Most notably known for debut release, Welcome to Hell, and sophomore effort, Black Metal, English heavy metal band Venom have certainly made a name for themselves in heavy underground music since 1979. The band has gone through its share of lineup changes over the years. Most recently, they’ve reinvented themselves as Venom Inc. and recruited former Venom members Mantas, Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan, and Abaddon. Although somewhat of a departure from the signature sound that made the original inception of the band stand out in their early years, Venom Inc. prove that writing heavy, fairly straightforward songs that make listeners want to bang their heads is what they do best.
Avé wastes no time in bringing the riffs right from the start. “Ave Santanas” is most likely the definition of a what a classic, heavy metal song should be. An eerie, extended introduction gives way to an eventual all-out eruption with each member firing on all cylinders. “Unholy gatherings, beneath the midnight sky” are the first lyrics we hear on Avé, a clear indication that Venom Inc. are comfortable bringing their usual brand of evil. Although this cut, as well as some others from the record, may be considered slow-moving compared to older releases from classic Venom, tracks such as “Forged in Hell”, “Metal We Bleed”, and “Time to Die” prove otherwise. Driving double kick drums seem to be the overall theme on Avé, in addition to the slower, melodic breakdowns peppered in nicely throughout.
This record undoubtedly contains some of the best riffs I’ve heard this year. I was excited from the very first time I heard the album’s first single, “Dein Fleisch”. “Preacher Man” uses simplicity to its advantage, as its main riff will kick you in the teeth each and every time you hit play. Venom Inc. have found an ideal balance between upbeat, old-school groove and laying back with simplicity. In all honesty, this is one of the better modern releases from a more experienced band that I’ve heard in recent memory. Venom Inc. effectively manage to keep themselves from sounding dated and instead bring a fresh take to classic metal. Avé has a song for a variety of moods and circumstances and has hardly gotten stale, even after the many times I have spun it to this point.
If you’re a fan of older Venom records, enjoy a nice dose of traditional, old fashioned heavy metal, or are at all curious as to what the closest thing to a Venom record in 2017 is, there’s probably something for you on Avé. All signs are pointing towards the record falling somewhere in my personal year end list. Time shall tell.
