At War with Satan
Venom · 1984
45 min · 9 tracks · heavy metal
Epic compositions blend thrash aggression with dark, theatrical overtones, creating a sinister atmosphere that defines the genre's evolution.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
At War With Satan — This sprawling title track encapsulates the album's grandiose vision, fusing operatic elements with relentless speed metal, marking a pioneering moment in heavy music.
-
→
Manitou — With its driving rhythm and demonic themes, this track exemplifies Venom's raw energy and ability to craft memorable hooks amidst chaos.
-
→
Women, Leather and Hell — This track captures the rebellious spirit of the era through its provocative lyrics and aggressive instrumentation, making it a quintessential anthem of speed metal.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The ambitious structure and thematic depth mark this as a significant entry in heavy metal's evolution.
What we noticed
- The title track is a 20-minute composition that shifts between multiple sections, incorporating both aggressive thrash elements and slower, atmospheric passages.
- Several tracks feature layered guitar harmonies and prominent bass lines that create a dense, heavy sound characteristic of the genre.
- The album employs theatrical vocal delivery, often using dramatic inflections to enhance its dark themes and storytelling.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like dynamic progression
- theatrical and dark themes
- intense energy for headbanging
- full-volume cathartic release
Maybe skip if you
- prefer soft and mellow sounds
- seek straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1984, At War with Satan marked Venom's third studio album, following their influential work on Black Metal. The band was solidifying their reputation within the burgeoning heavy metal scene, pushing boundaries with their dark themes and musical complexity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 At War With Satan 20:03
- 2 Manitou 3:02
- 3 Rip Ride 3:09
- 4 Genocide 2:58
- 5 Cry Wolf 4:19
- 6 Stand Up (And Be Counted) 3:32
- 7 Women, Leather and Hell 3:19
- 8 Woman 2:56
- 9 Aaaaargghh 2:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.