Venom frontman Conrad “Cronos” Lant has died at the age of 63. The band shared the news of its bassist and vocalist’s passing in a statement on Facebook.
The band opened its statement by announcing his death. It then paid tribute to his role in the group.
“IN MEMORIAM — CONRAD ‘CRONOS’ LANT. It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we share the news that Conrad ‘Cronos’ Lant has passed away,” Venom said.
The statement then looked back at his four decades with the band and its early albums.
“For more than four decades, Conrad’s voice, bass and vision were at the heart of VENOM,” the band continued. “From the first dark rumblings of Welcome to Hell, through Black Metal, At War With Satan, Possessed and beyond, he created something that changed heavy music forever.”
The band also described its independent approach. It thanked its fans, known as the Legions.
“VENOM never followed the rules. They forged their own path. And Conrad was there at the centre of it all — uncompromising, fearless and unmistakable,” the statement read. “The Legions have always been an important part of VENOM. To everyone who stood with the band through the years, bought the records, came to the shows, wore the shirts, shared the music and kept the flame burning — Cronos was always grateful for your loyalty and support.”
The band closed with a farewell. It also offered condolences to his family and friends.
“His music will never die. His voice will never fade. And the legacy of VENOM will live on through the music he created and through the Legions around the world who continue to carry that flame,” the band said. “Thank you, Conrad. Thank you, Cronos. Thank you for the music. Thank you for the memories. Our deepest love and condolences go to Nathan & Hel, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, Conrad. The legend lives on.”
Conrad’s son, Nathan, also shared a message with fans.
“I want to thank all of the Legions for all of the support you have given my dad over the years,” Nathan said. “I know he really appreciated you all. He has laid down his soul, and his music will live on. The legend of Cronos will never die.”
The loss marks the end of a career that helped shape the sound and image of extreme metal. Here is a look at how Cronos and Venom earned that influence.
Conrad Lant was born in London in 1963. He moved to Newcastle at the age of eight. He joined the band in 1978, as Newcastle’s heavy metal scene was taking shape. Venom had formed in the city that same year. The group eventually settled into its classic lineup of Cronos on vocals and bass, Jeff “Mantas” Dunn on guitar and Tony “Abaddon” Bray on drums.
Venom’s 1982 album Black Metal is widely credited with giving the genre its name. The record paired raw speed with dark imagery. It set the template that countless extreme metal bands later followed. Venom’s sound and aggressive approach also influenced thrash acts such as Metallica and Slayer.
Cronos stayed at the center of the band through its many chapters. He led Venom for more than four decades. He also pursued solo work alongside the group. That output, together with his role in Venom, made him one of the key architects of extreme metal.
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