Not many bands can say they started a whole sub-genre of music but Venom is one. Almost 20 years ago, they were the darkest and heaviest metal band ever. They were black metal! But in the year 2000, the sound they have created has become even more evil and extreme, as practiced by bands like Deicide, Marduk and Krisiun. Where does that leave the originators? It leaves them with "Resurrection", an album that shows a different Venom than of old. It shows a Venom that is still very heavy, but definitely not as raw as the band that bashed out "Sons of Satan" and "Sacrifice". This is a Venom that has really musically advanced and that's not afraid of incorporating a few new tricks into their attack. Unfortunately, it also is a Venom that is not going to make anybody forget their glory days or the new guys on the block like those mentioned above. "Resurrection" is polished yet aggressive. The Mantas guitar solos are better than ever, and he has really come into his own. Cronos is still pretty gruff, but he does try to sing a little more...sometimes with unsuccessful results. New drummer Antton is a great replacement for the beloved (but lame) Abaddon. He really adds a lot of kick.

All in all, this is a good, but not great, LP. A mixed bag, really, but you can't accuse them of trying to relive their past. Even if that's really what their fans would prefer. The Venom lineup on this disc is: Cronos...bass guitar and lead vocals Mantas...guitars Antton...drums and percussion.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: The Early Years Volume 3 at garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-The-Early-Years.