Welcome To Hell
Venom
Embracing the Abyss: Venom's 'Welcome To Hell'
Venom's 'Welcome To Hell' is a raw and unapologetic dive into the darker aspects of human nature and existence. The song's aggressive tone and vivid imagery paint a picture of rebellion and defiance against conventional morality. The opening lines, 'Fight, we will fight right / Living low in a world of our own,' set the stage for a narrative that rejects societal norms and embraces a life of chaos and anarchy. The phrase 'taking hell as our home' suggests a deliberate choice to inhabit a realm of darkness and destruction, rather than seeking redemption or salvation.
The recurring theme of 'burning lives' and 'asking me for the mercy of God' highlights the song's exploration of guilt, punishment, and the absence of divine intervention. The 'ancient cries' and 'acting fast upon the way of the dog' evoke a sense of primal instincts and a return to a more savage, unrestrained way of living. This imagery is further reinforced by the repeated refrain 'Welcome to hell,' which serves as both a warning and an invitation to embrace this hellish existence.
The lyrics also delve into themes of death and mortality, with lines like 'Kill we will kill death' and 'Die we won't die live.' These paradoxical statements reflect a nihilistic worldview where life and death are intertwined, and traditional concepts of morality and consequence are rendered meaningless. The song's closing lines, 'Leave your souls at his feet / Kiss the flames / Scorn defeat,' suggest a final act of surrender to the infernal forces, rejecting any hope of redemption and fully embracing the chaos and destruction that define their chosen path.
'Welcome To Hell' is a powerful anthem of rebellion and defiance, challenging listeners to confront their own fears and embrace the darker aspects of their nature. Venom's aggressive musical style and provocative lyrics make this song a quintessential example of the band's influence on the heavy metal genre, particularly in its subgenres of black and thrash metal.