Review And Photos By Daniel Licitra
I was on vacation in Austin, Texas to visit some friends and also see VENOM, INC. live. It was my first time in Austin and first time seeing VENOM, INC.
I'm sure we are all aware of the two different versions of this band; One being VENOM, which has the original singer, bass player Cronos and the band I saw this night VENOM, INC. with original guitarist Mantas and original drummer Abbadon with Demolition Man on bass and vocals.
I was just happy to see and hear VENOM songs played live by some of the original people who created the music. I won't bother picking sides in this debate.
Come and Take It Live looks like an ordinary building from the outside but once inside it's as if you are in a huge log cabin. There are three levels to see the stage from. I picked the top for the best view.
I spotted Tony "Demolition Man" Dolan walking by upstairs and was able to get a picture with him before the show started.
Once VENOM, INC. hit the stage I knew I was in for a crushing night of Metal! The smoke and dry ice just added to the atmosphere. I loved how Abbadon had the floor tom mounted up high on his drum kit next to his two smaller tom-toms.
My friend and I were reminded of MOTORHEAD, also being an extreme three piece band from England.
I could see the influence on the Big Four Thrash bands right away. VENOM, INC. played fast and tight and are still at the top of their game.
VENOM, INC. are touring in support of their latest release Ave. They played two new tracks, "Ave Satanas" and "War". The rest of the set was all classic VENOM songs. I wouldn't have minded hearing more new tracks live, since their new album is quite good. I would think they would add more new tracks to the setlist as the tour continues.
Setlist
- "Ave Satanas"
- "Welcome To Hell"
- "Die Hard"
- "Live Like An Angel (Die Like AA Devil)"
- "Blackend Are The Priests"
- "Carnivorous"
- "Warhead"
- "Don't Burn The Witch"
- "War"
- "Poison"
- "Leave Me In Hell"
- "Black Metal"
- "Countess Bathory"
- "Sons Of Satan"
- "Witching Hour"
- "In League With Satan"
