The legendary British band Venom has released their 16th studio album, Into Oblivion. The album features the solidified lineup of Cronos (bass and vocals, as well as founding member), Rage (guitar), and Dante (drums). Into Oblivion also represents their first new material since Storm The Gates, released in 2018.
Formed in Newcastle in 1979, Venom is widely recognized as one of the most influential groups in extreme metal, having helped pave the way for the development of black metal as a genre. Decades later, the band's influence remains global, with its legacy inspiring countless generations within heavy music.
The album features thirteen tracks that carry all the characteristic elements of Venom: heaviness, dark atmosphere, and catchy choruses. The work blends the raw spirit of the band's classic 80s sound with a more modern and progressive approach, without losing the intensity and incendiary spirit that have defined the group throughout its career.
Although the album has been in development for several years, various factors delayed its completion, including the Covid-19 pandemic, setbacks during recording, and the band's commitment to achieving the ideal result. In Cronos' words: "This album really pushed boundaries, but if you want to make a killer album, you pay for it with blood, sweat, and tears."
Guitarist Rage also highlights the strength of the new work: “I’m extremely proud of this album, it’s impressive! It sounds different, but at the same time familiar. The sound has taken a big leap — no song is the same as another, but they all work together.”
The chemistry between the members on Into Oblivion also reflects the longevity of this lineup, which has already lasted 17 years, making it the longest-lasting in the band's history. As drummer Dante summarizes:
"It went by in the blink of an eye, seventeen years! It all comes down to friendship and mutual respect."
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