# Venom > British heavy metal band **Wikidata**: [Q192861](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q192861) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venom_(band)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/venom-q192861 ## Summary Venom is a British band widely recognized as a pioneering force in the development of extreme metal genres, particularly speed metal and thrash metal. Formed in 1979 in Newcastle upon Tyne, the group's early albums, such as *Welcome to the Gardens of the Brave* and *Black Metal*, helped define the sound and aesthetic of extreme metal. Venom is a musical group that originated in the United Kingdom and is composed of members including Conrad Lant (Cronos), Jeffrey Dunn (Judas), and Anthony Lant (Abaddon), who were instrumental in shaping the sound and image of extreme metal. ## Key Facts - **Origin**: Formed in 1979 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. - **Genre**: Associated with speed metal, thrash metal, and heavy metal music. - **Inception**: The band was officially formed in 1979. - **Founding Members**: Conrad Lant (vocals/bass), Jeffrey Dunn (guitar), and Anthony Lant (drums). - **Notable for**: Pioneering the black metal subgenre and influencing bands like Sodom and Slayer. - **Website**: [venomslegions.com](https://www.venomslegions.com/) - **Work Period Start**: Active since 1979. - **Sitewide Links**: 51 sitelinks on Wikidata. - **Key Releases**: *Welcome to the Gardens of the Brave* (1981), *Black Metal* (1982). - **Influences**: Helped shape the sound of extreme metal, influencing bands like Sodom (German thrash metal) and Slayer (American thrash metal). - **Members**: Conrad Lant (Cronos), Jeffrey Dunn (Judas), and Anthony Lant (Abaddon) are founding members. - **Record Label**: Associated with Sanctuary Records, a British record label. - **Musicians**: Tony Dolan and Tony Bray are associated with the band. - **Musical Group**: Venom is classified as a musical group. - **Country**: The United Kingdom is the country of origin. - **Legacy**: Helped define the aesthetics and themes of black metal. ## FAQs **What is Venom?** Venom is a British heavy metal band formed in 1979, known for pioneering the black metal genre and influencing the broader extreme metal scene. **Who are the members of Venom?** The founding members of Venom include Conrad Lant (Cronos) on vocals and bass, Jeffrey Dunn (Judas) on guitar, and Anthony Lant (Abaddon) on drums. **What is the significance of Venom in music history?** Venom is notable for helping to define the sound and aesthetic of black metal, with their early albums influencing the genre significantly. Their music and imagery inspired bands like Sodom and Slayer. **What is the relationship between Venom and black metal?** Venom is often credited with coining the term "black metal" and shaping its early aesthetic, which was later adopted by many extreme metal bands. **What are Venom's most famous albums?** Their debut album *Welcome to the Gardens of the Brave* (1981) and *Black Metal* (1982) are considered foundational works in the genre. **What is the connection between Venom and Sanctuary Records?** Sanctuary Records, a British record label, has been associated with the release and distribution of Venom's music. **What is the role of Tony Dolan in Venom?** Tony Dolan, a British musician, has been associated with the band as a singer and songwriter, contributing to its legacy. **What is the significance of the band's name and imagery?** Venom's name and visual identity helped establish the dark, anti-establishment themes that became central to black metal. **What is the relationship between Venom and the bands Sodom and Slayer?** Venom's early influence is often cited by bands like Sodom (Germany) and Slayer (USA), who are key figures in the thrash metal movement. **What is the significance of the band's formation in Newcastle upon Tyne?** Venom was formed in Newcastle upon Tyne, a city in the United Kingdom, and their music has had a lasting impact on the global metal scene. ## Why It Matters Venom is considered one of the most influential bands in the history of extreme metal. Their early work laid the foundation for the black metal genre, influencing countless bands and shaping the sound of the genre. Their aesthetic and lyrical themes, including Satanism and rebellion, became central to black metal. The band's impact extends beyond music into the cultural identity of extreme metal, inspiring bands like Sodom and Slayer. Their work has been distributed by Sanctuary Records, a British label that has played a role in promoting their legacy. ## Notable For - **Pioneering black metal**: Venom is often credited with coining the term "black metal" and shaping its aesthetic. - **Influencing Sodom and Slayer**: The band's early sound and themes influenced major thrash metal acts. - **Founding members**: Conrad Lant (Cronos), Jeffrey Dunn (Judas), and Anthony Lant (Abaddon) are key figures in the band's history. - **Albums**: *Welcome to the Gardens of the Brave* (1981) and *Black Metal* (1982) are considered foundational. - **Legacy**: Venom's influence on the genre is significant, with their music and imagery becoming central to the development of black metal. - **Musicians**: Tony Dolan and Tony Bray are associated with the band, contributing to its legacy. - **Record label**: Sanctuary Records has been involved in distributing their music. - **Cultural impact**: Venom's influence extends beyond music into the cultural identity of extreme metal. ## Body ### History and Formation Venom was formed in 1979 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. The band was founded by Conrad Lant (Cronos) on vocals and bass, Jeffrey Dunn (Judas) on guitar, and Anthony Lant (Abaddon) on drums. Their early work, including the albums *Welcome to the Gardens of the Brave* (1981) and *Black Metal* (1982), helped define the sound and aesthetic of black metal. These albums are considered foundational in the genre's development. ### Musical Influence and Legacy Venom's early influence is often cited by bands like Sodom (Germany) and Slayer (USA), who are key figures in the thrash metal movement. Their music and imagery became central to the development of black metal, influencing countless bands and shaping the sound of the genre. The band's aesthetic and lyrical themes, including Satanism and rebellion, became central to black metal. ### Members and Contributions The band's founding members include Conrad Lant (Cronos) on vocals and bass, Jeffrey Dunn (Judas) on guitar, and Anthony Lant (Abaddon) on drums. Tony Dolan, a British musician, has been associated with the band as a singer and songwriter, contributing to its legacy. Tony Bray, another British musician, has also been associated with the band. ### Record Label and Distribution Sanctuary Records, a British record label, has been involved in the release and distribution of Venom's music. The label's involvement has helped promote the band's legacy and influence. ### Cultural Impact and Influence Venom's influence extends beyond music into the cultural identity of extreme metal. Their music and imagery became central to the development of black metal, influencing countless bands and shaping the sound of the genre. Their aesthetic and lyrical themes, including Satanism and rebellion, became central to black metal. ### Legacy and Influence Venom is often credited with coining the term "black metal" and shaping its aesthetic. Their early work, including the albums *Welcome to the Gardens of the Brave* (1981) and *Black Metal* (1982), helped define the sound and aesthetic of black metal. Their influence on the genre is significant, with their music and imagery becoming central to the development of black metal. ### Influence on Other Bands Venom's early influence is often cited by bands like Sodom (Germany) and Slayer (USA), who are key figures in the thrash metal movement. Their music and imagery became central to the development of black metal, influencing countless bands and shaping the sound of the genre. ### Record Label and Distribution Sanctuary Records, a British record label, has been involved in the release and distribution of Venom's music. The label's involvement has helped promote the band's legacy and influence. ### Members and Contributions Tony Dolan, a British musician, has been associated with the band as a singer and songwriter, contributing to its legacy. Tony Bray, another British musician, has also been associated with the band. ### Cultural Impact and Influence Venom's influence extends beyond music into the cultural identity of extreme metal. Their music and imagery became central to the development of black metal, influencing countless bands and shaping the sound of the genre. Their aesthetic and lyrical themes, including Satanism and rebellion, became central to black metal. ## References 1. MusicBrainz 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. Czech National Authority Database 4. Google Knowledge Graph 5. Discogs