Venom: Cronos (vocals, bass); Jim C. (guitar, keyboards, background vocals); Abaddon (drums, background vocals).

Originally released in 1987, Calm Before the Storm (also known as Deadline) was the first Venom studio album following the departure of original guitarist Mantas. The main difference isn't so much in the sound -- which is as crude as ever -- as in the subject matter; the Satanic posturing has been greatly toned down in favor of general swords-and-sorcery and rock & roll themes. As such, it's not quite as over the top as early period Venom -- one of the band's most important qualities -- but it's worth checking out by more devoted fans. ~ Steve Huey