Black Metal  by Venom

In November 1982, Venom released their second studio album, Black Metal, an album that has become one of the most important milestones in the history of heavy music. Although musically considered a precursor to thrash or speed metal, the album lent its name to the subsequently established genre of Black Metal.

The cover was designed by Cronos himself using Tipp-Ex. It depicts the face of a demon with a pentagram on its forehead, an inverted cross, and the number 666. The song lyrics focus on Satanism, magic, nightmares, and horror mythology (e.g., "Countess Bathory"), while there is no shortage of provocative themes for the time.

Despite the initial awkwardness of critics, Black Metal achieved cult status. The album significantly influenced the Norwegian scene of the '90s, as well as legendary bands such as Metallica, Slayer, and Mayhem.