Transitional 1987 effort “Calm Before the Storm” saw guitarist Jeffrey “Mantas” Dunn replaced by the double attack of Jimi Clare and Mike Hickey. This was a period when the whole thrash movement was at its height, and the genre was starting to fragment. Some bands were becoming more sophisticated, while others were delving into more extreme areas of music. It was an exciting time for Venom, as they were unique groundbreakers, making a controversial new direction perfect to keep fans guessing about the band’s next move. Determined to stay true to their path, they opened up their sound somewhat with “Calm Before the Storm,” attracting a new audience. While the album maintained a brutal edge, the dark imagery of the past had evolved into a more nuanced approach.
