Their second album, 1982’s Black Metal , is cited as perhaps the most

Their second album, 1982’s Black Metal , is cited as perhaps the most important influence in the development of black metal , thrash metal , death metal , and other related styles that are often grouped under the extreme metal umbrella. Many defining elements of these genres are first found in the lyrics and song titles created by Lant, his unique singing style and larger than life presence. Venom’s first two albums inspired cult followings to this day. While many of their new wave of British heavy metal peers (like Iron Maiden ) had found measures of popular success or critical acclaim, or (like Def Leppard ) were moving away from heavy metal towards hard rock , Venom were still regarded by critics as “a trio of buffoons”.