Venom Announces First New Album in Eight Years, "Into Oblivion"
Black metal pioneers Venom have officially announced their long-awaited sixteenth studio album, Into Oblivion, set for release on May 1, 2026, via Noise/BMG. The announcement marks the band’s first new studio recordings since 2018’s Storm The Gates.
The upcoming release features the band’s most enduring lineup to date: founding member Conrad "Cronos" Lant on bass and vocals, alongside guitarist Rage (Stuart Dixon) and drummer Danté (Danny Needham). This iteration of the band has now been active for 17 years, surpassing the longevity of any previous lineup in the group's nearly 50-year history.
A Modern Twist on Classic "Fire and Brimstone"
Into Oblivion consists of 13 tracks that the band describes as "heavy, evil, and catchy." While the album promises to deliver the raw aggression and "fire and brimstone" of their 1980s roots, it also incorporates a more modern, progressive approach to songwriting.
"This album has really pushed the boundaries," Cronos stated. "But if you want to make a killer album, you pay for it in blood, sweat, and tears."
Lead Single: "Lay Down Your Soul"
The band has also debuted the album's first single, "Lay Down Your Soul," accompanied by a new music video. The track is a self-referential nod to the band’s 1982 masterpiece Black Metal, even borrowing the "Lay down your soul to the gods rock 'n' roll" war cry that famously helped name the genre. Cronos noted that the song aims to bring back the spirit of the band's formative years while placing it in a fresh, contemporary setting.
Into Oblivion Tracklist:
Into Oblivion
Lay Down Your Soul
Nevermore
Man & Beast
Death The Leveller
As Above So Below
Kicked Outta Hell
Legend
Live Loud
Metal Bloody Metal
Dogs Of War
Deathwitch
Unholy Mother
Ordering Details:
The album is available for pre-order in multiple formats, including:
Double Gatefold Vinyl: Available in "Smoke" and a limited edition "Clear, Black & Red Splatter" variant.
CD Digisleeve: Includes a 16-page booklet.
Exclusive Offer: Pre-orders via the Noise Records Store will include a limited photo card signed by Cronos, Danté, and Rage while stocks last.