Description

Venom – Calm Before The Storm – Compact Disc

Venom is a pioneering band in the heavy metal scene, particularly known for their influence on the development of thrash metal and black metal genres. Their album Calm Before the Storm, released in 1987, marked a notable shift in the band’s musical direction. This album came during a period of transition for Venom, featuring new members and exploring slightly different musical styles compared to their earlier, more aggressively raw black metal sound.

Calm Before the Storm dials back some of the overt satanic imagery and themes that were prevalent in their initial albums like ‘Welcome to Hell’ and ‘Black Metal.’ Instead, the album incorporates more elements of traditional heavy metal and speed metal, which makes it somewhat more accessible but also somewhat contentious among fans who preferred their earlier extremity.

Tracks from Calm Before the Storm still maintain a high energy level typical of Venom’s music but with more refined production and song structures. Songs like ‘Blackened Are the Priests’ and ‘Metal Punk’ showcase the band’s knack for catchy riffs and anthemic choruses, albeit without the same level of grit and rawness as their seminal works.

The album represents an interesting phase in Venom’s evolution, reflecting their willingness to experiment and adapt, even as they influenced emerging subgenres in the broader metal community. Calm Before the Storm is a testament to Venom’s enduring legacy and their role in the ongoing evolution of metal music.

Song List

1. Black Xmas
2. Chanting Of The Priests
3. Metal Punk
4. Under A Spell
5. Calm Before The Storm
6. Fire
7. Krackin’ Up
8. Beauty And The Beast
9. Deadline
10. Gypsy
11. Muscle