The Crow Hill Company has launched VENOM, a revolutionary drum library designed in collaboration with Los Angeles-based artist and producer Joseph Holiday, also known as Snakes Of Russia. This drum library, which is the result of decades of expertise, offers a new way for users to craft drum parts tailored to their music without relying on pre-recorded loops or rhythms.
VENOM, described as a groundbreaking tool, represents a shift from traditional sample-based libraries. Unlike others that simply layer or modulate signals, VENOM offers users the chance to experiment with different signal paths, creating beats that evolve and multiply in complexity. The Crow Hill Company highlights that this approach is akin to “poisoning” the music, where each process applied introduces a unique, often unpredictable element to the sound, reshaping and refining the rhythm.
One of the standout features of VENOM is its ability to provide multiple signal paths for each drum kit and bass, allowing for an expansive range of sonic experimentation. Users can select from various “poisons” or alternative signal paths, including DOLL’S EYES, which uses crushed tape for a distinctive “tapey” texture; ARROW TREE, which applies amplification through high-end equipment; WOLFSBANE, which focuses on intimate room acoustics; CORNCOCKLE, which captures distant room sounds; and SNAKEROOT, which adds vintage plate reverb. Additionally, SKYFLOWER provides a rusted spring effect, further adding to the library’s dark and unique sound palette.
For those who wish to explore even further, the effects screen offers control over five distinct areas: REDUX for lo-fi bit-crushing, DIRT for bespoke waveshaping, REVERB, DELAY, and SMASH, a multi-band compressor that adds power to even the most subtle sounds. Together, these features offer an unprecedented level of customization and creativity.
Joseph Holiday, who designed, created, and processed VENOM, explained his creative process in detail. He spoke about his experimentation with re-amping drums and synths through speakers and bass guitar cabinets, which added a unique character to the sound. He used only analog sources, including iconic synthesizers such as the Minimoog Model D, Korg MS-20, and Roland Juno 106, among others. These were blended with acoustic drums and processed through various analog effect units before being re-amped at Seahorse Sound Studios in Los Angeles.
The result is a library that offers 33 fully-analog drum kits, 33 bass synths, and six distinct re-amped and processed signal paths, all in a total package of over 25 GB of uncompressed material. VENOM is compatible with AAX, AU, VST, and VST3 formats and can be easily integrated into any DAW. The library is available for download via The Crow Hill App, which ensures seamless installation and integration.
VENOM is currently available at an introductory price of £79.00 GBP, down from the regular price of £99.00 GBP. For those interested in exploring this unique tool, The Crow Hill Company invites users to sign up for access to an ever-growing collection of professional resources.
For those looking to create the darkest and most complex beats without relying on loops or pre-recorded rhythms, VENOM promises to be a game-changer in the world of drum libraries.
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