Rough Edge: Venom CD Reviews

VENOM

"Metal Black" (Sanctuary; 2006)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Venom's new release, "Metal Black" (not to be confused with their 1982 release "Black Metal") is a study of what heavy metal should be.

The cuts are fast, loud and tight -- just what you would expect from a Venom CD. With song titles like "A Good Day To Die," "Antechrist," "Burn In Hell" and "Assassin," just to name a few, you know you are on a dark and strange road that only Venom can take you.

I found myself totally engrossed with this recording and, best of all, I did not want to kill myself or my family once. Imagine that. I love dark music and Venom's "Metal Black" transports you to places best traveled in the musical realm.

For more information, check out http://www.venomslegions.com.

"Black Metal" (Neat Records; 1982)

Reviewed by Spudbeast

When it was originally released back in 1982, Venom's "Black Metal" was truly ahead of its time. Today, over 20 years since this CD was released, countless black metal and thrash metal bands have been influenced by Venom.

Interestingly, despite its title, "Black Metal" is mostly thrash, although the lyrics still reflect the black metal genre. The CD starts out with the title track; a very fast, almost comical song about playing a live concert. Next comes the chunky, slow "To Hell and Back" followed by the horror-themed "Buried Alive."

"Raise the Dead," one of my personal favorites, is next. "Raise the Dead" is an exceptionally well-written song that shows some real talent, and is just plain cool overall. Another of my favorites is next - the raunchy and hilarious "Teacher's Pet." "Leave Me in Hell," "Sacrifice" and "Heavens on Fire" (no, not a cover of the hit KISS song) are awesome as well. The melodic "Countess Balthory," and "Don't Burn The Witch" are songs in true black metal fashion.

Unfortunately, "Black Metal" suffers from sub-par production. Even the remaster is pretty rough. Still, this is one CD definitely worth picking up.

Venom: Cronos - bass/vocals; Mantas - guitar; Abaddon - drums.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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