Venom Announce New Album ‘Into Oblivion’ And Unleash First Single ‘Lay Down Your Soul’

Black metal pioneers Venom have announced their long-awaited sixteenth studio album, Into Oblivion, set for release on 1st May. The Newcastle legends have also shared the album’s first single, Lay Down Your Soul, offering fans a thunderous preview of the band’s first new material since 2018’s Storm The Gates. The track leans into the raw spirit that helped define their early sound, pairing a rousing, chant-ready chorus with the ferocity that has long been synonymous with the band’s name.

Venom

Venom (Necroshorns)

Formed in 1979, Venom are widely credited with laying the foundations for the global black metal movement, with their influence still echoing across extreme metal decades later. The upcoming record sees the long-standing line-up of founding member Cronos (bass and vocals), alongside guitarist Rage and drummer Dante, continuing the creative partnership that has now spanned more than 17 years.

According to Cronos, the band pushed themselves throughout the writing and recording process to ensure the album lived up to Venom’s legacy. The journey to completion was delayed by a number of setbacks, including the global pandemic and studio challenges, but the band were determined to see the project through.

Into Oblivion features thirteen new tracks that balance the band’s classic 1980s attack with a broader and more progressive sonic palette. Despite the expanded approach, the core of Venom’s sound remains intact: heavy riffs, dark themes and a relentless energy that has defined their music for decades.

Guitarist Rage says the album captures both familiarity and evolution in equal measure, with each song offering a distinct character while still fitting together as a cohesive whole.

The album’s lead single Lay Down Your Soul also nods to the band’s early days, echoing the spirit of their era-defining work while injecting it with fresh power. The band believe the track’s chant-along chorus and driving riff will quickly become a live favourite.

The enduring chemistry between Cronos, Rage and Dante has also played a key role in shaping the album, with the trio crediting their longevity to friendship and mutual respect.

With a catalogue that helped shape an entire genre, Venom’s latest chapter promises to honour the band’s roots while pushing their sound forward once again.

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