Hell Yeah!!!!
H. Powell | Reynoldsburg, Ohio USA | 10/24/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A remarkably clean live recording of two Venom performances, circa 85/86. All of the bands best songs are included in the sets, many of which are faster and even more raw sounding than their studio incarnations on those great old indie records. Venom simply blew away all other metal acts of the time, but unfortunately most radio stations in America wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole. The music of Cronos, Abbadon and Mantas is to this day much heavier than all of the preachy, wimpy, vomit-inducing post-grunge and "alternative" crap of the 90s. This metal fan salutes the mighty Newcastle trio!!!"
A classic snapshot of a better time...
Aerik Von | New York, New York | 05/01/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Venom owned the world at one point. They were a terrible band, but wrote such amazing songs that one could forgive their utter lack of skill. This record shows the band in the ugly live and these tracks contain more hooks than a fishing outlet. (Try "countess bathory" or the slam of "bloodlust" to get your feral juices flowing!)The sound is [aweful], but evenly spaced so that the record is not unlistenable. In fact, it gives it that "good bootleg" qaulity that many of us enjoy.This remaster is a classic record, so please buy it if you know what's good for you."
An amazing live experience.
bay_area_thrasher | the middle of the pit | 06/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those who haven't noticed already, I really dig Venom's music. No, they are not the greatest of musicians but their ability to compose great metal is truly something special. As crazy as it sounds, this is one of the best live performances I have ever heard. The sound quality is raw, but what else would you expect from Venom; Production from Bob Rock? All of the pieces of music are performed well. The guitar solo on disc 1 is wicked and makes you wonder if Mantas was on acid when he performed it. The best songs on this double disc set include "The seven gates of Hell", "Nightmare", "Die hard", "In nomine Satanas", "Black metal", "Fly trap", "Warhead", and "Buried alive". The versions on this album, in my opinion are performed better than the studio versions found on their first four albums. Attention Venom fans: Buy this if you want to hear them at their heaviest and rawest."