(Article by Tim Shearn from The DarkSide – Photos below by Metal Fortress Radio)
Last Thursday January 7th, I had the humble pleasure of greeting VENOM INC, before their show at the Underground Arts in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. VENOM INC. is the reincarnation of legendary British Extreme Metal pioneers Venom. Venom Inc. features the line from the late 1980’s/early 90’s Tony Dolan era. Which consists of Tony “DEMOLITIAN MAN” Dolan, Vocals & Bass, Tony “ABADDON” Bray, Drums, and Jeff “MANTAS” Guitars. This was indeed a night well spent in the dark depths of Hell, with three awesome bands who in support of the mighty Venom Inc. included Infernal Stronghold and Necrophagia.
Infernal Stronghold opened the show with a fast and furious set of beautifully chaotic music clearly inspired by Austrian Death/Black Metal pioneers Sadistik Exekution. Ohio’s Necrophagia were second to take the stage. Highly influential in the development of the American Death Metal in the mid 1980’s they nailed their set with some highly intense and mind bending Classic Death Metal at full speed highlighted with frequents moments of their signature slow Doom inspired breakdowns which do well to create a larger and darker experience. The show climaxed when the furious three DEMOLITION MAN, MANTAS, and ABADDON took center stage to begin their reign of infernal terror. As eagerly expected, the three came out with “ALL GUNS BLAZING”. The set contained a steady mix of the bands entire uncatalogued. DEMOLITIAN MAN Dolen fronted perfected as the natural showman he is known to be with his percesion sinister growl, which adds a further Blackens the bands audio onslaught. He of course did all of this while nicely handling the bottom end at the same time. MANTAS shredded with his natural hellish fury, not missing a single note. Needless to say, he’s MANTAS ! ABADDON hit the drums with such a conviction that it clearly reminded the audience VENOM is still firing on all engines.
The show seemed to pass rather quickly looking back although in the mist of Venom Inc. set it was as if time stood still. I remembered listening to these Metal Titans as a young child playing my tennis racket to “Don’t Burn The Witch” and, here I was standing face to face with the gentleman who changed the trajectory of Heavy Metal Music forever. It is with great honor and respect that I write of this amazing experience. Even more, after decades of touring and making music, these gentleman have not forgotten their most important connection with their devoted fans. For those in the path of the remainder of this US tour, get out and see this show. ENOUGH SAID \m/
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