Extreme metal isn’t supposed to feel safe. And with There’s Only Black, Venom Inc. remind us exactly why. Driven by themes of mortality, duality, and resistance to conformity, the album strips everything down to its rawest form—musically and ideologically. At the center of it stands Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan, committed as ever to chaos, honesty, and sound that refuses to be polished.
“There’s Only Black” carries a strong existential weight. How do you feel when writing music these days? Is it a way to express something deeply personal, or do you follow the path that the sound of black metal sets for you?
Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan: Yes, it does! Well, I look at GOOD V EVIL… That can translate into God v Satan, of course, but mainly it is looking at humanity, really. We are our own gods and devils. We can create and excel in the most incredible ways, while, on the other hand, be and do the most evil things imaginable. This subject intrigues me… How can we be so very good and, at the same time, so very evil? In the world we are in, we can see this daily, everywhere. So, confronting and examining this is the paramount subject matter to me, as it always has been.
On the same album, you chose not to include the iconic Venom Inc. logo on the cover. How did that decision come about, and what did you feel you were leaving behind by doing so?
Ah, ok. Well, it wasn’t a legal issue, as VENOM INCORPORATED is owned by us and the logo is a registered company logo. Nor was the decision I made political, as I support Venom with Cronos… and it does feature inside the album. The cover was a simple idea and statement to provoke thought… and the logo, true, just did not work, no matter how I tried. Then I was walking through a famous graveyard in North London, where I live, and saw an inscription in that font, and it struck me that, as the album title was questioning what happens after we die, using a font from a mausoleum was fitting. So I went home and tried it, and BOOM!! It worked perfectly.
You’ve mentioned that the band had around 24 tracks ready before finalizing the album. How did you pick the ones that made it, and are there any plans to release the rest in the future?
That is true, yes. Well, we chose around 12 we liked but sent them all to Nuclear Blast for them to choose what they thought made a good running album, as we couldn’t pick all in the end. The residual tracks I have are earmarked for the new album going out early 2026, and I have now another 6 tracks to add to the best ones leftover.
You’ve experienced both sides of the metal world: the raw, rebellious ‘80s era and the post-COVID globalized scene. What is the biggest challenge for a band like Venom Inc. today?
Venom Inc.: Money and competition, I suppose. Labels have so much power and buy magazine space and festival space, so, in a way, fans get what they are given mostly, and so miss so much great music because many bands don’t have the money or power to place themselves in front of bigger audiences. Social media is great and helps, but algorithms, etc., mean most don’t even see or hear you. Live is therefore critical, and sitting at home on FB or Instagram may be good for your ego, but, in reality, it doesn’t promote properly unless you know the skills required to manipulate the digital realm. Labels/artists have people dedicated to only that… so you have to work 24/7 these days, alone, to even make a scratch… but it’s worth it… so think of it as a part of the job.
While many bands sound cleaner over the years, you seem to become even harsher. Is that a result of experience or a need to stay unfiltered?
Oh, very much. The whole idea was to have that raw, unabashed approach, and cleaning it too much loses the whole aggressive power and chaos. It’s meant to scream in your face, make it hard for you to breathe fast enough… making it too polished, too clinical is great for some bands and works, but for us it can damage the intent and expression.
If you had to pick one Venom Inc. track to be “frozen in time,” which one would you choose and why?
Ooh, THAT is a great question!! Too many to choose from… Perhaps “WAR”… as it seems we are continually in a loop with that subject on the planet.
Out of all the songs you’ve performed live, which one do you feel connects the band to the crowd in the rawest, most powerful way?
Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan: For me? “SONS of SATAN” and “Metal We Bleed!!” Both determine who we are, I feel… anti all conformities and individuals through our music.
You’ve played nearly everywhere. Was there ever a country or stage that completely surprised you with its reaction?
Yes, pretty extensively in my years… I think the last Latin American tour with Possessed. Walking onstage in Chile to a sold-out show and seeing the whole place explode from beginning to end was staggering… Then repeating that in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil surprised me, but in the best way!!! Best it’s ever been!
Athens has consistently shown its love for extreme metal and for your band. Is there anything you’d like to say to your listeners and the readers of DEPART?
Greece is a huge part of Venom – Venom Inc and myself… Atomkraft – M:Pire of Evil… and some of THE best bands and friends have come out of Greece! Athens is ground zero for humanity’s democracy, rich in history, food… humanity… and it is impossible to thank everyone enough… Always humbled and thankful to Greece, and where I live in North London is mainly Greek, so I always feel at home. We will see you very soon with great thanks. COME!! Let’s show the world who we are!!
See you in Athens!
HELL YEAH!!!!!