Venom is a seminal band known for being among the pioneers of the extreme metal subgenre, specifically influencing the development of thrash metal, black metal, and death metal since their formation in the late 1970s. The Newcastle upon Tyne-based group was originally composed of members Conrad "Cronos" Lant (bass and vocals), Jeffrey "Mantas" Dunn (guitars), and Tony "Abaddon" Bray (drums), though line-up changes have occurred over the years.

Their biting sound, dark, satanic imagery, and raw, unpolished production became trademarks that resonated within the heavy metal community. With notorious albums such as "Welcome to Hell" (1981) and "Black Metal" (1982), Venom's influence was immediate and widespread, despite being initially a shock to the system for many due to their overtly blasphemous and violent themes. Not only did they influence a genre's sound, but they even inadvertently lent their second album's title, "Black Metal," as the name for one of metal's most extreme and infamous subgenres. Over the years, Venom continued to release music and perform, with "Storm The Gates," released in 2018, being one of their more recent albums. The various remastered and live recordings listed, like "Sons of Satan (2019 - Remaster)" and "Live From The Hammersmith Odeon Theatre," stand as testament to the enduring legacy and vitality of a band that has firmly cemented its place in the annals of heavy metal history.

Genres

Black Metal

Black Thrash

British Black Metal

Death Metal

Metal

Nwobhm

Old School Thrash

Speed Metal

Thrash Metal

Related Artists

Slayer

Motörhead

Kreator

Metallica

Black Sabbath

Iron Maiden

Sodom

Celtic Frost

Destruction

Anthrax

Possessed

Darkthrone

Latest Release

Countess Bathory

Venom

Single - Released September 20, 2024