Oh boy, are you guys ready for some old-school black metal drama? 🤯 Because I’m about to spill all the tea on the latest VENOM saga. In a recent interview with “The Tampa Morgue” podcast, Jeff “Mantas” Dunn opened up about his recent shows with fellow VENOM co-founder Antony “Abaddon” Bray, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. 🎢
So, it turns out that Mantas and Abaddon have been playing some shows together to celebrate the 45th anniversary of VENOM’s classic debut album, “Welcome To Hell”. And, apparently, the fans are loving it. Mantas said, “It is overwhelming because we just see each other as a couple of guys who have been in a band together. But it’s something special for everybody else.” Aww, isn’t that sweet? 🙄
But, of course, not everyone is happy about this reunion. I mean, there are like three different bands using variations of the VENOM name now. There’s the Conrad “Cronos” Lant-fronted version of VENOM, VENOM INC. led by Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan, and now Mantas and Abaddon are doing their own thing. It’s like, what’s next? VENOM 2.0? VENOM: The Next Generation? 🤣
Mantas addressed the whole VENOM situation (or lack thereof) by saying, “There’s bands out there playing VENOM music. There’s two bands out there playing VENOM music, and there’s one band who [says], ‘We’re not VENOM.’ Okay, you’re not VENOM. Don’t play the music anymore. Simple as that.” Wow, burn. 🚽
The Drama Never Ends
But wait, there’s more! Mantas and Abaddon are also working on new music together, possibly with Blake “Bulldözer” Arendell (a.k.a. Blake Arenvurst) on bass and vocals. Because, you know, the world was just missing a new VENOM album. 🙄 Mantas said, “There’s a possibility. [Laughs] When I first got the question, I was a definite no. I said, ‘No. Who needs it? Who needs another VENOM album?'” Yeah, who needs it indeed? 🤷♂️
And, because this story wasn’t complicated enough, there’s also a legal battle going on between Mantas, Abaddon, and Cronos over the VENOM merchandise and designs. Because, you know, the most important thing in black metal is the merchandise. 🤑
Last August, Mantas and Abaddon went public with their legal battle against Cronos, and it’s been a wild ride ever since. Cronos sued Abaddon and Plastic Head Music Distribution Ltd, accusing them of selling merchandise with his copyrighted VENOM designs. Abaddon filed a counterclaim, arguing that he was the real author of the works. Because, you know, who needs a lawyer when you have a strong opinion? 🤣
The Legacy Lives On
Despite all the drama, VENOM’s classic lineup trio of Mantas, Cronos, and Abaddon is still widely influential. They recorded four studio LPs, “Welcome To Hell”, “Black Metal”, “At War With Satan”, and “Possessed”, and live album, “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik”. And, apparently, they’re still fronted by Cronos, who’s still touring and releasing new music. Because, you know, the show must go on. 🎤
Abaddon was part of VENOM’s classic lineup from 1978 to 1992, and then returned to the band in 1995. He then joined VENOM INC. alongside Mantas and Dolan. VENOM INC. released its debut album, “Avé”, in August 2017. And, because this story wasn’t complicated enough, Jeramie Kling of THE ABSENCE filled in for Abaddon on a European tour while Abaddon stayed home to spend time with his newborn daughter. 🤯
So, there you have it. The latest update on the VENOM saga. Because, you know, you can’t have too much of a good thing. 🤣 Stay tuned for more drama, more music, and more merchandise. 🤑
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
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