Powerful prime evil rock (before it was a fad)

Review Score: (10/10)
You remember those supposed back masked albums you used to play backwards, and strain to hear any evil (or even recognizable) lyrics? Well, Venom saves you the trouble of trying to spin your CD backwards. It's hardcore demonic heavy metal in normal play, and it isn't just some glitter evil band either, these guys belt out hard powerful speed metal (and were doing it before it was popular). They were doing this better and earlier than current speed bands (Megadeth, Slayer, etc.) I actually heard my first Venom album (yes album) back in 1981, and have been a fan ever since. No, I'm no Satanist, but I like the sound, and the lyrics are creepy and evil, yet not obviously written by some non-talented geek. There are serious devotees in this band, and they are singing about stuff either found in history or more arcane publications (such as the song about Countess Bathory). If you'r looking for something besides Enya, and want some dark music, be warned, this ain't your daddy'! s old CD (or...maybe it is!)

More Reviews:

• An excellent, somewhat underappreciated album
• addendum
• barely sub classic
• POWER IN MEMORY OF ALL TIME