What makes Metal Black by Venom notable?

Metal Black was well-received by fans and critics alike, revitalizing interest in Venom's music and solidifying their legacy in the metal genre. The album charted within the top 40 in several countries, demonstrating its impact on both the old and new generations of metal enthusiasts. By the time of its release in 2006, Venom was experiencing a resurgence after lineup changes and a lengthy hiatus. Metal Black marked their first studio album in over a decade following the 1997 release of Cast in Stone, representing a return to form as they aimed to reclaim their place in the heavy metal scene.

Who is Metal Black for?

Metal Black works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and wave-like pacing experience.

How many songs are on Metal Black?

Metal Black has 14 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Metal Black

Venom · 2006

57 min · 14 tracks · heavy metal

Raw, aggressive riffs meld with sinister lyrical themes, embodying a relentless dedication to the heavy metal genre.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Antechrist — Opening with ferocious energy, this track sets the tone for the entire album with its aggressive riffs and dark thematic elements, showcasing Venom's signature sound.
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Burn in Hell — This song features an infectious chorus that blends melody with heaviness, exemplifying Venom's ability to marry catchy hooks with their trademark intensity.
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Lucifer Rising — The track delves into esoteric themes through powerful instrumentation and haunting vocals, highlighting Venom's lyrical depth while maintaining a relentless pace.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

Metal Black showcases aggressive songwriting and maintains a distinct heavy metal sound throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a relentless tone, maintaining high energy through the first half before introducing slower, heavier riffs in the latter tracks.
Each song features aggressive guitar riffs layered with growling vocals, often employing call-and-response structures between the instruments and lyrics.
Several tracks incorporate tempo shifts, alternating between rapid-fire sections and slower, more menacing passages that enhance the overall intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
wave-like pacing experience
dark, intense thematic exploration

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time of its release in 2006, Venom was experiencing a resurgence after lineup changes and a lengthy hiatus. Metal Black marked their first studio album in over a decade following the 1997 release of Cast in Stone, representing a return to form as they aimed to reclaim their place in the heavy metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Metallica· Slayer· Megadeth