Legendary VENOM Bassist Conrad 'Cronos' Lant Passes at 63: A Tribute from Mantas
In a devastating turn for the metal scene, Jeff "Mantas" Dunn, the original guitarist of the legendary band VENOM, has taken to social media to pay homage to his fallen brother-in-arms, Conrad Lant, better known as Cronos, who left this mortal coil earlier this week at the age of 63. The outpouring of love and condolences from fans and fellow musicians alike has been overwhelming, a testament to Cronos's indelible mark on the genre.
Mantas shared heartfelt words, stating, "I thank you all for the overwhelming outpouring of appreciation and condolences. Justly deserved I believe." Reflecting on the band's tumultuous yet transformative history, Mantas noted the bond between himself, Cronos, and drummer Abaddon (Antony Bray), emphasizing that it was the trio that ignited a movement that would redefine metal as we know it. Their camaraderie, forged in the fires of rebellion, was as powerful as their music, a truth that resonates even in the face of adversity.
In a poignant moment of remembrance, Mantas recalled the laughter and camaraderie of their early days, a time when their collective spirit was unbreakable. "At times like this the thing I remember is the friendship that we had in those early days, that one for all, all for one mentality," he reflected. Despite the band's well-documented conflicts, Mantas's tribute serves as a reminder that true metal brotherhood transcends the chaos.
VENOM's latest studio offering, "Into Oblivion," released in May via Noise/BMG, marked the band's sixteenth album and showcased the enduring legacy of Cronos alongside his bandmates Rage and Danté. However, the band faced a fragmented identity even before Cronos's passing, with multiple factions of VENOM existing on the live circuit—a reality that speaks to the ongoing complexity of their legacy.
Even in the wake of tragedy, the dispute surrounding VENOM's name and merchandise rights looms large. Just months before his death, Cronos was embroiled in a legal battle with Abaddon and Plastic Head Music over the use of his designs, a conflict that underscores the chaotic undercurrents that often plague metal's most iconic figures.
As the metal community grapples with the loss of a true innovator, it is crucial to remember the profound impact that Cronos, Mantas, and Abaddon had on the genre. Their classic albums—"Welcome To Hell," "Black Metal," "At War With Satan," and more—stand as monumental testaments to their artistry and influence, inspiring countless bands from METALLICA to BEHEMOTH. Rest in power, Conrad Cronos Lant; your legacy will echo through the ages.