Venom

Origin

Newcastle, Inglaterra

Genres

heavy metal, black metal, thrash metal

Instruments

vocals, bass, guitar, drums

Biography

Venom is an English heavy metal band formed in 1979 that became a foundational influence on extreme metal genres worldwide, including a notable connection to Brazilian metal through their music and shared history. During their 1987 South American tour, the band performed in Brazil alongside Canadian band Exciter, spreading their dark and aggressive sonic aesthetics to South American audiences. Their influential blend of fast tempos, harsh vocals, and occult themes heavily impacted the development of the Brazilian heavy metal underground, inspiring bands such as Sepultura, who were later cited alongside Pantera and Soulfly as musical reference points when Venom incorporated groove metal elements into their album Resurrection.

The group's legacy in Brazil is part of a broader global impact that shaped the extreme metal landscape of the 1980s and 1990s. While Venom is an English band originating from Newcastle rather than a domestic Brazilian act, their records such as Welcome to Hell and Black Metal served as a blueprint for generations of musicians across South America. Max Cavalera, co-founder of Sepultura, even collaborated with Venom's frontman Cronos on the Probot project spearheaded by Dave Grohl.

Today, Venom remains a legendary cornerstone of heavy metal history, frequently referenced in discussions about the origins of black metal and thrash metal. Their enduring footprint in Brazil reflects the global reach of the NWOBHM offshoot, cementing their status as international icons whose aggressive musical vision transcended geographic boundaries to resonate deeply with Brazilian headbangers and musicians alike.