"Calm Before the Storm" is the fifth album by Venom and the first after the departure of Jeff "Mantas" Dunn. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
Detailed Description: |
Vinyl albums have long been a popular medium for music, and the Venom album "Calm Before The Storm" is no exception. Released in 1987, the album represents a departure from the band's previous work, offering a more polished and melodic sound while still retaining their signature heavy metal edge. In this web-page, we will explore the album in more detail, discussing its history, musical style, and legacy within the metal genre. History Venom, formed in Newcastle, England in 1978, quickly became known for their aggressive, no-holds-barred approach to metal. Their first three albums, "Welcome to Hell" (1981), "Black Metal" (1982), and "At War With Satan" (1984), established the band as pioneers of the black metal genre, inspiring countless bands to follow in their footsteps. However, by the time "Calm Before The Storm" was released in 1987, the band had undergone some significant changes. Original guitarist Mantas had left the band, and the remaining members - vocalist/bassist Cronos and drummer Abaddon - had decided to take a different approach to their music. Musical Style "Calm Before The Storm" represents a departure from Venom's earlier work, with a more polished, melodic sound that leans more towards traditional heavy metal than black metal. The album features catchy, anthemic choruses and melodic guitar solos, while still retaining the band's trademark aggression and intensity. Songs like "Black Xmas" and "Shadow King" showcase the band's newfound melodic sensibilities, while tracks like "Resurrection" and "Muscle" demonstrate their continued dedication to heavy riffs and pounding rhythms. Legacy While "Calm Before The Storm" may not be as well-known as Venom's earlier albums, it is still considered a classic within the metal genre. The album's more polished sound and melodic sensibilities may have alienated some of the band's earlier fans, but it also gained them a new following among metalheads who appreciated the band's ability to evolve and grow. Venom's influence on the metal genre is undeniable, and "Calm Before The Storm" represents an important chapter in the band's history. |
Music Genre: |
Thrash Metal Music |
Collector's info: |
"Calm Before the Storm" is the fifth album by Venom and the first after the departure of Jeff "Mantas" Dunn. |
Album Packaging: |
Produced by Nick Tauber and Venom Sound engineers: Keith Nichol and Andy Lovell, Stuart Brown, Nigel Broad at Marquee Studios London 1987 Mastered at the Master Room by Aaron Chakravit |
Record Label Information: |
N.E.W. Musidisc 2387 / Filmtrax |
Media Format: |
12" Vinyl LP Record |
Year & Country: |
1987 Made in France |
Band Members and Musicians on: Venom Calm Before the Storm |
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Track Listing of: Venom Calm Before the Storm |
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Album cover photos of : Venom Calm Before the Storm |
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Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
Venom is a British heavy metal band that emerged in the late 1970s and is considered one of the pioneers of the black metal genre. The band consists of original members Conrad "Cronos" Lant on vocals and bass, Jeffrey "Mantas" Dunn on guitar, and Anthony "Abaddon" Bray on drums.
Venom's music is characterized by fast, aggressive guitar riffs, pounding drums, and harsh, guttural vocals. Their lyrics often explore themes of Satanism, occultism, and anti-Christian sentiment, which has earned them a reputation for being controversial and provocative.
The band's debut album, "Welcome to Hell," was released in 1981 and helped define the black metal sound with its raw, intense energy and bleak, anti-establishment lyrics. The album was met with mixed reviews at the time, with some critics praising its unapologetic aggression and others condemning its nihilism and controversial themes.
Despite the backlash, Venom's influence on the metal scene continued to grow, and they released several more albums throughout the 1980s, including "Black Metal" and "At War with Satan." These albums further cemented Venom's place in metal history, with their dark, menacing sound and provocative lyrics pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable in popular music at the time.
In addition to their music, Venom's image also played a significant role in their success. The band members often wore black leather and spiked wristbands, and their album covers featured disturbing and graphic images, such as a goat's head on a spike and a nun being whipped. These visuals helped to create an aura of danger and rebellion around the band, which appealed to their fans and helped to solidify their place in the metal pantheon.
Despite their success, Venom faced numerous setbacks throughout their career. The band members' drug and alcohol abuse led to several lineup changes and periods of inactivity, and they were often criticized for their controversial lyrics and imagery. However, despite these challenges, Venom continued to push the boundaries of metal and inspire new generations of musicians.
Today, Venom's legacy continues to live on in the world of metal. Their influence can be heard in the music of countless bands across various sub-genres, and their uncompromising attitude and dedication to their vision have inspired countless fans and artists alike.
Bernett Records SB 18008 , 1984 , France
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Learn moreN.E.W. Musidisc 2387 , Year , Country
Venom's "Calm Before The Storm" represents a significant departure from the band's earlier work, offering a more polished, melodic sound while still retaining their trademark aggression and intensity. The album may not be as well-known as some of their earlier releases, but it still holds an important place in the history of the metal genre.
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