"Possessed" CD by Venom

by Andreas Reissnauer (null) Well, somebody had a pretty damn good idea! Until now the Venom CDs didn't offer much neither for the eye nor in terms of bonus material. Suddenly, six albums at once are re-released which offer a whole lotta stuff. All six CDs are remastered making the sound thicker as on the originial albums. The debut "Welcome to hell" is a raw, extreme and primitive piece of metal, which in retrospective seems rather amateurish but unfolds it's magic instantly despite the 21 years since the first release. The CD is remastered and comes in a paper box, booklet, tons of photos, liner notes (but no text) and 11 (!) bonus tracks containing singles, demos and outtakes. "Black metal" is the band's classic containing the most hits. Again: paper box, a thick booklet (with lyrics) and 9 bonus tracks containing radio sessions, singles and outtakes. Absolutely as essential as "Welcome to hell"! "At war with satan" originally contained 7 songs but was enhanced with 8 additional tracks (6 taken from "Warhead" and "Manitou" singles). The design and add-ons are the same as above mentioned (paper box, nice booklet, liner notes, pics, text). The other 3 CDs unfortunately do not come in a paper box. "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" doesn't even contain any bonus tracks but still it's a must buy for any fan since the live album contains all the hits of the first three albums. The booklet contains liner notes and photos. "Possessed" is not a highlight but in this form it's definitely essential for every fan. The CD contains 6 additional bonus tracks (2 remixes each, b-sides and live songs) and liner notes including text. "Skeletons in the closet" is a colletion of the rare and obscure. 16 songs, liner notes. Overall this re-release has been a good thing and is recommendable for Venom fans as well as necomers.