Eight years is a long time to wait. Since 2018's Storm the Gates, Venom has been largely absent from the studio — and the metal world has felt it. Into Oblivion, their sixteenth studio album on Noise Records, marks the return of the long-standing trio of Cronos, Rage, and Dante, and it arrives with something to prove. They prove it.
Classic Venom, Evolved
What makes Into Oblivion work is that it doesn't try to be something it's not. This is Venom doing what Venom does — heavy, evil, and catchy — but with enough progression to feel fresh rather than nostalgic. The album walks a fine line between their classic 80s sound and a more modern approach, and it manages to do so without losing any of the fire and brimstone that made them legends in the first place.
The Songs
"Lay Down Your Soul" and "Nevermore" come out swinging early, establishing the tone immediately — this is a confident record from a band that knows exactly who they are. "Man and Beast" is an early highlight, a sludgy, dirty sing-along that gets under your skin and stays there. It's the kind of track that sounds like it was born in a rehearsal room at full volume and never tamed down.
The album's most impressive moment comes with "As Above So Below." It opens as a slow-burning dirge, patient and ominous, before building into something that sounds like it could have come straight off a 1987 Venom record. That's not a knock — it's the highest compliment. It captures the raw essence of what made this band matter without feeling like a retread.
The remaining tracks hold up well throughout. Into Oblivion doesn't have any real weak spots — this is a tight, focused record with no filler to speak of. Thirteen tracks and every one earns its place.
Bottom Line
Into Oblivion is a triumphant return. Eight years between records could have dulled the edge, but Cronos, Rage, and Dante come back sharper than ever. If you're a Venom fan this is essential — don't sleep on it. If you've never given Venom a serious listen, this is as good an entry point as any.