High Roller Records, slipcase, extensive booklet, 2-sided poster
Research, additional source transfer, audio restoration and mastering by Patrick W. Engel at TEMPLE OF DISHARMONY in October 2024.
Between 1981 and 1985 the classic line-up of Venom - Cronos, Mantas and Abaddon - released seven singles for Neat Records, one perhaps for each of the Seven Gates Of Hell. This was the golden age of the band, and with these releases and the albums Welcome To Hell and Black Metal in particular they cemented their position in metal’s hall of fame. Not only did they spawn an entire genre in its own right, but in doing so the band became the yardstick by which future extreme and black metal outfits would measure themselves. As such, the importance of these releases cannot be overstated, and this collection also illustrates how the band’s sound and direction developed over time. Opening with their April 1981 debut ‘In League With Satan’, The Seven Gates Of Hell serves up the seven singles in chronological order: ‘Blood Lust’, ‘Die Hard’, ‘Warhead’, ‘Manitou’, ‘Nightmare’ and the limited edition Hell At Hammersmith EP (with its stunning live version of ‘Witching Hour’) complete the running order, along with the relevant B-sides and bonus tracks on alternate formats. Originally released on CD by Sanctuary in 2003, this new vinyl release adds the track ‘Warhead’ which appeared on the flip of the 12” picture disc of ‘Nightmare’ as well as a 5,000 word essay featuring a new interview with Tony Bray, aka drummer Abaddon.
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