Conrad Lant, known worldwide as Cronos, the founding voice and bassist of Venom, died on October 1, 2026, in London. He was 63. His death was confirmed by a spokesperson for the band’s management, but no further details about the cause have been disclosed.
Lant’s influence on metal music stretched across nearly five decades. He started his career in 1979, two years after the punk explosion, and helped define the sound of heavy metal from the first wave through to black metal. His work with Venom is often regarded as foundational. The band’s 1982 album, "Black Metal," remains a touchstone, even as the term "black metal" later described a different style.
Born Conrad Thomas Lant in London on January 15, 1963, he adopted the moniker Cronos early on. He was a constant presence in the metal scene, performing, composing, and writing songs. His style incorporated elements of speed metal, thrash, and the earliest black metal. Venom’s raw sound and aggressive attitude set the template for many bands that followed.
Venom’s influence was not limited to their sound. Lant’s lyrics and attitude helped shape the darker themes that have become staples in extreme metal. Venom’s lineup changed over the years, but Lant remained a defining figure. His voice was instantly recognizable, a snarling, feral sound that cut through the noise.
"Conrad was a pioneer," said Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, in a statement released on social media. "His work with Venom laid the groundwork for so much of what we do today." Other musicians, including members of Metallica and Slayer, paid tribute to Lant, acknowledging his role in shaping metal’s DNA.
Lant’s career was not without controversy. Venom’s provocative lyrics, often dealing with Satanism and anti-establishment themes, drew criticism from religious groups. Yet he continued to push boundaries, refusing to soften his stance or tone down his message.
Over the years, Lant remained active. Venom released several albums after the 1980s, including "Prime Evil" in 1989 and "The Waste Lands" in 1992. He kept touring and recording, often returning to his roots with a straightforward, uncompromising approach. His influence extended beyond Britain; he was a fixture in festivals and underground scenes worldwide.
His death leaves a void in the metal community. Venom’s last tour was in 2019, and Lant had hinted at retirement in interviews over the past few years. No official statement has been issued about his health or the circumstances of his passing.
Fans and fellow musicians remember Lant as a trailblazer. His work with Venom inspired countless bands, from Slayer to Metallica. The band’s early albums are still cited as essential listens for metal fans. His legacy is built on the raw power and rebellion that defined early extreme metal.
Lant’s death underscores how much the genre has evolved since 1979. Yet his name remains synonymous with the raw, unfiltered energy that launched a wave of metal subgenres. As fellow musicians continue to pay tribute, the recognition of his influence grows clearer.
Conrad Lant’s contribution is a reminder of how a single band and a single voice can alter the course of music history. His passing at 63 signals the end of an era for British metal, but his influence persists in every riff and lyric that emerged from the underground to the mainstream.
According to Dead-People.