Venom’s Cronos Lant is dead
The world of extreme music has lost a foundational figure. Conrad “Cronos” Lant, the founding vocalist and bassist of the legendary black metal outfit Venom, has passed away at the age of 63.
The news came from Venom, who shared the sad announcement on social media, acknowledging the profound sadness felt by the community. Lant’s son, Nathan, expressed deep gratitude, recognizing his father’s lasting contribution to the genre, asserting that the legend of Cronos will never die.
Lant’s journey into the world of heavy metal began in Newcastle upon Tyne. He transitioned from the band Dwarfstar to Guillotine in 1978, where he took on the role of guitarist. It was during this period that he met Jeffrey Dunn, who would become a key figure in the band’s development, and when the original bassist departed, Lant stepped up to handle the bass role. In 1979, suggestions from a roadie led to the renaming of the group to Venom.
With the departure of the original vocalist, Clive Archer, Lant took on both bass and vocals, working alongside Dunn on creating their unique sound. This collaboration led to the recording of their first single and debut album, Welcome to Hell, released in 1981. This record was highly influential, pushing the boundaries of heavy metal and making the flirtation with Satanism a prominent theme within the burgeoning genre.
The band continued this trajectory with their sophomore album, Black Metal, released in 1982. This album remains a pivotal artifact, significantly shaping the development of black metal, thrash, and death metal, establishing a faster, harsher sonic approach that influenced countless artists.
After the initial Venom run, Lant explored his musical interests further. In 1988, he formed his eponymous solo project, Cronos, alongside guitarists Mike Hickey and Jim Clare, releasing three albums throughout the 1990s. This period showcased Lant’s continued creative fire outside the confines of the original band.
The Venom story is one of remarkable longevity and resilience. Following various lineup shifts and periods of hiatus, the band persevered, eventually releasing a grand total of sixteen LPs. Even after personal challenges, the spirit of Venom continued, and the group even released their latest record, Into Oblivion, marking a significant return after an eight-year pause.
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