Venom - Hell

Venom's latest album Hell hit the shelves in June and I've given it quite some listening. The first thing that stood out was that the mixing of the album is rather strange, the mixes don't have that continuity you usually expect from an album, it sounds more like a compilation but don't let that put you off, each song goes from strength to strength in true to Satan Venom style!

Cronos' vocals are a little less distorted than in their previous effort Metal Black, but he's strayed very little from the Cronos we love, unlike a certain Mr H who seems to have undergone intensive training of late and still isn't anywhere near his best. But that's a different story.

Overall I'd say the poor production and weird mixing taint an album of some very strong songs that can become Heavy Metal classics. From the Venomous opener Straight to Hell, to the Chugging Hand of God, Venom provide more than decent serving for anyone with a Metal appetite.
8/10