Venom - Hell

Published September 11 2008

*=Staff's pick	Straight To Hell* The Power And The Glory Hand Of God Fall From Grace Hell Evil Perfection* Stab U In The Back Armageddon Kill The Music* Evilution Devilution Blood Sky USA For Satan* Dirge/The Awakening

Genre	Thrash Metal	Cronos	Vocals
Tracks	13	Rage	Guitar
Runningtime	55 Min.	-	Guitar
Label	Sanctuary Records	Cronos	Bass
Release	09 June 2008	Antton	Drums
Country	England	-	Keyboard
Similar artists	Sodom, Motörhead, Tank

I feel it's fair to assert that Motörhead and Venom invented thrash, even if Lemmy refers to it as Rock 'N' Roll, and Cronos calls it Black Metal. Tank and Sodom then took it to the next level, speeding it up a notch. At the time of this review we mourn the loss of drummer Christian "Witchhunter" Dudeck who died on Sept. 7th.

On this their 12th studio album, Venom attempt to take us straight to hell through their armageddon overture, but should we welcome black their metal on this new incarnation of the antechrist, or is it just another false resurrection? The answer is a bit of both.

Cronos' bloodlust for all things evil, gives way to countless blasphemy, but also assenine simplicity. So there are some songs, cast in stone, with witty banter and thoughtful lyrics like "Evilution Devilution", "Evil Perfection", "Blood Sky" (with it's Sabbathy bite), and "Hand Of God" (Manitou Pt.2?), and then there are some anthems of idiocy which really fall from grace.

Let's rip right into the music, this is definitely a Venom album, possessed by all the aspects one would expect from their bewitching power and might. The opener "Straight To Hell" is burstin' out with venemous intent, yearning to raise the cred with that angst, attitude, & angered lust, which Venom sonically exude.

Most of the record reveberates with that live like an angel (die like a devil) dirge. The distorted bass guitar crunch, all throughout the CD is very pronounced. Rage does his best attempt to emulate Mantas, who is still sorely missed! Conrad's brother Anthony, pounds the skins with wreckless abandon.

The production even has that early 80's Neat Records feel. Unfortunately, many of the songs bleed together, and gather little cohesivity. The plodding "The Power And The Glory" has puerile rhyming, and little melody. It is as if Cronos has been listening to too much Motörhead, or even Rob Zombie. Is this the price of passion?

"Fall From Grace" lives up to it's name, especially if it alludes to Venom's darkest hour. The title track, far from original, is just dull and void of consequence. "Stab U In The Back" is an utter betrayal.

Thankfully, there are some really good songs on here. I'm very impressed by "USA For Satan", after hearing this track, I knew I had to get the CD (I wish I had known about the digipack version with two live cuts!). The speed, intensity, and clever insight of this incinerated hymn embody all I adore about Venom. As an American, this song simulates what we represent to others! This should be our new National Anthem, just as the the guitar outro suggests!

The cult of larceny espoused by "Kill The Music" also carries with it a subliminal message, and great guitarwork.

So, is Hell pure prime evil perfection, ultimately the listener will have to decide. I really liked Metal Black, but most die hards did not. I also am enjoying Motörizer, which many feel is just mediocre. I agree this is definitely Venom, but with so much metal from which to choose like new Chrome Division, I'm not convinced this is a welcomed Hell!