Venom has officially announced their sixteenth studio album, Into Oblivion, which is set to be released on May 1 through Noise/BMG. To give fans a taste of the heavy new material, the band has also unleashed the official music video for the record’s lead single, “Lay Down Your Soul“.
The upcoming 13-track album marks the band’s first batch of new music since 2018’s Storm The Gates. It features the group’s longest-running and incredibly stable lineup, consisting of frontman and bassist Conrad “Cronos” Lant, guitarist Rage (also known as Stuart Dixon), and drummer Danté (also known as Danny Needham).
Musically, the record promises to deliver a blend of the classic, fiery 1980s Venom sound combined with a fresh, modern progressive edge. However, getting the album across the finish line was no easy task. The band faced multiple hurdles over the last few years, including the global pandemic and various recording setbacks, all while striving for absolute perfection.
Cronos opened up about the difficult but rewarding creative process:
“This album has really pushed the boundaries, but if you want to make a killer album, you pay for it in blood, sweat and tears.”
Guitarist Rage echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how the final product honors the band’s historic legacy while pushing their sound forward into new territory.
“I’m so proud of this album. It’s astounding! It feels so different, yet so familiar. The sonics are a step up, no song sounds the same, but they all work together.”
The thunderous lead single, “Lay Down Your Soul“, serves as a perfect introduction to the new era. Deliberately echoing the raw energy of their formative years and the iconic track “Black Metal“, the song features a massive, sing-along chorus designed specifically for the live stage.
Cronos explained the decision to tap into their historic roots for the new single:
“I think it’s healthy to recognize things from back in the day and bring them into a new setting that gives it a whole fresh approach. The fans are going to go mental for it!”
The undeniable chemistry heard on Into Oblivion is a direct result of the trio playing together for an impressive 17 years—making this the longest-lasting lineup in Venom history. Reflecting on that milestone, Danté noted:
“It’s gone like that, seventeen years! It’s all down to friendship and mutual respect.”
Hardcore fans looking to secure physical copies can pre-order the album on vinyl or CD via the Noise Records online store. While supplies last, these exclusive pre-orders will include a limited-edition photo card signed by Cronos, Danté, and Rage.
Into Oblivion Tracklist:
- “Into Oblivion”
- “Lay Down Your Soul”
- “Nevermore”
- “Man & Beast”
- “Death The Leveller”
- “As Above So Below”
- “Kicked Outta Hell”
- “Legend”
- “Live Loud”
- “Metal Bloody Metal”
- “Dogs Of War”
- “Deathwitch”
- “Unholy Mother”
