After a 2011 that has seen the release of their well-received self-titled debut, classic doom revivalists Serpent Venom are now taking it to the next level with a European tour. Bass stroker Nick ‘Yeti’ Davies gives us the low-down...
First of all, who does what in your band? On vocals we have Garry Ricketts, drums Paul Sutherland, guitar and brainchild was Pete Fox and Nick Davies on bass.
Where are you from?
arry, Nick and Paul are based in south west London. Pete is from Hertfordshire.
Who are your main inspirations for Serpent Venom?
Obviously our main inspirations are from the lords of the heavy. Pentagram, Vitus, the mighty Sabbath, Witchfinder general, Sleep and so on. But we all have a fairly wide love of artists from Dio to High on fire, 60s and 70s rock, krautrock etc. There is a like for all things Lovecraft & Poe, and Pete is a massive fan of cult films, horror and the beat stuff comes into it.
How would you describe Serpent Venom?
The fairest way to describe it is that it is an interpretation of traditional doom as was seen fit. We like that classic vibe, the big sounds, the riff. The way it is supposed to be.
What do you think makes Serpent Venom stand out?
With so many bands coming through all of the time it’s hard to pick and choose a ‘right’ answer. We do our thing and let others do theirs. It’s a great scene to be part of, but you’ll have to ask the people who have been digging our stuff for an easier answer. We like to play what we do, we like to play it well for everyone. I suppose a lot of newer bands are going beyond heavy in their own way and perhaps it’s nice to have a band that is still burning the torch for the traditional sound. After all, a lot of the music from way back when is still as timeless now as it was when it came out. Pete has an incredible knack for writing a riff that seeps into your blood. It worked for us as the band was finding it’s feet and it’s been a great thing to be part of.
How did your previous bands pave the way for Serpent Venom?
Well Pete, Paul and Gaz all came from a background of music within the doom community. Olde Crone, Blood Island Raiders and Sloth. My own background was extreme metal. I think it’s to do with a shared love of influential bands on top of this. We all love loud music and doom has been part of this love for many years for all of us. I was switched onto it around ten years ago and always admired how a riff at about 2 miles an hour can sound just as heavy as someone crunching away at 250!
Could you describe the liveSerpent Venom experience?
Well yes, it’s usually fucking loud! We just go up there and give it what we’ve got and then go find a quiet corner to calm down and maybe have a pint or two. I think with our rehearsal schedule and work, we have played consistently well for everyone. There’s always a great response and we are very grateful!
What’s next for Serpent Venom?
We are about to travel to Europe to tour with Orchid and Seamount in October. After that we will be doing a few London shows in November. That’s pretty much it for 2011. We prefer to look at the present and check out the future when we get there!
Finally, is there anyone you want to thank?
Yes! hundreds of people! Firstly to all of our nearest and dearest who have shown a lot of support while we gallivant off making noise for everyone. To Oli at Church Within for having faith with us and putting the record out. To all of the bands we have gigged with and the friendships we have made as a result and everyone who’s popped along to a show and said cool things about us. It’s really nice to be part of such a great community. Never settle for anything less that Doom Metal!
You can pick up ‘Carnal Altar’ from www.doom-dealer.de, or by contacting the lads directly at
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Breaking The Waves 
