VENOM, the Newcastle-born architects of black metal, are set to release their 16th studio album ‚Into Oblivion‘ on May 1, 2026 via Noise/BMG. The 13-track record marks the band’s first new material since ‚Storm The Gates‘ in 2018, reuniting the long-standing lineup of Cronos, Rage, and Dante.VENOM need no introduction. Founded in Newcastle in 1979, the band essentially invented a genre, lending their name to black metal and paving the way for extreme music worldwide. Nearly five decades on, the trio of Cronos, Rage, and Dante show no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by their forthcoming 16th studio album, ‚Into Oblivion‘, due May 1, 2026 via Noise/BMG.
The record is VENOM’s first collection of new material since ‚Storm The Gates‘ in 2018, a gap shaped by the Covid pandemic, recording delays, and an uncompromising pursuit of quality. Cronos has been candid about the process: „This album has really raised the bar, but if you want to make a killer album, you have to sacrifice blood, sweat and tears.“ The result is a 13-track statement that balances the raw fury of their classic 1980s sound with a more progressive and polished approach, without sacrificing an ounce of aggression.
Two singles have already been unveiled. ‚Lay Down Your Soul‘ serves as a thunderous opening salvo, nodding to the band’s origins while boasting a chorus built for live arenas. The second single, ‚Kicked Outta Hell‘, is a ferocious thrasher that Rage describes as „one of the hardest songs on the album.“ Both tracks confirm that VENOM remain a potent and relevant force in heavy metal.
The album is available for pre-order now in multiple formats, including a double-LP on Smoke Vinyl, a limited-edition Clear, Black and Red Splatter Vinyl, and a CD Digisleeve. Vinyl and CD pre-orders from the Noise Record Store include a limited signed photo card from all three members. To celebrate the release, VENOM will host global listening parties on April 30, including a German event in Hamburg.