OK, here we go with one of the biggest, if not the biggest influnce on my life as a metalhed, a guitarist and a vocalist and lyric writer…The almighty Venom. Venom formed in 1978 in Newcastle upon Tyme (is that different from Newcastle?) in the UK by guitarist Jeff “Mantas” Dunn and originally went by the name “Oberon”. There was the usual lineup shuffles in the early days of the band but it wasn’t long before Jeff found drummer Tony “Abbaddon” Bray, and a vocalist named Clive. The name of the band was changed to VENOM. It wasn’t long before Conrad “Chronos” Lant joined the band on bass and eventually they group started writing original music with Chronos and Mantas taking on these responsibilities. The band then went in and recorded a three song demo in 1979 and Chronos sang one song as well as played the bass. Shortly after Chronos replaced Clive taking on both duties himself.
Venom are known for being one of, if not the first overtly “Satanic” bands. When I say this the songs were evil as f–k, but Chronos to this day denies the band were actual satanists. Interviews with Chronos say the band were using it more for shock value. Well, as far as shock value goes, it worked. The guitar tone and vocals set a new standard for extremity. Their gutteral nature whether genuine or not, resonated true evil.
WELCOME TO HELL
The band was never known as the greatest musicians but they released a few demo’s before their seminal “Welcome to Hell” release. Welcome to hell, recorded in This album had songs that were heavier, faster and far more evil than any band before it. With this album recorded on a shoe string budget in three days, Venom had set a new standard in extremity for metal. For reference here’s a streaming link to another one of metals mores essential and must own album “Welcome to Hell”.
Venom – Welcome to Hell (Album review)The album, whilst rough as guts provided metal heads with something new. The poorly produced album, combined the most abrasive elements of metal and punk in a devilish fashion. The band sledgehammered a new style of music which I think would have drawn huge influences from Motorhead and Preist as well as the punk scene going on in England at the time.
It wasn’t until Venom’s second album was released that the band realised their true potential. Their second album, “Black Metal” went on to become one of the most influential heavy metal recordings ever, influencing an entire genre of metal, who revelled in the albums grim sound and extremity.
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