20 Best Metal Albums Of Summer 2017
11. Venom, Inc. - Avé
Probably the most divisive band on this list, Venom, Inc. is a group that exists in reaction to the recent incarnation of the NWOBHM/thrash metal titans Venom, which are led by bassist/vocalist and sole remaining member, Conrad "Cronos" Lant.
Believing themselves to be the "original" Venom, meanwhile, Venom, Inc. is a splinter group that has two of the band's founding members, drummer Abaddon and guitarist Mantas, alongside Tony "Demolition Man" Dolan, who fronted Venom during the late '80s and early '90s.
With its title being Latin for "Hail", Venom, Inc.'s debut Avé is just as delectably sinister as both its name and Venom's infamous back-catalogue (which includes such beloved works as Welcome to Hell (1981), Black Metal (1982) and Possessed (1985)) would have one believe. "Forged in Hell", "War" and "Black n' Roll" all channel the anarchic Venom sound of old, yet there is also room for some surprises: lead single "Avé Satanas" is a surprisingly lengthy piece with ominous, spoken-word sections and "Dein Fleisch" is an exercise in Rammstein-esque industrial rock, while "Preacher Man" opens with a clean intro before slowing the album's pace to hard-hitting groove metal.
For taking its band's roots and expanding upon them to undeniable success, while also remaining loyal to them, Venom, Inc.'s Avé more than deserves to find a place in this list.