2008, the EP ''[[Unblessing the Purity]]'' was released. Also released in 2008 was the Wacken live CD/DVD ''[[The Wacken Carnage]]''. Bloodbath released their third full-length album, ''[[The Fathomless Mastery]]'', in October 2008.{{Cn|date=January 2025}}

On 25 April 2011, Bloodbath released their second DVD, ''[[Bloodbath over Bloodstock]]'', containing their performance at Bloodstock Festival 2010, as well as the 2008 performance at Party San.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=154804 |title=BLOODBATH to Release 'Bloodbath Over Bloodstock' Live DVD |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=21 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110306133735/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=154804 |archive-date=6 March 2011 }}</ref> On 1 November 2011, during the final show of the American Opeth/Katatonia tour at [[Rams Head Live!]] in [[Baltimore, Maryland]], Bloodbath performed a surprise encore after Opeth's set.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=132551746974253056 |user=BloodbathBand |title=Only two songs, but technically Bloodbath performed for the first time in USA a couple of days ago when Opeth's... |date=4 November 2011}}</ref>

On 14 April 2012, Blakkheim announced that Åkerfeldt had officially left the group.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bloodbath.biz/?p=358 |title=The Future of Bloodbath |publisher=Bloodbath.biz |date=14 April 2012 |access-date=18 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423153233/http://bloodbath.biz/?p=358 |archive-date=23 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> When asked whether the new vocalist was known or not, Blakkheim was quoted saying "Oh, he's a legend!".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinsider.net/interviews/anders-nystrom-on-katatonias-drive-to-expand-american-audience-and-the-future-of-bloodbath |title= Anders Nystrom On Katatonia's Drive To Expand American Audience And The Future Of Bloodbath |date= 26 September 2012}}</ref> On 16 September 2014, the band announced the new vocalist as [[Nick Holmes (singer)|Nick Holmes]] from [[Paradise Lost (band)|Paradise Lost]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalhammer.teamrock.com/news/2014-09-16/exclusive-bloodbath-reveal-new-vocalist-1 |title=Exclusive: Bloodbath reveal new Vocalist! - Metal Hammer |date=16 September 2014 |publisher=Metalhammer.teamrock.com |access-date=2 July 2015}}</ref>

On 12 April 2025, Blakkheim announced that Renske had left Bloodbath in 2023.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CazNZnKXt/?mibextid=wwXIfr}}</ref>

== Artistry ==
Guitarist [[Anders Nyström|Anders "Blakkheim" Nyström]] explained the band's composition process: "There has always been a lot of spontaneity with Bloodbath. The whole project was formed over two days, while we also recorded our first EP [Breeding Death] in that time. [...] We like things to be rapid; it keeps the magic going. If you just sit there and drag things out, you are going to lose interest in everything and you’re not going to maintain that kick-ass vibe. Knock it out fast and no regrets." The band uses the [[Boss HM-2]] to achieve its guitar tone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=updated |first=Jonathan Horsleylast |date=2015-03-11 |title=Bloodbath's guide to death metal guitar |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/bloodbaths-guide-to-death-metal-guitar-617642 |access-date=2025-01-21 |website=MusicRadar |language=en}}</ref>

==Members==

===Current members===
* [[Anders Nyström|Anders "Blakkheim" Nyström]] &ndash; guitars, backing vocals <small>(1998–present)</small>
* [[Martin Axenrot|Martin "Axe" Axenrot]] &ndash; drums, percussion <small>(2004–present)</small>
* [[Nick Holmes (singer)|Nick "Old Nick" Holmes]] &ndash; lead vocals <small>(2012–present)</small>
*Tomas "Plytet" Åkvik &ndash; guitar <small>(2022–present; session 2017–2022)</small>

====Session members====
*Niklas Sandin &ndash; bass <small>(2018–present)</small>
*Waltteri Väyrynen &ndash; drums, percussion <small>(2018–present)</small>

===Former members===
* [[Jonas Renkse|Jonas "Lord Seth" Renkse]] &ndash; bass, backing vocals <small>(1998–2023)</small>
* [[Mikael Åkerfeldt]] &ndash; lead vocals <small>(1998&ndash;2004, 2005&ndash;2012)</small>
* [[Dan Swanö]] &ndash; drums, percussion <small>(1998&ndash; 2004)</small>, guitars <small>(2004&ndash;2006)</small>, backing vocals <small>(1998&ndash; 2006)</small>
* [[Per Eriksson (musician)|Per "Sodomizer" Eriksson]] &ndash; guitars <small>(2007–2017)</small>
* [[Peter Tägtgren]] &ndash; lead vocals <small>(2004&ndash;2005)</small>
* Joakim Karlsson &ndash; guitars <small>(2018–2019)</small>

=== Timeline ===
{{#tag:timeline|
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Alignbars  = justify
DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
Period     = from:1998 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}}
TimeAxis   = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1998
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1998
Legend     = position:bottom  orientation:vertical columns:3

Colors =
  id:vocals   value:red         legend:Vocals
  id:bvocals  value:pink        legend:Backing_vocals
  id:guitar   value:green       legend:Guitars
  id:bass     value:blue        legend:Bass
  id:drums    value:orange      legend:Drums
  id:album     value:black       legend:Studio_album
  id:live     value:gray(0.5)   legend:Live_recording
  id:other    value:gray(0.8)   legend:Other_release
  id:bars     value:gray(0.95)

BackgroundColors = bars:bars

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  at:12/11/2002 color:album layer:back
  at:27/09/2004 color:album layer:back
  at:28/09/2008 color:album layer:back
  at:17/11/2014 color:album layer:back
  at:26/10/2018 color:album layer:back
  at:09/09/2022 color:album layer:back
  at:08/02/2000 color:other layer:back
  at:10/03/2008 color:other layer:back
  at:05/08/2005 color:live layer:back
  at:15/08/2010 color:live layer:back

BarData =
  bar:akerfeldt  text:"Mikael Åkerfeldt"
  bar:tägtgren   text:"Peter Tägtgren"
  bar:holmes     text:"Nick Holmes"
  bar:nystrom    text:"Anders Nyström"
  bar:eriksson   text:"Per Eriksson"
  bar:karlsson   text:"Joakim Karlsson"
  bar:akvik      text:"Tomas Åkvik"
  bar:renkse     text:"Jonas Renkse"
  bar:swano      text:"Dan Swanö"
  bar:axenrot    text:"Martin Axenrot"

PlotData =
  width:11  textcolor:black  align:left  anchor:from  shift:(11,-4)

  bar:akerfeldt  from:01/01/1998  till:04/03/2004  color:vocals
  bar:tägtgren   from:29/03/2004  till:15/02/2005  color:vocals
  bar:akerfeldt  from:01/03/2005  till:12/04/2012  color:vocals
  bar:holmes     from:01/05/2012  till:end         color:vocals
  bar:nystrom    from:01/01/1998  till:end         color:guitar
  bar:nystrom    from:01/01/1998  till:end         color:bvocals width:3
  bar:eriksson   from:30/01/2008  till:15/06/2017  color:guitar
  bar:karlsson   from:01/01/2018  till:27/04/2019  color:guitar
  bar:akvik      from:29/06/2022  till:end         color:guitar
  bar:renkse     from:01/01/1998  till:17/03/2023  color:bass
  bar:renkse     from:01/01/1998  till:17/03/2023  color:bvocals width:3
  bar:swano      from:01/01/1998  till:29/03/2004  color:drums
  bar:swano      from:29/03/2004  till:02/08/2006  color:guitar
  bar:swano      from:01/01/1998  till:02/08/2006  color:bvocals width:3
  bar:axenrot    from:29/03/2004  till:end         color:drums
}}

== Discography ==

===Studio albums===
* ''[[Resurrection Through Carnage]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Nightmares Made Flesh]]'' (2004)
* ''[[The Fathomless Mastery]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Grand Morbid Funeral]]'' (2014)
* ''[[The Arrow of Satan Is Drawn]]'' (2018)
* ''Survival of the Sickest'' (2022)

===EPs===
* ''[[Breeding Death]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Unblessing the Purity]]'' (2008)

===Live albums===
* ''[[The Wacken Carnage]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Bloodbath over Bloodstock]]'' (2011)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.bloodbath.biz/ Official website]

{{Bloodbath}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bloodbath}}
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1998]]
[[Category:Swedish death metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Swedish musical quartets]]
[[Category:Swedish musical quintets]]
[[Category:Century Media Records artists]]
[[Category:Heavy metal supergroups]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Stockholm]]
[[Category:1998 establishments in Sweden]]