Steeped in the grand formula of doom mixed with NWOBHM, stoner rock and the occult, Venomous Maximus will be getting a proper release for their already critically acclaimed debut album Beg Upon The Light on July 5 of this year via Napalm Records. It is a little weird reviewing this album as I had already made Beg Upon The Light number 20 on my own top 20 albums of 2012 list. But anytime a band as solid as Venomous Maximus can achieve a wider audience for their unique brand of music I am all for it, first in line if you will. Plus, having been able to listen to the album several times over has really helped me be able to pick up on the small things that I missed when I first heard the album. The tight production, the cohesiveness of the band and the unique song structures are all much more evident now that I have had some extra time with this album.
There is something about this album that keeps me completely mesmerized the entire time I am listening to this doom, metal, occult masterpiece. This album has a tone, rhythm and feel to it that paralyzes the listener in place and doesn’t allow them to recover until it’s all over. There is nothing fancy here just heavy, melodic, metal that is as thick and layered as it is smooth and beautiful. What Venomous Maximus has put down on this album needs to be listened to, but be careful because this is an album that speaks to the listener in that voodoo kind of way. After even an initial listen one gets completely entranced in the captivating guitar work that is so perfectly paired with the vocals of Gregg Higgins. The symbiosis that is created by the band and the subject matter of their songs is so appropriate that it is almost brilliant. This band has found a sound that is unique while familiar and comfortable all at the same time.
The layered sound and perfect production allow the listener to feel every note as it penetrates your subconscious and doesn’t let go. The strong guitar work of Christian Larson moves the songs along but the brilliance of the rhythm section of bass man Trevi Biles and Drummer Bongo never allow the music to stall or go stale. Stand out songs 'Path of Doom' and 'Give Up The Witch' are excellent examples of how the next generation of metal bands should do it; but 'Moonchild' shows a band so comfortable with each other that the song will crush your blackened soul.
From the opening dirge of 'Funeral Queen' to the closing power of 'Hell’s Heroes' the carnival barker vocals will keep you trapped in this psychotic circus until the final act. What this band has done on this album is most impressive when the band is allowed to open up and fill the extra long intros and solos of each song, allowing the mood to swell and the ebb and flow of the rhythm to suck you in and drown you in all of the heavy mighty glory of the subject. The combination of strong songwriting and dedicated musicians make this album accessible to fans of this genre of music and even one’s on the outskirts. Let Venomous Maximus take you on this dark journey; succumb to the siren song of the dark.
The PR material that accompanies this release says that this album is a “deadly blend that goes right into your blood” and I am not sure I could portray it much better. When you listen to Venomous Maximus’ Beg Upon The Light it becomes part of you for the duration of the album. You are the vessel in which they carry their sound and words through to the very core of your being. Be warned, if you haven’t listened to this album yet prepare to be taken on a dark journey that will leave a mark on your soul.
Until Later, Peace!
