Drummer Jeramie Kling has officially announced his departure from VENOM INC. after contributing his skills to the band for a five-year tenure
Kling, who also holds a position in INHUMAN CONDITION, notably refrained from participating in VENOM INC.‘s summer festival performances in 2022, specifically at the Alcatraz festival in Belgium and the Bloodstock Open Air festival in the U.K. During these events, the renowned British extreme metal drummer Nick Barker stepped in as Kling‘s replacement.
On Wednesday (November 8),Kling released the following statement via social media: “I have decided to part ways with VENOM INC. due to logistical reasons.
“This has been an incredible journey that has taken me around the world! I have seen countries I had never been too, met wonderful friends and had a blast doing it! I am proud of what we created on ‘There’s Only Black’ as well as the countless shows we have played over the years.
“Very special thanks to all of the VENOM fans that have accepted and welcomed me into the legacy. I will forever cherish your support.”
When one person noted in the comments that the Florida-based Kling was “a little far from the rest of the band” — referring to guitarist Jeff “Mantas” Dunn, who lives in Portugal, and bassist/vocalist Tony Dolan, who lives in the U.K. — Jeramie responded: “I didn’t mind the traveling.”
In 2018, VENOM INC. enlisted Kling to stand in for Anthony “Abaddon” Bray during a European tour, allowing Abaddon to prioritize time with his newborn daughter.
Kling‘s mark within VENOM INC. was notably felt through his recording debut on the band’s second album, “There’s Only Black,” released in September 2022 via Nuclear Blast Records. This album, following 2017’s “Avé,” signified the second collective recording effort under the name VENOM INC., while Dunn and Dolan have a longstanding history of collaboration in VENOM, M:PIRE OF EVIL, and Mantas solo projects.
It’s crucial to note that VENOM INC. should not be confused with the iteration of VENOM fronted by Conrad “Cronos” Lant, which continues to tour and produce albums under the VENOM name. Cronos leads this version alongside Rage (also known as Stuart Dixon) on guitar and Danté (a.k.a. Danny Needham) on drums.