Eine Kleine Nachtmusik is the live album released by English heavy metal band Venom in 1986. It contains partial recordings of two different concerts with two different setlists. The first disc contains a show recorded at Hammersmith Odeon in London on 8 October 1985 and the second disc recorded at The Ritz in New York City on 4 and 5 April 1986.
In the world of heavy metal history, few bands have carved a path as controversial and influential as Venom. Their 1986 live album, "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik," serves as a testament to their unbridled energy, raw power, and unapologetic embrace of the dark side. Captured across two 12" vinyl LPs, this recording transports listeners back to a time when metal was dangerous, rebellious, and unafraid to push boundaries.
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
Emerging from the gritty streets of Newcastle, England, in the early 1980s, Venom arrived at a time when heavy metal was undergoing a seismic shift. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) had laid the groundwork, but Venom took it further, injecting their music with a potent dose of Satanic imagery, occult themes, and a relentless sonic assault. Their early albums, "Welcome to Hell" and "Black Metal," were met with both outrage and adoration, solidifying their status as pioneers of a new, extreme form of metal that would later be dubbed "black metal."
"Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" captures Venom at their peak, unleashing their unholy trinity of Cronos (bass, vocals), Mantas (guitar), and Abaddon (drums) upon a rabid audience. Recorded during their 1985 "Seven Dates of Hell" tour, the album showcases the band's raw energy and unhinged stage presence. From the opening chords of "Black Metal" to the closing notes of "Countess Bathory," Venom delivers a blistering performance that leaves no doubt about their commitment to their dark craft.
Music Genre and Controversies
Venom's music defies easy categorization. While often labeled as black metal, their sound incorporates elements of thrash, speed metal, and even punk rock. Their lyrics are unapologetically provocative, exploring themes of Satanism, violence, and rebellion. This, combined with their onstage theatrics, which often included pyrotechnics, blood, and simulated sacrifices, led to accusations of promoting Satanism and inciting violence.
Venom's music and image sparked controversy and moral panic, attracting the ire of religious groups and conservative commentators. But for many fans, this was part of the appeal. Venom represented a rejection of mainstream values and a celebration of the forbidden. They were the ultimate outcasts, the embodiment of metal's rebellious spirit.
Production Team and Recording Studio
"Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" was produced by Venom themselves, along with engineer Keith Nichol. The album was recorded live at various venues during their "Seven Dates of Hell" tour, capturing the raw energy and atmosphere of their performances. While the sound quality may not be as polished as some studio albums, it perfectly captures the essence of Venom's live experience.
Conclusion
"Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" is a landmark album in the history of heavy metal. It captures Venom at their most ferocious, delivering a performance that is both exhilarating and terrifying. While their music and image may be controversial, there's no denying their influence on countless bands that followed in their wake. This 2x 12" vinyl LP album is a must-have for any fan of extreme metal, a testament to a band that dared to push boundaries and embrace the darkness.
Collector notes:
|
Music Genre: Black Metal, Thrash Metal , NWOBHM |
Album Production Information: The album: "VENOM Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" was produced by: Cronos, Keith Nichol, Venom . Keith Nichol, Producer, Sound Engineer, ( Guest ) musician has been in-house producer for the NEAT Record label. He has been responsible for the production and sound engineering of many NWOBHM bands during the 1980s. Most notable these bands include: Atomkraft, Blitzkrieg, Fist, Raven, Venom, Warfare, and many others. On Warfare's album "A Conflict of Hatred", Keith Nichol takes care of the production, sound engineering and as guest musician playing violin and keyboards. Mobile production: The Nomo Bile Co. Mobile Engineers: Dicky Switch, Jack Plug
All photos by Fin Costello, Pete Cronin, Tony Mottran, Abaddon
|
Record Label & Catalognr: RoadrunneR Records – RR 9639, Neat Records – RR 9639 |
Album Packaging: This album "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" includes the original custom inner sleeves with album details, and photos of Venom. The album cover design is a Gatefold (Fold Open Cover) cover design with many photos of Venom-band on the custom inner sleeves. |
Media Format: 2x 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 480 gram |
Year & Country: 1986 Netherlands |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: VENOM Eine Kleine Nachtmusik |
|
Complete Track-listing of the album "VENOM Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "VENOM Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" is: Record One: Recorded Live at Hammersmith Odeon 1985
|
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "VENOM Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" |
|
|
Album Back Cover Photo of "VENOM Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" |
|
Inner Sleeve of "VENOM Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" Album |
|
Photo of "VENOM Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" Album's Inner Sleeve |
|
Photo of "VENOM Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" 12" LP Record One: |
|
Photo of "VENOM Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" 12" LP Record Two: |
|
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
Bernett Records SB 18008 , 1984 , France
"At War with Satan" is the third album by heavy metal band Venom. With this album, they went back to the more raw, unpolished sound of Welcome to Hell after the more refined albeit darker and heavier sound of Black Metal. This is especially emphasized with the raspy vocals.
At War with Satan 12" Vinyl LP
N.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.
Calm Before The Storm 12" Vinyl LP
Big Thumb Records WEN 1102 , 1984 , USA
"Doomed to Hell" was not recorded during the "American Assault" tour, nor was it recorded in the Netherlands. In fact, "Doomed to Hell" is not an actual Venom live album, but rather a bootleg recording that was falsely attributed to the band. The recording is often mislabeled as being from a live show in 1984, although the exact location and date of the recording remain unknown.
Doomed to Hell 12" Vinyl LP
NEAT Records RR 9639 , 1986 , Holland
"Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" is the live album released by English heavy metal band Venom in 1986. It contains partial recordings of two different concerts with two different setlists. The first disc contains a show recorded at Hammersmith Odeon in London on 8 October 1985 and the second disc recorded at The Ritz in New York City on 4 and 5 April 1986.
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik 12" Vinyl 2LP
Under One Flag FLAG 36 , 1989 , England
"Prime Evil" is a landmark album in the history of metal music. It marked a significant shift in Venom's sound and lyrical content, showcasing the band's growth as musicians. The album's polished sound and refined songwriting demonstrated the band's ability to evolve and adapt to changing musical landscapes.
Prime Evil 12" Vinyl LP
Roadrunner RR 125516 , 1983 , Holland
Warhead is a classic extreme metal album, featuring a raw and aggressive sound and dark and violent lyrical themes. The album helped to define the thrash and black metal genres and remains a fan favorite and significant influence on subsequent metal bands.
Warhead 12" Vinyl LP
