Conrad "Cronos" Lant, the founder and vocalist of the groundbreaking heavy metal band Venom, has died at the age of 63. His death was confirmed on the group's Facebook page on Oct. 1.
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Conrad "Cronos Lant and Venom Influenced Metal As We Know It
Venom formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1978. One week before a show, the band's original bassist left, so Lant took over the role. Then, in 1980, original vocalist Clive Archer left the band, and Lant stepped behind the mic.
In 1981, Venom released its debut album, Welcome to Hell. Extreme in both sound and imagery, it sounded like nothing else at the time. Loud, fast, and blasphemous, this was the music your preacher had warned your parents about.
The band's 1982 follow-up, Black Metal, gave the subgenre its name. That influence extended to Metallica and Slayer, with Metallica opening for Venom in the early 1980s.
The Band Paid Tribute to Its Founder
Venom shared a touching tribute to Lant on its Facebook page.
"It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we share the news that Conrad "Cronos" Lant has passed away," it began.
"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."
The post also included a message from Lant's son, Conrad.
It read, "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."
