British black metal pioneers Venom are currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on their new album for an early 2014 release via Spinefarm Records.

Commented Venom drummer Danny "Danté" Needham: "The new songs are sounding amazing; the whole album has a great feel.

"I'd say the strength of this band comes from our determination to create great music, and that comes from forward thinking, new ideas and fresh challenges."

Added Venom bassist/vocalist Conrad "Cronos" Lant: "I believe this is Venom at its best. The songwriting keeps getting better, and the live shows are tighter and heavier than ever.

"It's clear to me now that all of the lineup changes this band has been through over the years has been an inspiring journey to find the right band of warriors.

"Venom continue to keep growing stronger and unstoppable".

Venom's latest studio album, "Fallen Angels", was released in November 2011 via Spinefarm Records. Featuring 13 recordings produced by Cronos, the follow-up to 2008's "Hell" release saw the trio (completed by guitarist Stuart "Rage" Dixon) adopting a style highly redolent of classic early Venom with modern studio technology employed only to increase the general level of nastiness.

Photo credit: Terry Attwater