Mantas and Abaddon celebrated their Venom legacy in Tokyo

Former Venom members Mantas and Abaddon reunited on stage in Tokyo.

Mantas Venom Japan at Antiknock, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan on 30th November 2025

British heavy metal band Venom won a cult following in Japan with their early 80s albums “Welcome to Hell” and “Black Metal”.

Guitarist Mantas and drummer Abaddon toured Japan with Venom in 1987, the only time the classic line-up of Venom toured Japan. The pair toured Japan again with Venom Inc in 2015 and 2018. Mantas has also been performing in Japan without Abaddon. He toured Japan with both M:Pire of Evil and Venom Inc. In 2023, he performed a solo gig and a show with former Angel Witch drummer Dave Dufort’s band Dr Phibes Electric Wizards.

This time, Japanese promoter UPP-tone put on a performance billed as Mantas Venom Japan. Mantas was joined by the same local musicians that backed him for his solo show in 2023: Mirai Kawashima (Sigh) on vocals, Gezol (Sabbat, Metalucifer) on bass, Shinji Tachi (Metalucifer) on drums and Jero (Abigail) on guitar.

The set consisted of the expected early Venom classics. We also got a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” as a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. Those with good eyes could also spot a tribute to another fallen hero: the Ace Frehley badge on Mantas’ jacket.

The audience got treated to all their early Venom favourites, including “Witching Hour”, “Leave Me in Hell”, “Live Like an Angel (Die Like a Devil)”, “Black Metal”, “Don’t Burn the Witch” and “Bloodlust”.

For the final three songs of the performance, Abaddon took over the drums. As usual, he brought not only his drumsticks but also a bottle of Jack Daniel’s whiskey to the stage. “Welcome to Hell”, “Countess Bathory” and “In League with Satan” rounded off a fun revisit of early Venom. This was a fitting tribute to the incredible Venom legacy, where fans got to see Mantas and Abaddon perform together again in an intimate venue.

Both Mantas and Abaddon have suffered from major health issues in recent years and have stepped back from touring. The pair has, however, announced that they will make a few special appearances at European festivals in 2026. These shows will be performed with special guests. A proper reunion of the original Venom isn’t likely to happen until hell freezes over.