Pioneering British extreme metal outfit Venom, led by bassist and vocalist Conrad ‘Cronos’ Lant, has officially prepared for the release of their monumental sixteenth studio album, titled Into Oblivion. Distributed via Noise/BMG, the record marks the band’s first major body of work since their 2018 release, Storm the Gates, and highlights the enduring legacy of a group that laid the structural foundations for the entire black metal subgenre.
The album showcases the band’s long-standing current lineup, featuring Cronos alongside guitarist Stuart ‘Rage’ Dixon and drummer Danny ‘Dante’ Needham. Having completed a remarkable 17-year run together, this iteration stands as the most stable and enduring line-up in Venom’s storied history. Ahead of the physical and digital rollout, Cronos traveled to Raven Records in London for an exclusive in-store appearance to connect directly with fans, known globally as the Legions.
The Creation and Vision Behind Into Oblivion
Development on Into Oblivion spanned several years. It was delayed by pandemic-related hurdles and recording setbacks, but driven entirely by the trio’s uncompromising commitment to sonic perfection. The 13-track collection blends the raw, abrasive spirit of Venom’s classic 1980s material with modern progressive heaviness and sharp studio production.
Reflecting on the grueling creative process, Cronos noted the intense effort required to bring the project to fruition. “This album has really pushed the boundaries,” Cronos stated. “If you want to make a killer album, you pay for it in blood, sweat, and tears.”
Guitarist Stuart ‘Rage’ Dixon echoed those sentiments regarding the album’s dynamic composition. “I’m so proud of this album, it’s astounding!” Dixon shared. “It feels so different, yet so familiar. The sonics are a step up, no song sounds the same, but they all work together.”
Lead Singles and Formative Influences
The campaign for the new record kicked off with the ferocious lead single “Lay Down Your Soul,” which intentionally invokes the atmosphere of the band’s early career milestones, such as their landmark 1982 album Black Metal. A second relentless thrash single, “Kicked Outta Hell,” further emphasized the group’s intent to deliver some of the heaviest material of their four-decade career.
“I think it’s healthy to recognise things from back in the day and bring them into a new setting that gives it a whole fresh approach,” Cronos explained regarding the lead single. “The fans are going to go mental for it!”
During recent promotional appearances, Cronos also reflected on his formative years growing up in London and Newcastle during the late 1970s, recalling local studio work and early encounters within the historic British music scene that ultimately shaped Venom’s aggressive aesthetic.
Into Oblivion Track Listing and Formats
The 16th studio record offers fans a diverse array of physical formats, including a double gatefold smoke vinyl, a limited-edition double gatefold clear, black, and red splatter vinyl, and a CD digisleeve complete with a 16-page booklet.
- 01 – Into Oblivion
- 02 – Lay Down Your Soul
- 03 – Nevermore
- 04 – Man & Beast
- 05 – Death The Leveller
- 06 – As Above So Below
- 07 – Kicked Outta Hell
- 08 – Legend
- 09 – Live Loud
- 10 – Metal Bloody Metal
- 11 – Dogs Of War
- 12 – Deathwitch
- 13 – Unholy Mother
As the Legions continue to support the legendary frontman and his bandmates, Into Oblivion reinforces Venom’s enduring status as true architects of extreme metal. Their dark atmosphere, aggressive delivery, and uncompromising attitude continue to inspire successive generations of heavy music artists worldwide.
