Photo by FotoPixey/Justyna Kamińska
Conrad Lant, better known as Cronos - the bassist, vocalist and founding member of foundational black metal pillars Venom has passed away. He was 63 years old
In a statement shared to Venom's official social media, the band expressed profound sadness off Lant's passing and eternal gratitude for the music and legacy he leaves behind.
"For more than four decades, Conrad's voice, bass and vision were at the heart of VENOM. 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 statement continued, "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 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 core trio of Venom's classic line up in Anthony "Abaddon" Bray, Jeffrey "Mantas" Dunn and Cronos were responsible for some of extreme music's most celebrated, enduring works. Venom's prolific run from 1981's Welcome to Hell, 1982's Black Metal, At War With Satan in 1984 and Possessed in 1985 remained one of the most influential successions in heavy music, reaching legions of fans and shaping a generations of future musicians.
Cronos would go onto established his own body of work as a solo artists in the 1990's with releases including Dancing in the Fire in 1990, Rock n' Roll Disease in 1993 and the album Venom in in 1995. He would resume his post in Venom with original members Abaddon and Mantas for 1997's Cast In Stone.
Cronos continued with on with Venom up until his passing. The most current line-up of Venom led by Cronos featured guitarist Stuart Dixon and drummer Danny Needham. venom released their sixteenth studio album, Into Oblivion, this last May.
