VENOM formed in 1979 in Newcastle upon Tyne. Coming to prominence towards the end of the new wave of British heavy metal, the band's first two albums — "Welcome To Hell" (1981) and "Black Metal" (1982) — are considered a major influence on thrash metal and extreme metal in general. VENOM's second album proved influential enough that its title was used as the name of the extreme metal subgenre of black metal. The band classic line-up trio of Cronos, Mantas and Abaddon recorded two further studio albums, "At War With Satan" (1984) and "Possessed" (1985), and live album, "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" (1986). Often cited by bands such as METALLICA, BEHEMOTH, CELTIC FROST and MAYHEM as major influences, they are one of the most revered bands of their generation. VENOM is still fronted by original singer/bassist Cronos and headlines festivals all over the globe and continues to release new music. This coming May 31 sees the release of "In Nomine Satanas" via BMG — a deluxe vinyl box set that celebrates VENOM's 40th anniversary and features the original Neat Records recordings from their 1981 debut "Welcome To Hell" to "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik", the live recording of their mythical appearance at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1985. All of the albums are remastered from the original tapes with embossed covers, posters and inserts like their original first editions. They're all now on color-configured vinyl too. The set also includes a 12-inch book detailing the history of the band featuring new interviews with all three members, written by respected journalist Dom Lawson. Of particular interest to hardcore VENOM fans will be the "Sons Of Satan" double album included within the set that features a treasure trove of unreleased demos from the bands vaults, some of which are mythical among fans who have known about their existence, but have never heard them as the tracks alluded bootleggers. Among the tracks are the earliest known VENOM performances, captured where the band rehearsed in 1979 at Westgate Road Church Hall in Newcastle's West End and featuring original singer Clive "Jesus Christ" Archer on vocals. Also included are the £50 demos from 1980, captured at Impulse Studios, alongside further demos from 1980 and the "At War With Satan" 1983 Impulse Studio demos. "In Nomine Satanas" features in full: 4LPs and 2 x 2LP "Welcome To Hell" (Remastered from original tapes on splatter vinyl. Comes with reproductions of original poster and insert with an embossed cover.) "Black Metal" (Remastered from original tapes on swirl vinyl. Comes with reproductions of original poster and insert with an embossed cover.) "At War With Satan" (Remastered from original tapes on splatter vinyl. Comes with reproduction 6-page roll fold booklet and leather book effect cover.) "Possessed" (Remastered from original tapes on splatter vinyl. Comes with reproductions of original poster, insert and sleeve on mirror board.) "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" (Pressed on half and half vinyl. Comes with reproductions of original gatefold and inserts.) "Bloodlust" (Planchette shaped 7” picture disc single) "Sons Of Satan" (New album of previously unreleased demos. Pressed on splatter vinyl. Gatefold cover) Merchandise 12" x 12" book of the story of VENOM written by renowned heavy metal journalist Dom Lawson from new interviews with Cronos, Mantas and Abaddon. Featuring previously unseen and rare photos and memorabilia. 90cm x 60cm two-sided poster of "Seven Dates Of Hell" tour poster. Reproduction "Seven Dates Of Hell" tour program. VENOM's Legions back patch. The first 300 orders from the official store will also receive a signed art card by Cronos. Also available as an introduction piece is the "In Nomine Satanas – The Neat Anthology" — a 22-track double-vinyl collection of VENOM's most evil songs, remastered and pressed on splatter vinyl, including rare photos and memorabilia from the band’s personal collection, plus interviews with the band. And for the non-vinyl collectors, there will also be a 43-track 2CD version, housed in a mediabook, that also includes two unreleased tracks. Pre-order the set at this location.
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