For albums like this one, you wait rather impatiently. On a release day, tears of happiness and blushing do not surprise at all. I daresay VENOM has not released a better album as “From the Very Depths” for years. The last album which evoked such an emotional response was the VENOM`s first studio album “Cast In Stone” recorded after they`d reformed, almost 20 years ago. Yes, since then, VENOM has unleashed a number of so-so albums, but with this “From the Very Depths” the band outclassed everything released after “Cast in Stone”, including “Resurrection”. This time, Cronos has approached the VENOM`s classic formula. I’m pretty sure the fact he`d been playing live a lot contributed to his good shape as well. Also, the successful cooperation with Rage and Dante plays a significant role as well. These guys did well, playing live shows and now, they recorded an excellent studio album. It is rather sad there are VENOM and VENOM INC as the main band split up. On the other hand, we have, in result, received two good bands and even more good music. Mantas and companions of his don’t waste their time and we just can expect some new stuff coming out pretty soon. Are they going to be able to keep up with the Cronos` high musical level? It is going to be an arduous task indeed, as there are 14 tracks on “From the Very Depths” and none seems a filler. Every single track on this album is total fucking destruction. Cronos didn’t forget what kick-ass Black Metal sounds like. and proved he is still full of ideas and aint trying to be profiting from what he`s achieved so far. He is 53 years old yet still an active musician. surely, we must remember he`s created a lot of elements together with the present VENOM`s musicians – they together seem to be forming a really unilateral musical body. There`re no weak link in this constellation and all works perfectly. The finesse this stuff is done with, is just strikingly amazing. This stuff comes with a high dose of energy. The hellish machine started in 1979 is, still, in full swing. This band is just amazing! VENOM is able, really, to amaze even extreme malcontents. Apparently, the Hell favours Cronos and his mates incessantly. LWS