Ex-Venom members Jeff ‘Mantas’ Dunn and Anthony ‘Abaddon’ Bray have launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking £150,000 from fans to support their ongoing legal battle against former bandmate Conrad ‘Cronos’ Lant. The campaign details are available on GoFundMe.
The two founding members of the pioneering black metal band are calling on their loyal fanbase for financial support in what they describe as a fight for justice and recognition.
“Venom Legends Mantas and Abaddon seek justice in ongoing legal battle, call for fan support,” the GoFundMe page states. “Jeff ‘Mantas’ Dunn and Anthony ‘Abaddon’ Bray, iconic co-founders of the pioneering black metal band Venom, are reaching out to their loyal fans—the ‘Legions’—for support in a legal battle against former bandmate Conrad ‘Cronos’ Lant.”
The dispute centers on two key issues that have been ongoing since 2023.
“Since 2023, Mantas and Abaddon have fought to resolve two critical issues: securing recognition for their contributions to Venom’s legendary artwork and claiming their rightful share of merchandise profits from albums they co-wrote and performed, including Welcome to Hell (1981), Black Metal (1982), At War with Satan (1984), and Possessed (1985),” the statement continues.
The aging musicians, now in their 60s, emphasize their desire for a peaceful resolution.
“Now in their 60s, Mantas and Abaddon seek a fair resolution to ensure their families benefit from Venom’s enduring legacy, which helped define the black metal genre,” they explained. “We’re simply asking for what is rightfully ours. After decades of avoidable conflict, we want peace and closure.”
The legal situation escalated significantly in June 2024. Cronos filed a lawsuit against Abaddon and Plastic Head Music Distribution Ltd., claiming ownership of Venom’s iconic Satanic imagery. The duo states they have been forced to pursue legal action after attempts at amicable resolution failed, resulting in substantial personal and financial costs.
This legal battle represents the latest chapter in a complex history of tensions within the Venom camp that has persisted for years.
Blabbermouth reported that Mantas revealed he had not spoken to Abaddon since 2017 until a mutual friend alerted him to the unfolding legal issues. Despite initial reluctance to get involved, Mantas recognized the seriousness of the situation. He acknowledged the personal and financial toll it has taken.
“Venom is my commodity, it’s my investment, it’s the time that I put in that I didn’t get any reward for,” Mantas stated, highlighting the personal stakes involved in the dispute.
The current lawsuit specifically involves Cronos’ claims of copyright ownership over Venom’s iconic Satanic imagery. He accused Plastic Head Music Distribution of selling merchandise featuring his copyrighted designs without permission. Abaddon allegedly approved this infringement through a licensing agreement, which further intensified the dispute.
The conflict extends beyond the courtroom. Lingering tensions among former band members are affecting the band’s legacy. Loudwire noted that Mantas and Abaddon formed Venom Inc. in 2015 and have been active performing, often in contrast to Cronos’ version of Venom. Mantas has criticized Cronos’ band for what he called “subpar performances,” highlighting ongoing divisions within the Venom legacy.
The fractured relationships mean that fans who want to see classic Venom material performed live may have to follow both Venom and Venom Inc. for the foreseeable future. Full reunions remain unlikely amidst the ongoing dispute.
