Venom Prison Share ‘Officer Down’ To All Digital Platforms

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During the mids of the pandemic, whilst the Black Lives Matter protests raged on worldwide following the murder of George Floyd, Venom Prison shared their cover of the 2000’s Stampin’ Ground’s classic ‘Officer Down’ to their YouTube channel. Today the band have released the blistering cover to all digital platforms.

The song has had a bit of a full circle moment, with Venom Prison signing to Century Media Records in December 2020 – the record company who released Stampin’ Ground’s classic album ‘Carved From Empty Words’ in 2000 (Which included ‘Officer Down’).

Talking about the all-platform release of the track, Venom Prison commented “Stampin’ Ground is a band we’ve respected and admired even before VENOM PRISON existed and we’ve always toyed with the idea of a cover and never knew what would work with VENOM PRISON.”

They continued “We would listen ‘Carved From Empty Words’ in the van going to shows or on tour. With Stampin’ Ground being a metal/hardcore band this went perfectly in line with VENOM PRISON. We also recorded ‘Erebos’ with Scott Atkins who was a member of Stampin’ Ground and knew from the start Scott would understand us as a band. Our cover goes in line with the original with a slight few changes to make it our own. Enjoy!”

Scott Atkins (formerly guitars in Stampin’ Ground) adds “‘Officer Down’ took on a life of its own from the very first time we played it live. It became our biggest song overnight and it’s amazing it’s still seen that way over 20 years later. it was one of those songs that almost wrote itself, like it was meant to be, it’s stood the test of time. It’s been covered by many bands but this version by VENOM PRISON is definitely one of my personal favourites.”

Last year the band generously contributed their cover of the song to The Rock Fix’s very own ‘Save The Black Heart Vinyl Set’. The vinyl set was made in collaboration with several artists to help raise money for the beloved Black Heart in Camden which struggled to navigate the ever-changing lockdown rules of the UK. The release helped raise a further £1330 for The Black Hearts crowdfunder.

Talking further about working with the band on their latest album, Atkins said “Having produced their latest album, ‘Erebos’, I’ve got to know the band very well, it was surprising how their work ethic and influences tied in with those of Stampin’ Ground in many ways. I hope everyone enjoys this new version as much as our original!”