What does one expect from a band like Venom, over 25 years after they helped take metal to an extreme level with three massively influential albums? A kick ass album, no less! I say that with so much conviction because of how great their last album Metal Black was. If you could forgive the guitar player for too much of Zakk Wyldesque squeals, the album showcased a truly revitalised band.

2008's Hell is no different. Well it is a bit different, in the sense that the squealy guy is out and is replaced by a guy simply called Rage but the bottom line is, Venom will kick your shiny metal ass. If it's the pure filthy evil, strong riffs, simple but agile changes, often punk driven old school vibe or just settling down to a mid-paced chuggy groove, Cronos and Co are absolutely in top form here.

While the production is still dirty and raw as it should be for a band like Venom, the band have actually progressed as musicians if you're only exposed to the aforementioned first three where they were more influential for the imagery, the sound, the attitude and not too often the chops. But Hell is in good hands, the guitarist churns out luscious riffs with a liberal dose of the mighty devil's interval one after another with total ease, and also pulls off some cool solos whenever prompted. Songs like Evilution Devilution, Blood Sky, Stab You in the Back, Hand of God and many others are driven by such marvellous riffs with some splendid vocals from Cronos.

My only gripe is that the drums could've been mixed better. It isn't that big a deal since I only found it annoying on Blood Sky and Straight to Hell. The raw and evil are well mixed up with the raw and punky like USA for Satan and Kill the Music so the fifty five minutes spent listening to this slab goes effortlessly.

All said, I still think Metal Black had superior songs, but this is more fun.

Label: Universal
Year of Release: 2008