Newcastle’s Venom unleashed Black Metal on the world – raw riffs, occult menace, and northern grit forged into Halloween chaos. Here are 7 top Venom songs to summon darkness and the spirit of All Hallows’ Eve
Venom formed in Newcastle in 1979 and are known for creating some of the heaviest, darkest music of their time. Their early albums mixed horror stories, satanic themes and loud, fast music.
They’re considered one of the first bands to play “black metal” and have influenced generations of musicians ever since.
For Halloween, their songs offer the right mix of spooky stories, eerie atmosphere and powerful energy. Here are seven of their best tracks to play on a dark October night.
Best Venom Songs for Halloween
Black Metal (1982)
This song is about rebellion and power. It’s not literally about black magic, but it uses the idea of “black metal” as a force that goes against the mainstream.
With the line “Lay down your soul to the gods rock ’n’ roll,” Venom invites listeners to join a new kind of darkness – one that’s loud, proud and unstoppable.
This track gave its name to an entire genre of extreme metal, and it’s still one of Venom’s most important songs.
Welcome to Hell (1981)
As the title suggests, this song describes a journey into Hell.
It paints a picture of a fast, dangerous life that ends in fire and punishment. It’s loud and aggressive, with lyrics like “Welcome to Hell!” repeated like a warning – or a greeting.
The song was recorded quickly, giving it a raw and chaotic sound that still feels powerful today.
Countess Bathory (1982)
This track tells the story of Elizabeth Báthory, a real 16th-century noblewoman accused of murdering young women and bathing in their blood.
Venom describes her as hiding in her castle, living forever through dark rituals.
The line “Lurking in the darkness, the Countess Bathory” captures the eerie feeling of an old legend that still haunts history. It’s one of Venom’s most memorable and haunting songs.
At War with Satan (1984)
This is a long and dramatic track about a final war between Heaven and Hell. It tells the story of Satan’s army rising to fight the forces of good, with battles, spells and destruction.
At more than 11 minutes, it’s more like a short story set to music. It shows a more creative side of Venom, mixing horror with fantasy.
Don’t Burn the Witch (1982)
This song warns against the fear and hatred that led to witch trials in the past. It describes a witch being hunted by a mob, but also suggests that those doing the hunting are the real danger.
Lyrics like “She turned the hex and began to curse” show the fear people had of women with power. It’s fast, angry, and makes you think about how easily people can turn on each other.
Possessed (1985)
This track is about someone being taken over by an evil force. It’s a simple and fast-paced song, with lines like “He’s possessed by the Devil’s tongue.” The person loses control, becomes violent, and no one can stop it.
It fits well with Halloween themes of spirits, demons and being controlled by something dark and unknown.
In Nomine Satanas (1982)
This song uses Latin phrases and a slow, heavy rhythm to sound like a ritual or dark prayer. The title means “In the name of Satan,” and the whole track feels like something you might hear during a strange ceremony.
It’s not as fast as Venom’s other songs, but it creates a strong atmosphere. Many fans see it as one of their most chilling and serious tracks.
Venom’s music might be loud and aggressive, but the stories behind the songs are rooted in history, folklore and fears that still feel real today.
If you’re looking for Halloween music with meaning, menace and a touch of the occult, these seven tracks are a great place to start.
Have you seen or experienced any supernatural phenomena that fit the vibe of these tracks? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
