Japanese rock music promoter UPP-tone Music has announced that former VENOM members Jeff “Mantas” Dunn (guitar) and Antony “Abaddon” Bray (drums) will reunite for a special concert on November 30 at Shinjuku Antiknock, a legendary music venue in Tokyo, Japan.
According to the UPP-tone Music web site, Dunn and Bray will perform “VENOM classics” alongside some of Japan’s finest Black Metal players: Masaki “Gezol” Tachi (SABBAT) on bass and vocals, Mirai Kawashima (SIGH) on vocals, Shinji “Samm” Tachi (METALUCIFER) on drums, and Noboru “Jero” Sakuma (ABIGAIL) on guitar. Support at the gig will come from SURVIVE and HELL FREEZES OVER.
It’s important to note that VENOM INC. is distinct from the current lineup of VENOM, led by original vocalist Conrad “Cronos” Lant. Cronos’ version of VENOM continues to tour and release albums, featuring Rage (Stuart Dixon) on guitar and Danté (Danny Needham) on drums.
Dunn and Bray previously joined forces in VENOM INC., a band formed nearly ten years ago alongside former VENOM bassist and vocalist Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan. However, last December, Dunn announced his departure from VENOM INC., citing health concerns after suffering two heart attacks—the first in 2018 that required double bypass surgery—and other personal reasons.
Abaddon was a core member of VENOM‘s classic lineup from 1978 to 1992. He rejoined the band in 1995 for a four-year stint before co-founding VENOM INC. with Dunn and Dolan. VENOM INC. launched their debut album, Avé, in August 2017. The following year, Jeramie Kling of THE ABSENCE filled in for Bray on a European tour, allowing Abaddon to be with his newborn daughter.
