Venom, the legendary heavy metal band, is back with a new album, "Into Oblivion", set to drop on May 1st via Noise/BMG. The album marks a significant return for the band, which has been in the works for several years, facing delays due to the COVID pandemic, recording setbacks, and the band's relentless pursuit of perfection. What's more, the album features the long-standing lineup of Conrad "Cronos" Lant on bass/vocals, Rage (a.k.a. Stuart Dixon) on guitar, and Danté (a.k.a. Danny Needham) on drums.
What makes "Into Oblivion" particularly noteworthy is its blend of classic 1980s Venom sound with a modern, progressive approach. The album consists of thirteen songs that are signature Venom: heavy, evil, and catchy. The lead single, "Lay Down Your Soul", is a thunderous first offering that harks back to the band's formative years and the song "Black Metal". While being slightly tongue in cheek, it bears all the hallmarks of a soon-to-be live classic with its rousing sing-along chorus.
The chemistry on "Into Oblivion" is undeniable and is a musical testament to the longevity of this lineup, which now eclipses any other, clocking in at seventeen years. The album's success is a testament to the band's resilience and their ability to overcome adversity. In my opinion, Venom's ability to blend their classic sound with a modern approach is what makes them so enduring and influential in the metal scene.
However, Venom's recent legal battles have cast a shadow over their new album. In June 2024, Cronos filed a lawsuit against Abaddon and Plastic Head Music Distribution Ltd, accusing them of selling merchandise with Lant's copyrighted Venom designs without his permission. This dispute highlights the challenges that bands face in protecting their intellectual property in the music industry. Despite these challenges, Venom's new album "Into Oblivion" is a testament to their enduring legacy and their ability to create music that resonates with fans around the world.
