Venom – Secret of Shaman is the name of Simone Andreoli’s latest creation. Anyone who calls his work “Venom” can be sure of some attention. But it’s not quite that bad. Andreoli clearly takes us into the realm of the spiritual, to be precise, into the mysticism of ancient Mayan shaman rituals.
In the meantime, serious research is being carried out into the use of psychedelic substances again and there are promising results, especially on a medical level. Of course, Simone Andreoli is not sending us on a trip, but I find the idea that scents fundamentally change our perception and possibly even open up new perspectives quite interesting.
DI delved a little deeper into Andreoli’s website and press materials. He apparently envisions the whole thing as a ritual, an inner transformation and spiritual rebirth, which in turn releases a wild energy. And here it comes: based on a ritual with Bufo alvarius. What is that? It is the so-called Colorado River toad (also Incilius alvarius) or Sonoran Desert toad. The toad, which lives in the south-west of the USA and north-west Mexico, produces a potent hallucinogen called 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) in its skin glands. This substance is psychoactive and can cause strong hallucinations and spiritual experiences. It is also being researched with regard to the treatment of mental illnesses. As far as I can see, its effectiveness has not yet been scientifically confirmed.
Please note! No toads or other amphibians were harmed in the writing of this article!
Venom – Secret of Shaman – shamanic intoxicant
Sprayed directly onto the test strip, my first thought is: this is something for me. Fine leather and sparkling spices, that’s my first impression. Of course, there are also similarities to existing fragrances, but more on that later.
The opening is already complex and exciting, in my opinion. Dried fruit notes – probably dates – and saffron stand out clearly, giving Venom an oriental touch. Definitely overwhelming in a good way, intoxicating and increasingly complex with the spices that now join in. After the brilliant start, the fragrance calms down and takes a deep breath. This is followed by warm, spicy tobacco and leather notes. Resinous, enveloping, warm and glowing red, the fragrance concludes with a soft vanilla trail.
I want to be honest. I’m not sad that the promised visions of the afterlife didn’t materialize. That would have been a bit much for this sunny Thursday. But I can understand the story that Andreoli wants to tell here. Perhaps a strange, weird, psychedelic element could have been added, a disruptive element that steers the nose in a new direction. But that’s criticism at the highest level.
The fragrance notes
Saffron, dates, dried fruit, black pepper, tobacco, leather, resins, vanilla, patchouli, immortelle
My conclusion about Venom
I mean it absolutely respectfully and am not complaining in any way. Venom – Secret of a Shaman could be the younger brother of Tom Ford’s Tuscan Leather or Parfums de Marly’s Godolphin. Both are somewhat lighter, more floral and also more subtle in their overall impression, so Venom is an interesting variation on the familiar theme. It is darker, more intoxicating and warmer than the aforementioned role models.
So if, like me, you have a weakness for these spicy leather fragrances, Venom will be a variant that might suit the cooler season a little better. Highly recommended!
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