Conrad “Cronos” Lant, frontman of Venom, dies at 63

Conrad “Cronos” Lant, the iconic frontman and bassist of the pioneering heavy metal band Venom, has passed away at the age of 63. The announcement, made on October 1, has drawn widespread tributes from the global metal community.

Lant, who helped define the black metal genre through his work with the Newcastle upon Tyne-based group, was hailed by peers such as Pantera’s Phil Anselmo, who described him as the “King of Black Metal.” Other musicians, including Peter Tägtgren of Pain and Hypocrisy, noted his profound influence on the development of extreme music.

Lant’s son, Nathan Lant, remarked on his father’s enduring legacy, stating, “His music will never die. His voice will never fade.”