This album was undoubtedly a vital and pivotal release in Heavy Metal history. Reviled and loved in equal measures upon its release, it would have to be seen as the first extreme metal album of all time, paving way for the deluge of metal sub genres that followed. Death metal, speed metal, thrash metal etc, this 1981 release was the first.
At a time when most bands were seeking better production, this album sought to deconstruct Heavy Metal to its rawest state.
"Sons of Satan" dives in with distorted guitars and flat bass lines in what could be seen as the precursor to early death metal. The title track is perhaps the most coherent old style heavy metal track on the album - but dirtied up.
What follows through the rest of the album can be best described as metal mayhem. With tongue planted firmly in cheek lyrically, Venom deliver an album that goes from speed tracks like "Live like an Angel.." and "Witching Hour" to the slower tempo ones like "1000 days in Sodom" and In League with Satan" but all punctuated with same kind of twisted guitar riffs and rumbling bass lines. The album is fittingly ended with a track that descends into guitar chaos , has almost no audible direction in the middle and is held together only by a basic 4x4 drumbeat.

Of course the terms "metal mayhem" and "raw" are extremely subjective but bearing in mind when this album was released, it is a must for every extreme metal fan to see exactly where it all started

This album has to be one of the best ever releases fusing dark electronics with guitars. As a part time dj I have spun this album with huge success to psy trancers and goths alike. But this album is more than just a club album, it's gloomy atmospheric undertones and variety in tracks mean it is also fantastic for just kicking back with some head phones on at home.