Artist: Serpent Venom
Title: Serpent Venom
Type: Demo
Label: Self Released

London/Hertfordshire doom purveyors Serpent Venom have been something of a hot talking point for me, ever since their first gig in August last year. This 3-track Demo is a long awaited slab of plastic that is musically a heavyweight when it comes to true doom. Mixing everything between Pentagram, Cathedral, and a nod to the odd Sabbath tune, Serpent Venom are quite a powerful force like that displayed on the opening epic ‘Four Walls of Solitude’. Wailing doomed vocals and a guitar tone that sends shivers down your spine brandish everything heavy, and a tempo change part way through makes it all worthwhile and keeps you bobbing your head in appreciation. In fact the bass and drums (from Nick and Paul respectively) have that wonderful 70’s vibe. ‘Under the Compass’ and final track ‘The Outsider’ have become stable tunes in the bands live repertoire, although a rough studio recording currently exists here, there is still the underlying talent and doom heaviness that makes me feel excited about this release and band, something I have not found in a while.

When a surprise package like this comes along you should embrace it and make it your own, Serpent Venom’s first recorded output rattles your cage and twists your mind, this is a perfect true doom release and a promising future should lie ahead.

http://www.myspace.com/serpentvenom

Paul Maddison

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