Influential extreme metal band Venom to release 16th album ‘Into Oblivion’ on May 1

Venom, credited by many as the originator of the black metal subgenre, will release “Into Oblivion,” its 16th studio album, on May 1, 2026, via Noise/BMG. Preorder the album here, and watch the lyric video for its first single, “Lay Down Your Soul,” below.

Forming in 1979, the English band paved the way in the early days of extreme metal. Black metal takes its name from Venom’s second album, released in 1982.

“Into Oblivion,” not to be confused with the upcoming Lamb of God album of the same title, features the longstanding Venom lineup of Cronos (bass/vocals and founding member), Rage (guitar) and Dante (drums). It is the band’s first new recording since 2018’s “Storm the Gates.”

The album has been in the works for some years now, but a number of factors held back its completion until now—the COVID pandemic, recording setbacks and the hunger to nail it to perfection. But in the words of Cronos, “This album has really pushed the boundaries. But if you want to make a killer album, you pay for it in blood, sweat and tears.”

“I’m so proud of this album. It’s astounding!” Rage said. “It feels so different yet so familiar. The sonics are a step up, no song sounds the same, but they all work together.”

The lead single “Lay Down Your Soul” harks back to the band’s formative years and the song “Black Metal.”

“I think it’s healthy to recognize things from back in the day and bring them into a new setting that gives it a whole fresh approach,” Cronos said. “The fans are going to go mental for it!”

“Into Oblivion” will be available in the following formats:

• Double, gatefold smoke vinyl
• Double, gatefold clear, black and red splatter vinyl (Limited Edition)
• CD digisleeve with 16-page booklet
• Digital

Preorders of vinyl and CD will come with a limited photo card, signed by Cronos, Dante and Rage, only from the Noise Records store, while stock lasts.

“Into Oblivion” track listing:

1. Into Oblivion
2. Lay Down Your Soul
3. Nevermore
4. Man & Beast
5. Death the Leveller
6. As Above So Below
7. Kicked Outta Hell
8. Legend
9. Live Loud
10. Metal Bloody Metal
11. Dogs of War
12. Deathwitch
13. Unholy Mother