Entertainment
JUST IN: Rock Icon Passes Away At 63; Tributes Pour In
Conrad “Cronos” Lant, the Venom singer and bassist who helped push heavy metal toward its loudest and darkest extremes, has died at 63.
The British band announced his death Thursday in a statement from guitarist Rage and drummer Danté that included a message from Lant’s son, Nathan. No cause of death was disclosed.
Nathan thanked his father’s fans, known as the Legions, as the band remembered a career that helped shape thrash and black metal.
Venom’s early records paired a rough, Motörhead-influenced sound with overtly Satanic lyrics and imagery. The group’s 1981 debut, “Welcome to Hell,” and its 1982 follow-up, “Black Metal,” became landmarks in the underground metal scene. The latter gave an entire genre its name.
Lant remained closely associated with Venom through decades of personnel changes, though his tenure was not uninterrupted. The band recorded three studio albums without him in the late 1980s and early 1990s before he returned.
Drummer Abaddon and guitarist Mantas, the other members of Venom’s classic lineup, departed in 1999 and 2002, respectively.
Lant eventually settled into a lasting partnership with Rage and Danté. That lineup had been together since 2009 and released “Into Oblivion,” Venom’s 16th studio album, earlier this year.
The band’s full statement follows:
“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.
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.
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.
A message from Nathan, Conrad’s son:
‘I want to thank all of the Legions for all of the support you have given my dad over the years. 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.’
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.
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”
