Sunday, 28 August 2016
1985 (If only I could capitalise numbers)
Why the heading of 1985? And just why should there be a way to write that year in capital numbers?? This is a year that has had us thinking for a while now. I, on the one hand, remember it well (ok, vaguely) it was a fine year. Ouranos, on the other hand, wasn't even conceived in mind, never mind body. Yet this year has us musing and debating... just what happened in 1985?
Something did happen! An event that has been mentioned, but never explained or expanded on. A happening that Jeff Dunn has called, and I quote, 'disgusting and completely unecessary'. All we know is that this terrible and, it would seem, scarring deed was perpetrated by Cronos.
It has to be mentioned at this point that this crime against Jeff's sensibilities, although dragged up several times since the formation of Venom Inc, wasn't bad enough to stop him working with Cronos during the 1995 to 2000 reformation of Venom! Now, it would seem, 1985 is very fresh in Jeff's mind. Disgustingly and unecessarily fresh!
So, that brings us back to the question at hand. What the hell happened in 1985???
I'm taking it that we are talking about so much more than on tour high jinks here. Waking to the aroma of fart and someones arse in your face, or, to find yourself buck naked and some wag has thrown all of your clothes out of the window may be 'disgusting' and 'completely unecessary', but I feel certain that's not the type of thing Jeff is stewing over.
On the other end... touring low jinks, I'm pretty sure he's not talking about a raging, drink fuelled row or a huge punch-up either.
The event is talked about in such serious fashion that it has to be something more... and it's peaked our interest. Why would this even be brought up at all if details weren't going to be given, even just as proof to how bad this thing actually was.
So we're left wondering. What happened in 1985? Was it really THAT bad?? Why the hell mention it and not let us know what IT was??? Did anything actually happen at all???? Is it just a ruse to try to blackmark Cronos?????
WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED IN 1985 JEFF???
~Luna~ (seriously, 1985, I really want to know!)
Something did happen! An event that has been mentioned, but never explained or expanded on. A happening that Jeff Dunn has called, and I quote, 'disgusting and completely unecessary'. All we know is that this terrible and, it would seem, scarring deed was perpetrated by Cronos.
It has to be mentioned at this point that this crime against Jeff's sensibilities, although dragged up several times since the formation of Venom Inc, wasn't bad enough to stop him working with Cronos during the 1995 to 2000 reformation of Venom! Now, it would seem, 1985 is very fresh in Jeff's mind. Disgustingly and unecessarily fresh!
So, that brings us back to the question at hand. What the hell happened in 1985???
I'm taking it that we are talking about so much more than on tour high jinks here. Waking to the aroma of fart and someones arse in your face, or, to find yourself buck naked and some wag has thrown all of your clothes out of the window may be 'disgusting' and 'completely unecessary', but I feel certain that's not the type of thing Jeff is stewing over.
On the other end... touring low jinks, I'm pretty sure he's not talking about a raging, drink fuelled row or a huge punch-up either.
The event is talked about in such serious fashion that it has to be something more... and it's peaked our interest. Why would this even be brought up at all if details weren't going to be given, even just as proof to how bad this thing actually was.
So we're left wondering. What happened in 1985? Was it really THAT bad?? Why the hell mention it and not let us know what IT was??? Did anything actually happen at all???? Is it just a ruse to try to blackmark Cronos?????
WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED IN 1985 JEFF???
~Luna~ (seriously, 1985, I really want to know!)
Debunking the Smack - Part I: The 'Captive Audience' Debacle
Hello, folks! First of all, much apologies for the huge delay in updating; I realize there's very little chance of anyone actually reading this blog (though if you do, that's awesome and we're super glad to have you here!) but we do mean to update a lot more frequently than this, so we will from now on.
Now, onto the actual reason for this post! As we mentioned in our first post, there's been a lot of what we would call 'smack' being talked these days; namely, by the members of Venom Inc, about the members of the actual Venom. Now because of the fact that certain members of the Venom Inc camp have said the smack-talking is actually coming from Venom's side, what we're eventually going to do is compile a big, huge, grand masterpost of all the smack that's been said by everyone involved to prove in no uncertain terms that that claim is untrue; but that's a huuuuuge job, so it'll take some time. (I'll shove a link to it here when it's done, though!)
So while we work on our smack-compilation, we've got another few points to make in the meantime. Just before we do, though, I'd like to ask a question. What's worse than unnecessary and whiny smack-talk from fully grown men who really ought to have better things to do?
Yep, you got it: unnecessary and whiny smack-talk which is untrue from fully grown men who really ought to have better things to do!
In our opinion, one of the worst things about Abaddon and Mantas's badmouthing is the fact that a good 95% of it is actually just lies fuelled by bitterness (and the rest of it is whining fuelled by bitterness!) So in these posts - our shiny and brand-spanking-new Debunking the Smack series - we're gonna debunk some of the things they've said and out 'em as outright untruths. And first off, we have a little something I like to call...
Now, onto the actual reason for this post! As we mentioned in our first post, there's been a lot of what we would call 'smack' being talked these days; namely, by the members of Venom Inc, about the members of the actual Venom. Now because of the fact that certain members of the Venom Inc camp have said the smack-talking is actually coming from Venom's side, what we're eventually going to do is compile a big, huge, grand masterpost of all the smack that's been said by everyone involved to prove in no uncertain terms that that claim is untrue; but that's a huuuuuge job, so it'll take some time. (I'll shove a link to it here when it's done, though!)
So while we work on our smack-compilation, we've got another few points to make in the meantime. Just before we do, though, I'd like to ask a question. What's worse than unnecessary and whiny smack-talk from fully grown men who really ought to have better things to do?
Yep, you got it: unnecessary and whiny smack-talk which is untrue from fully grown men who really ought to have better things to do!
In our opinion, one of the worst things about Abaddon and Mantas's badmouthing is the fact that a good 95% of it is actually just lies fuelled by bitterness (and the rest of it is whining fuelled by bitterness!) So in these posts - our shiny and brand-spanking-new Debunking the Smack series - we're gonna debunk some of the things they've said and out 'em as outright untruths. And first off, we have a little something I like to call...
The 'Captive Audience' Debacle
According to Abaddon in an interview from 2015 (which I will post the link to as soon as I find it again,) the audiences at the shows performed by the real Venom are 'captive.' He says they're only there because they were waiting to see other bands performing at the same festival. Well, y'know what? We did some digging and it's got to be said, it might just be that he has a point on that one... Have a look at these screenshots we took from clips of various recent Venom gigs and see if you agree.
 |
| Would you look at those poor captives at 2016's Maryland Deathfest. Forced to raise their hands and throw horns! |
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| It breaks my heart to look at these people at 2015's Rock Hard Festival. They even forced that man into a Venom T-shirt! |
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| And this photo from 2015's 70,000 Tons of Metal shows that DAMMIT, THEY'VE EVEN GOT CAPTIVES ON A BOAT! |
Yeah... so, as we can see from these photos - and any video of Venom playing live at, well, any point ever - the audiences are clearly not captives. Seeing 'em all cheering and singing, raising their fists, throwing their horns and wearing their Venom T-shirts all entirely of their own free will, it's clear to see that these people are having a great time out there; and judging by the amount of excitement that gets up anytime Venom are going to play live, it's obvious that they certainly aren't just there on their way to see someone else playing. So with that in mind, I'd say that particular comment has been debunked; and if anyone's in doubt of that, I'd recommend going to YouTube, putting on any clip of a Venom show, and taking a look at the legions of adoring masses out there watching them. They are always having far too much of a good time to be 'captives.'
~ Ouranos
~ Ouranos
Tuesday, 28 June 2016
The Most Scathing and Mean Review Ever
'Ello, folks, Ouranos here to share something that I snickered at... maaaaaybe a little more than I should've, haha.
Let me just ask first, though; have you ever heard ex-Venom guitarist Mantas's solo project? For anyone who hasn't heard of it, Mantas and friends - a different group of friends each time - released two albums; Winds of Change in 1988 and Zero Tolerance in 2005. As far as the music goes, WoC was American-style power metal, and ZT was more in the nu-metal style. Personally, I found them to be like really bad versions of Foreigner and Fear Factory respectively; and no, it's not just because of the fact that I happen to dislike Mantas as a person, the music genuinely wasn't worth listening to. However, I saw that these albums were actually quite decently recieved in terms of reviews online, so I began to wonder if maybe it was just me who didn't like them.
By the looks of things, though, it really isn't just me who's not a fan of Mantas's solo efforts; and that leads me to what it is I came to share today. Everyone, may I present to you what I reckon may actually be the most scathing and mean review ever; a review written by Metal Archives' demonomania.
For those who don't feel like clicking the link, the review basically details demonomania's vision of how Mantas - referred to in this review by all sorts of colourful names, my favourites of which have got to be Man-tits, Man-ass and Manatee - got his band together after hearing a bargain bin copy of Psalm 69, only to throw ZT's release party and be met with the sight of absolutely no-one showing up; so Man-tits-- er, Mantas, is left to go to sleep at night consoling himself on his 'greatness'... to the tune of an inner voice that 'kept whispering in a strong Cockney accent, "It ain’t true.”' This thing manages to tear down everything from the lyrics to the guitar riffs with a viciousness and humour that can only be described as wonderful; this little summary here doesn't even come close to explaining the hilarity of the review's wording and general set-up, so I'd highly encourage anyone to give it a read for themselves!
~ Ouranos
Let me just ask first, though; have you ever heard ex-Venom guitarist Mantas's solo project? For anyone who hasn't heard of it, Mantas and friends - a different group of friends each time - released two albums; Winds of Change in 1988 and Zero Tolerance in 2005. As far as the music goes, WoC was American-style power metal, and ZT was more in the nu-metal style. Personally, I found them to be like really bad versions of Foreigner and Fear Factory respectively; and no, it's not just because of the fact that I happen to dislike Mantas as a person, the music genuinely wasn't worth listening to. However, I saw that these albums were actually quite decently recieved in terms of reviews online, so I began to wonder if maybe it was just me who didn't like them.
By the looks of things, though, it really isn't just me who's not a fan of Mantas's solo efforts; and that leads me to what it is I came to share today. Everyone, may I present to you what I reckon may actually be the most scathing and mean review ever; a review written by Metal Archives' demonomania.
For those who don't feel like clicking the link, the review basically details demonomania's vision of how Mantas - referred to in this review by all sorts of colourful names, my favourites of which have got to be Man-tits, Man-ass and Manatee - got his band together after hearing a bargain bin copy of Psalm 69, only to throw ZT's release party and be met with the sight of absolutely no-one showing up; so Man-tits-- er, Mantas, is left to go to sleep at night consoling himself on his 'greatness'... to the tune of an inner voice that 'kept whispering in a strong Cockney accent, "It ain’t true.”' This thing manages to tear down everything from the lyrics to the guitar riffs with a viciousness and humour that can only be described as wonderful; this little summary here doesn't even come close to explaining the hilarity of the review's wording and general set-up, so I'd highly encourage anyone to give it a read for themselves!
~ Ouranos
Monday, 27 June 2016
Standing Up and Being Counted
"Are you with us, right until the end?"
So sang Cronos on the legendary Venom track Stand Up (and Be Counted), a song that's been exciting Legions like you and I for over thirty years now. Today, I'd like to share my thoughts on that question and how I personally answer it, and the reasons why; all of which are very connected to the reasons I'm taking part in this blog in the first place.
I first got into Venom quite some time ago, so I can't quite remember the details of how and when it happened; however, I do remember when I fell in love with Venom. I was attempting to listen to a podcast of an interview with two members of other bands; this podcast also played songs by the bands who the interviewees were speaking about, one of which was the wonderful Bloodlust. As soon as I heard that killer song, I just wanted to hear it again and again, so I ended up listening to it on repeat for a while rather than the actual interview... and when I did actually finish the interview, I hopped onto youtube to listen to Bloodlust some more! After that, I listened to the rest of the band's glorious catalogue - Black Metal, which I was already familiar with and knew I enjoyed, Welcome to Hell and At War with Satan, Fallen Angels, Calm Before the Storm, Possessed... clearly, I didn't do it in order - and I've been a proud member of the Legions ever since. <3
However, as I got deeper and deeper into Venom, I also got deeper and deeper into the conflict surrounding Venom. It didn't take long to discover the whole 'Venom vs Venom Inc' situation, and to learn about all the fallings out and arguments between Cronos, Mantas and Abaddon that took place over the years. And no, despite what Tony Dolan keeps trying to say these days, it really isn't as easy as having both bands and being able to enjoy them both; Venom Inc's other two members keep saying outright inflammatory things - talking smack, a subject you'll see us broach a lot on this blog - and as such, it does get to the point where fans do feel the need to choose a side and stand on it.
The fact is, though, that my side was chosen well before I even waded into the murky depths of the argument. I didn't know it at the time, since I was blissfully unaware of the divide between the three members of the original line-up when I first got into the band, but my side was chosen from the very moment I finished reading the very first interview I ever saw with Cronos.
Time marched on and I fell ever deeper in love with Venom. I sought out more and more interviews, live shows, pictures, anything I could find in the deep and dark reaches of... well, a web search. I learned of Venom Inc and the less-than-friendly words spoken from every party about every other party. And as time marched on, I began to notice some patterns going on.
For every time I heard Abaddon refer to providing Venom's famous stage show as 'our job' in a flat tone, I heard Cronos excitedly ramble on about how the fans would never forget the previous day's show and how Venom would be the first band to play on the moon.
For every time that I've seen Mantas and Abaddon try to distance themselves from Venom musically by playing drastically different styles because their hearts were clearly not with the black metal genre that they had a hand in developing (as evidenced by Abaddon's self-titled solo album of industrial-ish dance-ish metal-ish music, and Mantas's nu-metal and Foreigner wannabe efforts,) I've seen Cronos talk enthusiastically and passionately about how proud he is for starting it.
For every year that the Venom Inc who do everything for their fans and always put them first and love them so much were taking part in other musical projects without even thinking about the disappointed Venom fans they left behind, Cronos was flying the flag for Venom's sake, and for the sake of we Legions.
And more than anything, I began to notice that there was a difference between the way in which the bands presented their love for the fans. On one hand, you got Venom Inc blabbering on about how it's the fans' band and how they wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the fans and etc., while Abaddon's arguing with interviewers to such an embarrassing extent that the Demolition Man has to come back into the room and try to calmly undo the damage his drummer's done. On the other, you got Cronos informing us of how determined he is not to let his fans down, how much he appreciates our support, even how much he outright couldn't bear it if he disappointed us; and he shows it, by being his enthusiastic and passionate and sparkling self in every interview... oh yeah, and not getting outright argumentative with the fans he claims to love so much. (C'mon, Abaddon, you're in your fifties now. Surely you gotta see that kinda behaviour was A) wrong, and B) contradictory to the image you're trying to portray.)
So, now that I've waded through those murky depths and educated myself fully on both sides of the war, all that's happened is that I've become more aware than ever of the thing I knew from the beginning. In a particularly passionate and touching few paragraphs, Cronos has stated that he believes "you have to be brave and selfless to achieve greatness," that "Venom's Legions deserve only the best of the best at all times," and he ended this particular talk by saying that he would "get the right people to create the greatest line up, who play amazing shows and create killer albums if it's the last thing I do, its my mission and I'm not ready to quit any time soon, yes Venom will be everything I wanted it to be and the Legions will be proud to support this amazing band"; and that right there encapsulates, in my opinion, a truly special and admirable individual with determination, respect for the fans, and integrity that is rivalled by none.
The man is brave and selfless, someone who'll fight for his own vision and for the sake of his Legions; and more than anything, I'm proud to support him.
So after giving my reasons why, I'll happily give my answer to that thirty-odd year old question now.
I'm with Cronos, right until the end.
~ Ouranos
So sang Cronos on the legendary Venom track Stand Up (and Be Counted), a song that's been exciting Legions like you and I for over thirty years now. Today, I'd like to share my thoughts on that question and how I personally answer it, and the reasons why; all of which are very connected to the reasons I'm taking part in this blog in the first place.
I first got into Venom quite some time ago, so I can't quite remember the details of how and when it happened; however, I do remember when I fell in love with Venom. I was attempting to listen to a podcast of an interview with two members of other bands; this podcast also played songs by the bands who the interviewees were speaking about, one of which was the wonderful Bloodlust. As soon as I heard that killer song, I just wanted to hear it again and again, so I ended up listening to it on repeat for a while rather than the actual interview... and when I did actually finish the interview, I hopped onto youtube to listen to Bloodlust some more! After that, I listened to the rest of the band's glorious catalogue - Black Metal, which I was already familiar with and knew I enjoyed, Welcome to Hell and At War with Satan, Fallen Angels, Calm Before the Storm, Possessed... clearly, I didn't do it in order - and I've been a proud member of the Legions ever since. <3
However, as I got deeper and deeper into Venom, I also got deeper and deeper into the conflict surrounding Venom. It didn't take long to discover the whole 'Venom vs Venom Inc' situation, and to learn about all the fallings out and arguments between Cronos, Mantas and Abaddon that took place over the years. And no, despite what Tony Dolan keeps trying to say these days, it really isn't as easy as having both bands and being able to enjoy them both; Venom Inc's other two members keep saying outright inflammatory things - talking smack, a subject you'll see us broach a lot on this blog - and as such, it does get to the point where fans do feel the need to choose a side and stand on it.
The fact is, though, that my side was chosen well before I even waded into the murky depths of the argument. I didn't know it at the time, since I was blissfully unaware of the divide between the three members of the original line-up when I first got into the band, but my side was chosen from the very moment I finished reading the very first interview I ever saw with Cronos.
"...But it is humbling when you meet fans. You realize you have the most fantastic job in the world, but you’re responsible for that position when you meet fans who cry and shake with excitement and such awe that they’re finally meeting you. Because I know what it’s like to be a superfan. I’ve slept outside of concert halls for Van Halen and Status Quo tickets. I know what it’s like to really, really look up to another artist. I know what it’s like to see a band in a concert hall and look up on that stage and think, “Fuck, I wish that was me.” So to meet these fans who get so emotional, it’s hard sometimes. You get a lump in your throat. That’s when you know it’s not a game; it’s not a joke. But I don’t get these rock stars who hang out in bars with drumsticks in their back pockets going, “Hey, baby…” or whatever. You’re not that important, you know? You’re not a brain surgeon. You’re not a rocket scientist. You’ve haven’t changed the world. Wake up, you fuckin’ idiot." - Cronos, November 2014I'd heard tell that Cronos was a nice bloke before, from members of other bands who idolize and hold him as an inspiration, but it was during that exact paragraph that it dawned on me for myself; this one's not just talented and imaginative and handsome... This one's special. In a world full of people who take their fans for granted, who sneer down at their adoring masses as if they're nothing, or who use their position as nothing more than a platform for picking up loose partners for a night's fun, the man who inspired a countless number of bands and several genres across metal music is still getting a lump in his throat when his Legions get emotional as they meet him. He still recalls what it's like to be in the fans' position. He still gets humbled when he meets fans. That was, and still is, a beautiful thing in my eyes.
Time marched on and I fell ever deeper in love with Venom. I sought out more and more interviews, live shows, pictures, anything I could find in the deep and dark reaches of... well, a web search. I learned of Venom Inc and the less-than-friendly words spoken from every party about every other party. And as time marched on, I began to notice some patterns going on.
For every time I heard Abaddon refer to providing Venom's famous stage show as 'our job' in a flat tone, I heard Cronos excitedly ramble on about how the fans would never forget the previous day's show and how Venom would be the first band to play on the moon.
For every time that I've seen Mantas and Abaddon try to distance themselves from Venom musically by playing drastically different styles because their hearts were clearly not with the black metal genre that they had a hand in developing (as evidenced by Abaddon's self-titled solo album of industrial-ish dance-ish metal-ish music, and Mantas's nu-metal and Foreigner wannabe efforts,) I've seen Cronos talk enthusiastically and passionately about how proud he is for starting it.
For every year that the Venom Inc who do everything for their fans and always put them first and love them so much were taking part in other musical projects without even thinking about the disappointed Venom fans they left behind, Cronos was flying the flag for Venom's sake, and for the sake of we Legions.
And more than anything, I began to notice that there was a difference between the way in which the bands presented their love for the fans. On one hand, you got Venom Inc blabbering on about how it's the fans' band and how they wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the fans and etc., while Abaddon's arguing with interviewers to such an embarrassing extent that the Demolition Man has to come back into the room and try to calmly undo the damage his drummer's done. On the other, you got Cronos informing us of how determined he is not to let his fans down, how much he appreciates our support, even how much he outright couldn't bear it if he disappointed us; and he shows it, by being his enthusiastic and passionate and sparkling self in every interview... oh yeah, and not getting outright argumentative with the fans he claims to love so much. (C'mon, Abaddon, you're in your fifties now. Surely you gotta see that kinda behaviour was A) wrong, and B) contradictory to the image you're trying to portray.)
So, now that I've waded through those murky depths and educated myself fully on both sides of the war, all that's happened is that I've become more aware than ever of the thing I knew from the beginning. In a particularly passionate and touching few paragraphs, Cronos has stated that he believes "you have to be brave and selfless to achieve greatness," that "Venom's Legions deserve only the best of the best at all times," and he ended this particular talk by saying that he would "get the right people to create the greatest line up, who play amazing shows and create killer albums if it's the last thing I do, its my mission and I'm not ready to quit any time soon, yes Venom will be everything I wanted it to be and the Legions will be proud to support this amazing band"; and that right there encapsulates, in my opinion, a truly special and admirable individual with determination, respect for the fans, and integrity that is rivalled by none.
The man is brave and selfless, someone who'll fight for his own vision and for the sake of his Legions; and more than anything, I'm proud to support him.
So after giving my reasons why, I'll happily give my answer to that thirty-odd year old question now.
I'm with Cronos, right until the end.
~ Ouranos
Sick of the Smack
Like any other fans of Venom we have had to make peace with the fact that the members of the classic line up, how shall I put this..... don't exactly love each other. In fact they out and out dislike each other. Now, when you get strong, opinionated and sometimes volatile personalities at close working quarters that, unfortunately, is often the case. In that situation people just have to cut their losses, part ways and get on with their lives and careers. That's what Venom did, on several occasions, the last occasion being in 2000 when Cronos and Mantas finally parted ways. So why is there still drama being dragged up in 2016?
The issue of a name that should never have existed in the first place, that's why. The issue that is, not the name.
Some promoter manages to arrange it so that Mantas and Abaddon are reunited in a band (something Mantas states he never saw himself doing and a decision which he seems to have had to really think about) along with Tony 'Demolition Man' Dolan. The trio wanted to name themselves Iron and Steel. Nothing wrong there! This whole thing would have been fine and well and a whole load of drama would have been avoided but the promoter had a different name in mind. Venom Inc. And there in lies the whole problem.
That was an incendiary move. My guess is the promoter may have been very aware of that. After all being provocative stirs people up and gets them talking. I myself can think of far better ways of gaining attention than trying to start a public bitch fight. As fans we're sick of the back biting.
Done right this could have been exactly what Tony Dolan (as often as not the voice of reason in the Venom Inc camp) says it is. A good thing... the best of both worlds. Not one band to take sides with, but two bands to enjoy.
Unfortunately, that's hard to do when bad blood is being spilled over nearly every interview we've seen or read.
In 2005 Cronos got in touch with Mantas and asked permission to carry on as Venom. If you get permission to carry on as a band that involves use of the name and logo. They are integrally part of the band. We've heard Mantas' explanation of what was going on in his life at the time and we sympathise with that. Maybe he wasn't thinking straight at the time, but that was ten years before the Venom Inc debacle arose. There was ten years for him to approach Cronos and state that he had made a mistake and rethought his decision. By the time issues around the name arose Venom had been carrying on and produced four new albums. At this point I'd also like to ask why the decision about the name rests with Jeff... wasn't it a roadie who came up with the name, if we're going to get really petty about it.
As for the logo.... ok, Abaddon designed it. For the band. He has spent a lot of time out of the band with the logo still being used. Why drag it up now? Why not do that way back?
Now to the question of why we are dragging this out now. Like I said before, we're kind of sick of the devisive atmosphere being created around these two bands. The bitching, the bad blood. Recently Zero Tolerance was bought (due to a cover featuring Abbath!) only for our reading pleasure to be marred by yet another episode of back biting in interview form courtesy of Jeff Dunn. It wasn't even anything new. It was the same stuff pedalled in as many Venom Inc interviews. When is this going to stop?
Instead of having two bands to enjoy the bitching has made us feel we have to take a side and we're siding with Venom. Cronos' Venom. The band that has been going for years. The one with the most stable line up to date. Abaddon called Venom a cover band; well as far as we understand cover bands don't write new material, put out new albums and perform new material in their set. (If you're going to talk smack, try to make sure that smack makes sense!)
This is a sad situation; all the sadder because this isn't a bunch of young, hot-headed boys we're talking about. These are men in their fifties who, by this time, should know how to settle their differences without making it a public drama.
~ Luna ~
The issue of a name that should never have existed in the first place, that's why. The issue that is, not the name.
Some promoter manages to arrange it so that Mantas and Abaddon are reunited in a band (something Mantas states he never saw himself doing and a decision which he seems to have had to really think about) along with Tony 'Demolition Man' Dolan. The trio wanted to name themselves Iron and Steel. Nothing wrong there! This whole thing would have been fine and well and a whole load of drama would have been avoided but the promoter had a different name in mind. Venom Inc. And there in lies the whole problem.
That was an incendiary move. My guess is the promoter may have been very aware of that. After all being provocative stirs people up and gets them talking. I myself can think of far better ways of gaining attention than trying to start a public bitch fight. As fans we're sick of the back biting.
Done right this could have been exactly what Tony Dolan (as often as not the voice of reason in the Venom Inc camp) says it is. A good thing... the best of both worlds. Not one band to take sides with, but two bands to enjoy.
Unfortunately, that's hard to do when bad blood is being spilled over nearly every interview we've seen or read.
In 2005 Cronos got in touch with Mantas and asked permission to carry on as Venom. If you get permission to carry on as a band that involves use of the name and logo. They are integrally part of the band. We've heard Mantas' explanation of what was going on in his life at the time and we sympathise with that. Maybe he wasn't thinking straight at the time, but that was ten years before the Venom Inc debacle arose. There was ten years for him to approach Cronos and state that he had made a mistake and rethought his decision. By the time issues around the name arose Venom had been carrying on and produced four new albums. At this point I'd also like to ask why the decision about the name rests with Jeff... wasn't it a roadie who came up with the name, if we're going to get really petty about it.
As for the logo.... ok, Abaddon designed it. For the band. He has spent a lot of time out of the band with the logo still being used. Why drag it up now? Why not do that way back?
Now to the question of why we are dragging this out now. Like I said before, we're kind of sick of the devisive atmosphere being created around these two bands. The bitching, the bad blood. Recently Zero Tolerance was bought (due to a cover featuring Abbath!) only for our reading pleasure to be marred by yet another episode of back biting in interview form courtesy of Jeff Dunn. It wasn't even anything new. It was the same stuff pedalled in as many Venom Inc interviews. When is this going to stop?
Instead of having two bands to enjoy the bitching has made us feel we have to take a side and we're siding with Venom. Cronos' Venom. The band that has been going for years. The one with the most stable line up to date. Abaddon called Venom a cover band; well as far as we understand cover bands don't write new material, put out new albums and perform new material in their set. (If you're going to talk smack, try to make sure that smack makes sense!)
This is a sad situation; all the sadder because this isn't a bunch of young, hot-headed boys we're talking about. These are men in their fifties who, by this time, should know how to settle their differences without making it a public drama.
~ Luna ~
Sunday, 26 June 2016
An honourable little mention - Demon
They're gonna rock you and roll you and move you.....
Tracklist:
Angel Dust
Raise The Dead
Red Light Fever
Line-up:
Clive Archer - Vocals
Raise The Dead
Red Light Fever
Line-up:
Clive Archer - Vocals
Cronos - Bass
Mantas - Guitar
Abaddon - Drums
This demo was the disc that started it. Recorded at Impulse Studios and recorded by Mickey Sweeney. The story goes that Cronos, who worked at Neat Records, arranged for some free studio time as the guys had no money for the recording. Neat Records obliged and Mickey Sweeney gave his services free gratis. Good job too. This is a great little demo and a good taste of things to come. Also it's nice to listen to Raise The Dead in its original form.
Mantas - Guitar
Abaddon - Drums
This demo was the disc that started it. Recorded at Impulse Studios and recorded by Mickey Sweeney. The story goes that Cronos, who worked at Neat Records, arranged for some free studio time as the guys had no money for the recording. Neat Records obliged and Mickey Sweeney gave his services free gratis. Good job too. This is a great little demo and a good taste of things to come. Also it's nice to listen to Raise The Dead in its original form.
Mantas, Cronos, Clive and Abaddon
Venom Discography Part II ~ The Albums (1997 onwards)
 |
| Cast in Stone... unlike this line-up |
Released November 1997
Tracklist:
Disc 1 - Side A
The Evil One
Raised in Hell
All Devils Eve
Bleeding
Disc 1 - Side B
Destroyed & Damned
Domus Mundi
Flight of the Hydra
Disc 2 - Side A
God's Forsaken
Mortals
Infectious
Kings of Evil
Disc 2 - Side B
You're All Gonna Die
Judgement Day
Swarm
Disc 3 - Side A
Intro
Bloodlust
Die Hard
Acid Queen
Burstin' Out
Warhead
Disc 3 - Side B
Ladylust
Manitou
Rip Ride
Venom
~*~
Resurrection
Released June 2000
Tracklist:
Disc 1 - Side A
Resurrection
Vengeance
War Against Christ
All There Is Fear
Disc 1 - Side B
Pain
Pandemonium
Loaded
Firelight
Disc 2 - Side A
Black Flame (of Satan)
Control Freak
Disbeliever
Man Myth & Magic
Disc 2 - Side B
Thirteen
Leviathan
~*~
Metal Black
Released March 2006
Tracklist:
Antechrist
Burn in Hell
House of Pain
Death & Dying
Rege Satanas
Darkest Realm
A Good Day to Die
Assassin
Lucifer Rising
Blessed Dead
Hours of Darkness
Sleep When I'm Dead
Maleficarvm
Metal Black
~*~
Hell
Released June 2008
Tracklist:
Side A
Straight to Hell
The Power & The Glory
Hand of God
Fall from Grace
Hell
Evil Perfection
Side B
Stab U in the Back
Armageddon
Kill the Music
Evilution Devilution
Blood Sky
USA for Satan
Dirge / Awakening
~*~
Fallen Angels
Released November 2011
Tracklist:
Hammerhead
Nemesis
Pedal to the Metal
Lap of the Gods
Damnation of Souls
Beggarman
Hail Satanas
Sin
Punk's Not Dead
Death Be Thy Name
Lest We Forget
Valley of the Kings
Fallen Angels
Special Edition Tracks:
Annunaki Legacy
Blackened Blues
~*~
From the Very Depths
~*~
 |
| After the original line-up wasn't so 'cast in stone,' this album was exactly what it said on the tin! |
Released June 2000
Tracklist:
Disc 1 - Side A
Resurrection
Vengeance
War Against Christ
All There Is Fear
Disc 1 - Side B
Pain
Pandemonium
Loaded
Firelight
Disc 2 - Side A
Black Flame (of Satan)
Control Freak
Disbeliever
Man Myth & Magic
Disc 2 - Side B
Thirteen
Leviathan
~*~
 |
| "Venom's calling - join the pack..." |
Released March 2006
Tracklist:
Antechrist
Burn in Hell
House of Pain
Death & Dying
Rege Satanas
Darkest Realm
A Good Day to Die
Assassin
Lucifer Rising
Blessed Dead
Hours of Darkness
Sleep When I'm Dead
Maleficarvm
Metal Black
~*~
 |
| On the night that the black angel fell, they opened the gate for this album called Hell! |
Released June 2008
Tracklist:
Side A
Straight to Hell
The Power & The Glory
Hand of God
Fall from Grace
Hell
Evil Perfection
Side B
Stab U in the Back
Armageddon
Kill the Music
Evilution Devilution
Blood Sky
USA for Satan
Dirge / Awakening
~*~
 |
| The angels might've fallen, but the longest-running Venom line-up rose; this was their first album together! |
Released November 2011
Tracklist:
Hammerhead
Nemesis
Pedal to the Metal
Lap of the Gods
Damnation of Souls
Beggarman
Hail Satanas
Sin
Punk's Not Dead
Death Be Thy Name
Lest We Forget
Valley of the Kings
Fallen Angels
Special Edition Tracks:
Annunaki Legacy
Blackened Blues
~*~
 |
| I'll ask the question, you will confess; do you worship Venom from the very depths? |
Released January 2015
Tracklist:
Eruptus
From the Very Depths
The Death of Rock'n'Roll
Smoke
Temptation
Long Haired Punks
Stigmata Satanas
Crucified
Evil Law
Grinding Teeth
Ouverture
Mephistopheles
Wings of Valkyrie
Rise
Tracklist:
Eruptus
From the Very Depths
The Death of Rock'n'Roll
Smoke
Temptation
Long Haired Punks
Stigmata Satanas
Crucified
Evil Law
Grinding Teeth
Ouverture
Mephistopheles
Wings of Valkyrie
Rise
Friday, 24 June 2016
Venom Discography Part I ~ The Albums (1981 to 1987)
 |
| The record that launched a thousand genres! |
Welcome to Hell
Released December 1981
Tracklist:
Side A
Sons of Satan
Welcome to Hell
Schizo
Mayhem with Mercy
Poison
Live Like an Angel (Die Like a Devil)
Side B
Witching Hour
One Thousand Days in Sodom
Angel Dust
In League with Satan
Red Light Fever
~*~
 |
| Lay down your souls, Legions! |
Black Metal
Released November 1982
Tracklist:
Side A - Black
Black Metal
To Hell and Back
Buried Alive
Raise the Dead
Teacher's Pet
Side B - Metal
Leave Me in Hell
Sacrifice
Heaven's on Fire
Countess Bathory
Don't Burn the Witch
At War with Satan (Preview)
~*~
 |
| "Are you damned in Hell...?" |
At War with Satan
Released April 1984
Tracklist:
Side A
At War with Satan
Side B
Rip Ride
Genocide
Cry Wolf
Stand Up (and Be Counted)
Women, Leather and Hell
Aaaaaaarrghh
~*~
 |
| These children were clearly being brought up to have great taste! |
Possessed
Released April 1985
Tracklist:
Side A
Powerdrive
Flytrap
Satanachist
Burn This Place (To the Ground)
Harmony Dies
Possessed
Side B
Hellchild
Moonshine
Wing and a Prayer
Suffer Not the Children
Voyeur
Mystique
Too Loud (For the Crowd)
~*~
 |
| "And it's coming for you..." |
Calm Before the Storm
Released November 1987
Tracklist:
Side A
Black Xmas
The Chanting of the Priests
Metal Punk
Under a Spell
Calm Before the Storm
Side B
Fire
Krackin' Up
Beauty and the Beast
Deadline
Gypsy
Muscle
Conrad 'CRONOS' Lant
Conrad Lant - better known as Cronos - joined the band Guillotine in 1978. This band contained Cronos on guitar, Alan Winston on bass, Jeff 'Mantas' Dunn on lead guitar and Tony 'Abaddon' Bray on drums, and Clive Archer on vocals. In 1980, Alan Winston left, leaving Cronos to switch to bass duties. It was at this time that the band changed its name to Venom. In 1981, Clive also left, and Cronos took his place singing; this led to the formation of the 'classic' Venom line-up.
Things went well, and the band quickly found fame, going on to influence many metal styles but also being known for their humour. By 1988, things were not so humourous; band conflicts and a feeling that the band was going nowhere led Cronos to leave, and form his own eponymous project. This band included Cronos on bass and vocals, Mike Hickey (who would later be known as Mykvs) and Jimmy Clare on guitars, and a succession of drummers which included Chris Patterson, Ian McCormack, and Mark Wharton.
In 1995, Cronos reformed the classic line-up of Venom. A three record deal was signed, but drummer Abaddon refused to play drums on the second album. This led to Cronos drafting in his brother Antton. Next to leave the band was Mantas, who was replaced by ex-Cronos guitarist Mykvs. A climbing accident in 2002 put Cronos out of action for two years. In 2005, after gaining permission from Mantas to use the name Venom, Cronos once again resurrected the band. The line-up today which includes Cronos, Rage on guitar, and Dante on drums, is the longest running version of Venom to date.
Cronos was born Conrad Thomas Lant on January 15th 1963 in London, to Thomas and Esmee Lant. The family moved back to their hometown in North Shields when Cronos was around nine. It wasn't an easy transition; the young Conrad had to settle into the hardest of schools and his London accent didn't exactly make it easy. During an airgun 'incident' as a teenager, Conrad was blinded in one eye, making it hard for him to read the blackboard in school. Because of this, he was excused from subjects such as maths and English, and was allowed to focus more on art and music.
As a youngster, he had already decided he wanted to be either a musician or an actor. Deciding to go down the music path, he was in the bands Dwarfstar and Album Graecum while still at school, until joining Guillotine as a guitarist. The rest of his band career is pretty much history!
Being a confident and flamboyant stage performer, he soon became something of an iconic figure on the metal scene, which he remains to this day. Cronos, along with Venom, has been an influence - if not an integral part of the forming - of many of the metal styles of today; including death metal, thrash metal, and black metal, which was Venom's original creation.
Never a man to compromise, Cronos remains dedicated to the original Venom ideals of bringing great music and a great live stage show to the Legions.
What the hell is this all about?
Good question!
This is a blog we felt we had to do. As Venom fans we are a little tired of the smack coming from certain quarters in the general direction of one Conrad Lant aka Cronos. Cronos... the man who has kept the name and spirit of Venom going. The man who has always stuck to his ideals and word. The man who truly cares for his fans and those who have stuck by Venom in good times and bad. There are many, many points to make on these subjects and more but this will all be done in posts to come.
If anybody does happen to find us in the dark, dank depths of Blogger and wants to weigh in on anything posted, good or bad, pro or con, feel free.
As to usage of material we will be quoting from sources, posting links and posting photos. We can't always credit due to just not knowing the original sources but if anyone finds anything here which they own and wish to be credited for, or wish to have removed, just get in touch.
Of course it won't all be the serious work of pointing out why Venom are the real deal and Venom Inc are a two faced, smack talking boy band put together by a promoter to ride the wave of Heavy Metal nostalgia...
This is a blog we felt we had to do. As Venom fans we are a little tired of the smack coming from certain quarters in the general direction of one Conrad Lant aka Cronos. Cronos... the man who has kept the name and spirit of Venom going. The man who has always stuck to his ideals and word. The man who truly cares for his fans and those who have stuck by Venom in good times and bad. There are many, many points to make on these subjects and more but this will all be done in posts to come.
If anybody does happen to find us in the dark, dank depths of Blogger and wants to weigh in on anything posted, good or bad, pro or con, feel free.
As to usage of material we will be quoting from sources, posting links and posting photos. We can't always credit due to just not knowing the original sources but if anyone finds anything here which they own and wish to be credited for, or wish to have removed, just get in touch.
Of course it won't all be the serious work of pointing out why Venom are the real deal and Venom Inc are a two faced, smack talking boy band put together by a promoter to ride the wave of Heavy Metal nostalgia...
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