Venom's 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' captures their raw power live. A controversial but influential landmark in heavy metal, this double LP is a must-have for fans of extreme music #vinylrecords

VENOM - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: The Devil's Symphony, Captured on Wax

Album Description:

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.

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 Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 480 gram

Year & Country:

1986 Netherlands

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: VENOM Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

Cronos – bass, vocals

Conrad "Cronos" Lant , born on 15 January 1963, is a British musician best known as the founder, bassist, and vocalist of the influential black metal band Venom. Born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Cronos played a significant role in shaping the sound and aesthetics of extreme metal during the 1980s.

more...

In 1979, Cronos co-founded Venom alongside guitarist Jeffrey "Mantas" Dunn and drummer Anthony "Abaddon" Bray. The band quickly gained attention for their raw and aggressive style, which laid the groundwork for the emerging genre of black metal. With their debut album, "Welcome to Hell" (1981), and follow-up "Black Metal" (1982), Venom cemented their place in metal history, influencing countless bands with their dark and aggressive sound.

Cronos, known for his distinctive raspy vocals and menacing stage presence, became the face of Venom. His aggressive bass playing style, characterized by heavy distortion and rapid riffing, added a unique dimension to the band's sound. Songs like "Black Metal", "Countess Bathory", and "In League with Satan" became iconic anthems of the genre.

In 1986, Cronos left Venom to pursue a solo career, releasing his debut album, "Dancing in the Fire". However, his solo endeavors did not reach the same level of success as his work with Venom. In 1995, he rejoined the band for a brief period before departing again to focus on other musical projects.

Throughout his career, Cronos has collaborated with various musicians and bands, and he has released several albums under his own name. His musical style has evolved over the years, incorporating elements of thrash metal and industrial influences. Cronos has remained an influential figure in the metal community, revered for his contributions to the genre.

Beyond music, Cronos has shown an entrepreneurial spirit, founding his own record label called Cronos Records. He has also ventured into other areas, such as tattooing, and has showcased his artwork in galleries.

Cronos's impact on the metal scene is immeasurable. His uncompromising approach to music and his contributions to the development of black metal have left an indelible mark on the genre. He continues to perform and create music, captivating audiences with his intense energy and his distinctive growls. Conrad "Cronos" Lant remains an iconic figure in the history of extreme metal.
Mantas - Guitar (real name: Jeffrey Dunn) has played for the past 40 years mainly for Venom with side project in bands like: Mantas, Warfare, M-pire of Evil, Dryll. )
Abaddon – drums (real name: Anthony Bray ( has like Mantas played for the past 40 years mainly for Venom with side project in bands like: Abaddon, Beneath, Oberon, Dryll.)

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

Intro
Too Loud (For the Crowd)
7 Gates of Hell
Leave me in Hell
Nightmare
Countess Bathory

Die Hard
Schitzo
Guitar Solo Mantas
Mantas (real name Jeffrey Dunn) is a British guitarist best known as a founding member of Venom, a pioneering band in black metal. He played on classic albums like Welcome to Hell and Black Metal. Beyond Venom, he formed the band Mantas, played in Venom Inc., and contributed guest guitar to Warfare’s A Conflict of Hatred in 1992.
In Nomine Santanas
Witching Hour

Record Two: Recorded Live at The Ritz New York 1986

Black Metal
The Chanting of the Priests
Satanachist
Fly Trap
Warhead

Buried Alive
Love Amongst the Dead
Bass Solo CRONOS

Conrad "Cronos" Lant , born on 15 January 1963, is a British musician best known as the founder, bassist, and vocalist of the influential black metal band Venom. Born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Cronos played a significant role in shaping the sound and aesthetics of extreme metal during the 1980s.

more...

In 1979, Cronos co-founded Venom alongside guitarist Jeffrey "Mantas" Dunn and drummer Anthony "Abaddon" Bray. The band quickly gained attention for their raw and aggressive style, which laid the groundwork for the emerging genre of black metal. With their debut album, "Welcome to Hell" (1981), and follow-up "Black Metal" (1982), Venom cemented their place in metal history, influencing countless bands with their dark and aggressive sound.

Cronos, known for his distinctive raspy vocals and menacing stage presence, became the face of Venom. His aggressive bass playing style, characterized by heavy distortion and rapid riffing, added a unique dimension to the band's sound. Songs like "Black Metal", "Countess Bathory", and "In League with Satan" became iconic anthems of the genre.

In 1986, Cronos left Venom to pursue a solo career, releasing his debut album, "Dancing in the Fire". However, his solo endeavors did not reach the same level of success as his work with Venom. In 1995, he rejoined the band for a brief period before departing again to focus on other musical projects.

Throughout his career, Cronos has collaborated with various musicians and bands, and he has released several albums under his own name. His musical style has evolved over the years, incorporating elements of thrash metal and industrial influences. Cronos has remained an influential figure in the metal community, revered for his contributions to the genre.

Beyond music, Cronos has shown an entrepreneurial spirit, founding his own record label called Cronos Records. He has also ventured into other areas, such as tattooing, and has showcased his artwork in galleries.

Cronos's impact on the metal scene is immeasurable. His uncompromising approach to music and his contributions to the development of black metal have left an indelible mark on the genre. He continues to perform and create music, captivating audiences with his intense energy and his distinctive growls. Conrad "Cronos" Lant remains an iconic figure in the history of extreme metal.
Welcome to Hell
Bloodlust