Venom - Metal Black

[Liu]

Venom - Metal Black
Sanctuary

Few names in heavy metal are as legendary as Venom. They were a vital component in the creation of the early forms of extreme metal. Obtaining Welcome To Hell, Black Metal and At War With Satan was a rite of passage to many metalheads in those days. There was simply nothing like Venom at the time and while many bands have added and improved on their basic formula, nothing can replace those essential classics. However, like many bands, the allure of mainstream acceptance was too great, which led to some less-than-stellar efforts at broadening their sound for a wider audience. Eventually bassist/vocalist Cronos would leave the band, leaving the other two original members to carry on. Eventually Cronos came back and the other members would leave later on, resulting in the revamped line-up of today.

And what does the 2006 version of Venom have to offer? Quite alot, if Metal Black is any indication. While they are no longer breaking any new ground, they have no problem giving it one more go around the block. Rooted in the sound that they helped spawn, the songs on Metal Black sound potent and fresh. There is modern touches integrated into the sound (evident of the chugga heavy House Of Pain) but straight forward heavy metal is what Venom is known for and that's what you'll find for the most part. Standouts on Metal Black would have to be A Good Day To Die, Sleep When I'm Dead and the title track. It has its weaker moments, notably Assassin.

In trying to recapture that raw feel of the material, the production sounds gritty and surprisingly very much alive. Don't expect a slicked up overproduced affair, Venom gets right down into the grim where they belong. The bass in particular is ear catching, it shares the right amount of space with the guitar and drums, but it commands your attention. This is arguably one of the better bass sounds I've heard on an album in a long time. Everything sounds natural and unforced.

I'm hoping this current line-up will be around long enough to make another album, cause for the first time in many many years, I'm excited to hear some new Venom. Lay down your soul for the god's rock n' roll, or else.


01. Antechrist
02. Burn In Hell
03. House Of Pain
04. Death & Dying
05. Regie Satanas
06. Darkest Realm
07. A Good Day To Die
08. Assassin
09. Lucifer Rising
10. Blessed Dead
11. Hours Of Darkness
12. Sleep When I'm Dead
13. Maleficarvm
14. Metal Black

Scaore: 7/10