The Seven Gates of Hell: Singles 1980-1985

• Artist: Venom
• Rating:
• Release Date: February 18, 2003
• Type: Compilation (best of)
• Genre: Rock

Review

Although they were looked down upon during their first go-round, the mark that Venom left on all things metal has loomed large for quite some time. Without Venom, there's a fair chance that we wouldn't have thrash metal or death metal, while the group's early work served as an obvious blueprint for Metallica (just go back to the manic riffing of Kill 'Em All for the proof). And with their classic early releases only available as pricey imports in the late '90s and early- 21st century, an avalanche of compilations appeared, including 2003's The Seven Gates of Hell: Singles 1980-1985. As the title states, the focus here are Venom's singles, but as longtime fans know, most of the group's strongest material was never issued in single form (namely "Black Metal," "Raise the Dead," "Genocide," etc.). So if you're looking for Venom's best cuts, this isn't the place, as rarities take precedence -- several 12" versions ("Die Hard," "Warhead," and "Nightmare"), as well as tracks from the rare Hell at Hammersmith EP ("Witching Hour" and "Teacher's Pet Medley"). A worthy purchase for longtime fans, but newcomers may be better off sticking with Venom's early work or one of their many 'best -of' sets. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
In League With Satan	Tony Bray, Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(3:30)
Live Like an Angel, Die Like a Devil	Tony Bray, Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(3:48)
Bloodlust	Tony Bray, Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(2:59)
In Nomine Satanas	Tony Bray, Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(3:24)
Die Hard [12" Version]	Tony Bray, Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(3:03)
Acid Queen	Tony Bray, Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(2:28)
Bursting Out	Tony Bray, Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(2:57)
Warhead [12" Version]	Tony Bray, Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(5:56)
Lady Lust	Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(2:45)
Seven Gates of Hell	Tony Bray, Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(5:26)
Manitou [12" Version]	Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(4:39)
Dead of the Night	Conrad Lant	Venom	(4:05)
Woman	Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(2:53)
Nightmare [12" Version]	Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(3:51)
Satanachist	Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(2:43)
F.O.A.D.	Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(3:02)
Witching Hour [Hell at Hammersmith Version]	Tony Bray, Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(4:17)
Teacher's Pet/Poison/Teacher's Pet Medley [Hell at Hammersmith Version]	Tony Bray, Jeff Dunn, Conrad Lant	Venom	(8:00)

Credits

Venom (Main Performer), John "Broadway" Tucker (Liner Notes), Antony Amos (Release Coordinator), Steve Hammonds (Release Coordinator)