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“At War with Satan” is the third album by British heavy metal band Venom, released on April 16, 1984.
This concept album recounts an epic battle between Heaven and Hell, where Hell emerges triumphant.
Although it was touted as a breakthrough into mainstream music, it failed to live up to that expectation.
Shortly after its release, HMV decided to pull the album from its shelves due to its anti-Christian content.
The inspiration for the lengthy song that takes up an entire side of the album came from Rush's “2112” album, according to bassist and vocalist Cronos.
The narrative centers on Abaddon, a character symbolizing the guardian of the gates of Hell.
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Cronos had begun developing this story in his youth, exploring how Hell rebels and throws God into the abyss. The imagery evokes the Book of Revelation and John Milton's poem “Paradise Lost,” combining elements of horror and pulp aesthetics.
The album features a mix of tracks, with side A dedicated to the title track and side B offering Venom's trademark “three minutes of heart-pounding”.
Despite receiving praise for its ambition, it also faced criticism for its production. However, “At War with Satan” established itself as a benchmark in heavy metal, despite the controversy it generated.