Cronos Venom Obituary, Cause of Death: Venom Frontman Conrad “Cronos” Lant Dies at 63 as Metal Community Mourns
Conrad “Cronos” Lant, the longtime vocalist and bassist of the pioneering British heavy-metal band Venom, has died at the age of 63. His passing was confirmed by Venom on October 1, 2026, bringing an end to the career of one of the most recognizable figures in the development of extreme metal.
Earlier reports had circulated online without independent confirmation. Those reports have now been superseded by an official statement from Venom and messages from Lant’s son, Nathan.
Conrad “Cronos” Lant Cause of Death
The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Venom confirmed Lant’s passing but did not provide information about the circumstances or cause of his death. Until his family or another authoritative source releases further details, claims about the cause should be treated with caution.
Who Was Conrad “Cronos” Lant?
Conrad Thomas Lant, professionally known as Cronos, became the defining vocalist and bassist of Venom. The band emerged from Newcastle and developed a raw, aggressive sound that became highly influential within heavy and extreme metal.
Venom’s early albums, including Welcome to Hell and Black Metal, became particularly influential. The 1982 album Black Metal ultimately gave its name to the black-metal genre, while the band’s approach influenced generations of musicians across thrash and other forms of extreme metal.
Lant remained closely associated with Venom for more than four decades and continued performing and recording with the band. Venom released its sixteenth studio album, Into Oblivion, in 2026.
Venom Pays Tribute to Cronos
Following the announcement, Venom described Lant as being at the heart of the band’s voice, bass and creative vision for more than 40 years. The band highlighted his contributions to albums including Welcome to Hell, Black Metal, At War With Satan and Possessed.
His son Nathan also thanked the band’s worldwide fan community for the support given to his father throughout his career, saying that his music would continue to live on.
A Lasting Heavy-Metal Legacy
Cronos leaves behind a musical legacy that extends well beyond Venom. The band’s early work helped shape the sound, imagery and attitude associated with extreme metal, and later musicians repeatedly cited Venom as an important influence.
His death has prompted tributes throughout the international metal community, with music publications remembering him as a central figure in the history of the genre.
Funeral and Memorial Information
At the time of publication, specific funeral or memorial arrangements had not been publicly announced in the sources reviewed.
Fans and fellow musicians have continued to pay tribute to Cronos through memories of his music and Venom’s influential recordings. Further information about arrangements may be shared by his family in due course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Cronos?
Cronos was the stage name of Conrad Thomas Lant, the vocalist and bassist best known for his work with Venom.
How old was Cronos when he died?
Conrad “Cronos” Lant was 63 years old.
What was Cronos’ cause of death?
No cause of death has been publicly disclosed as of October 1, 2026.
Did Venom confirm his death?
Yes. Venom announced his death on October 1, 2026, and his son Nathan also issued a message thanking fans for their support.
What was Cronos known for?
He was known as Venom’s longtime vocalist and bassist and as a major figure in the development of extreme metal. Venom’s 1982 album Black Metal was particularly influential and gave the black-metal genre its name.
This article has been updated to reflect the official confirmation of Conrad “Cronos” Lant’s death. Information about the cause of death and memorial arrangements may be updated if the family or band releases further details.