heavy-metal-darkness: Venthiax |Rites Of Ra |Dying Victims Productions

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Venthiax |Rites Of Ra |Dying Victims Productions

Release Date February 27^th, 2026
Format CD/Vinyl
Genre Speed/Thrash Metal
Country Sweden

Venthiax formed in March 2021 in Huskvarna, aiming to be the loudest band in the Jönköping region. The lineup features bassist Wendy Juneström, known for the Black Pages fanzine, guitarist Viggo Heinonen, formerly of Pyrrha, and drummer/vocalist Emil Borg. After releasing a demo, an EP, and two live albums, the Swedish trio signed with Dying Victims Productions for their debut mini-album. Drawing influence from 80s titans like Slayer and Sodom, they focus on aggressive, old-school songwriting.

"Rites Of Ra" kicks in the door with the subtlety of a brick to the face. Venthiax clearly worships at the altar of early Teutonic thrash and American speed metal, delivering a sound that reeks of stale beer and leather. The production here is wonderfully grimy. It sounds like it was recorded in a dungeon, keeping the edges rough and the atmosphere dark. There is no modern sheen to hide behind, just pure, unfiltered noise that demands you bang your head until your neck snaps.

Viggo Heinonen’s guitar work drives the chaos. The riffs are fast, jagged, and heavily influenced by the evil sounds of early Sodom or Kreator. He attacks the strings with serious aggression, creating a wall of distortion that powers the whole machine. Solos shriek and wail over the rhythm, adding to the manic energy. The guitar tone is sharp enough to cut glass, providing the perfect soundtrack for a circle pit in a dive bar.

The rhythm section creates a battering ram of sound. Emil Borg abuses his drum kit. His playing is primitive and savage, avoiding technical wizardry in favor of pure propulsion. He whips the toms and crashes the cymbals with a relentless fury that keeps the tempo pushing forward. Wendy Juneström’s bass rumbles underneath, locking in with the drums to form a heavy foundation. This bottom end gives the tracks the necessary muscle to back up the speed.

Vocally, Borg barks out lyrics about ancient rituals and mayhem with plenty of venom. His delivery is harsh and shouted, matching the abrasive nature of the music perfectly. Songs like "Speed Metal Mayhem" live up to their name, delivering exactly what is advertised on the tin. The band keeps things short and punchy, getting in, wrecking the place, and getting out before things get boring.

This mini-album is a fun ride for anyone who misses the glory days of the mid-80s underground. Venthiax delivers a satisfying dose of speed and aggression without overthinking it. It is raw, it is fast, and it is loud. Sometimes that is all you need. Grab a beer, turn the volume up to eleven, and let "Rites Of Ra" tear your speakers apart.

Score: 7.5