Japanese rock promoter UPP-tone Music has announced a special reunion concert featuring former VENOM members Jeff “Mantas” Dunn (guitar) and Antony “Abaddon” Bray (drums) on November 30 at Tokyo’s iconic Shinjuku Antiknock venue.
The show will see Dunn and Bray performing classic VENOM tracks alongside some of Japan’s top black metal musicians: Masaki “Gezol” Tachi from SABBAT on bass and vocals, Mirai Kawashima of SIGH on vocals, Shinji “Samm” Tachi from METALUCIFER on drums, and Noboru “Jero” Sakuma from ABIGAIL on guitar. Supporting acts for the night include SURVIVE and HELL FREEZES OVER.
Dunn and Bray previously joined forces in VENOM INC., a band formed nearly ten years ago alongside former VENOM bassist and vocalist Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan. However, last December, Dunn announced his departure from VENOM INC., citing health concerns after suffering two heart attacks—the first in 2018 that required double bypass surgery—and other personal reasons.
Abaddon was a core member of VENOM‘s classic lineup from 1978 to 1992. He rejoined the band in 1995 for a four-year stint before co-founding VENOM INC. with Dunn and Dolan. VENOM INC. launched their debut album, Avé, in August 2017. The following year, Jeramie Kling of THE ABSENCE filled in for Bray on a European tour, allowing Abaddon to be with his newborn daughter.
It’s important to note that VENOM INC. is distinct from the current lineup of VENOM, led by original vocalist Conrad “Cronos” Lant. Cronos’ version of VENOM continues to tour and release albums, featuring Rage (Stuart Dixon) on guitar and Danté (Danny Needham) on drums.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.