When we think of the beginning of metal, there are very few bands that come to mind. On Sunday June 26th at the Rebel Lounge in Phoenix, Arizona metalheads were graced with the presence of the legends we know as Venom Inc. Currently on tour across the USA, they were accompanied by Necrophagia along with local support Kill Command. It was night to remember as this is the second time Venom Inc. has crossed our state and it was a memorable night just as the first time. Despite the scorching blazing sun, it did not stop fans from attending the show. For those of you who have not heard of this venue it use to be called the “Mason Jar” before it closed down many years and recently reopened. The venue is quite small with a low stage which gives a very personal and intimate setting for the bands and their fans. From young to old it was great to see the multi generation of people there to see Venom Inc. and witness such a classic band live.
Local openers Kill Command had a short but sweet set. Surprised at their speed and technicality the fans seemed to really enjoy their music. The guys did Arizona proud by show casing their talent demonstrating the scene here is alive and well. As fans eagerly awaited, next up we had Necrophagia. Finally everybody began to inch up their way to the front and really get the show going. The guys played a great set filled with lots of fan favorites. I especially enjoyed “Embalmed Yet I Breathe” the track live was just as good as on cd. It was great to hear the raw energy and nitty gritty vocals upfront by the stage. Over all the guys did a great job.
The moment many of us had been anticipating finally arrived. Venom Inc. hit the stage and the crowd went wild. You could feel the difference in the atmosphere, the energy shifted and we all knew we were about witness an incredible performance. The guys opened up with “Welcome to Hell” and right after that they just kept pumping out fan favorites. It was the perfect set list for any die hard Venom Inc. fan. To finally hear those songs live once again after such a long time was very special for many people that night. There was a moment when you looked around at the small sea of people there and you could see the joy in their faces. As I looked onto the band you could see how they were having the time of their lives. There is something very special about these three individuals and the energy (The Demolition Man, Mantas, Abaddon) they create together. Just as when they first began many years their chemistry is still strong and it reflected on stage. As the show came to a close, fans still wanted to hear more even after all the screaming, headbanging and moshing. It was time for the encore and they picked the best 2 songs to close this amazing set. For the last time that night fans went crazy once again when they heard “Black Metal” & “Countess Bathory.”
Over-all it was a great show! Everyone was amazing and we got see 2 classic bands. What more could we ask for it was an incredible experience to see Venom Inc. A night nobody will forget!