Description

Venom – Black Metal – Compact Disc

Venom’s Black Metal is one of the most influential albums in the history of heavy metal music, particularly within the subgenres of thrash metal, black metal, and extreme metal. Released in 1982, this album not only gave its name to the black metal genre but also established a blueprint for the aggressive, raw sound and dark, satanic imagery that would become hallmarks of the style.

Black Metal is characterized by its lo-fi production, fast tempos, and gritty guitar riffs, coupled with growled and snarled vocals. The album’s themes revolve around satanism, darkness, and anti-Christian sentiments, which were provocative and boundary-pushing at the time of its release. Songs like ‘Countess Bathory,’ ‘Black Metal,’ and ‘Don’t Burn the Witch’ are iconic tracks that embody the spirit of the album and have become anthems within the metal community.

The influence of Black Metal extends beyond its sound and lyrics. The album’s aesthetic, including its cover art and the band’s stage personas, contributed significantly to the visual aspect of black metal culture. Venom’s approach to music and performance emphasized a kind of theatricality and rebellion that would inspire countless bands in the black metal scene.

Black Metal is celebrated for its pioneering role in shaping an entire genre, its impact resonating through decades of metal music. Venom’s work on this album is credited with laying the foundational elements of what would grow into a vibrant and distinctive subgenre, influencing generations of musicians and fans around the world.

Track Listing

1. Black Metal
2. To Hell And Back
3. Buried Alive
4. Raise The Dead
5. Teachers Pet
6. Leave Me In Hell
7. Sacrifice
8. Heavens On Fire
9. Countess Bathory
10. Don’t Burn The Witch
11. At War With Satan (Preview)

Bonus Tracks:
12. Bursting Out (60 Min + version)
13. Black Metal (Radio 1 Session)
14. Nightmare (Radio 1 Session)
15. Too Loud For The Crowd (Radio 1 Session)
16. Bloodlust (Radio 1 Session)
17. Die Hard (12′ version)
18. Acid Queen (12′ version)
19. Bursting Out (12′ version)
20. Hound Of Hell (outtake)