Venom founder, vocalist, and bassist Conrad Thomas Lant, known as Cronos, has died at the age of 63. The announcement was made following a statement from band members Rage and Dante, who expressed their profound grief and gratitude for the legacy of the legendary musician.

Cronos was the central figure in Venom’s four-decade history, providing the band’s distinctive voice, basslines, and vision. His influence spanned from the original album Welcome To Hell through seminal works like Black Metal, At War With Satan, and beyond. The band’s pioneering use of black metal as a concept—describing the night and explosive energy of live performance—was rooted in Cronos’s creative philosophy.

In a personal message, Cronos’s son Nathan stated that his father’s music will live on and that the legacy of Venom will endure through fans and the music itself. The band has acknowledged that the loss of Cronos is a tragic one, with deep condolences extended to his family, Nathan and Hel.

The band has confirmed that the legacy of Venom will continue through its music and the global community of fans, known as the Legions, who have long supported the band’s rebellious and uncompromising spirit. Venom remains a foundational force in heavy metal history, and its impact on the genre is considered irreversible.