Cronos' death

Conrad 'Cronos' Lant, Venom's legendary bassist and vocalist, died at age 63 on October 1, 2026.

Mantas' tribute

Mantas revealed he learned of Cronos' death two days ago and spoke with original drummer Anton 'Abaddon' Bray.

Venom's legacy

Venom's first four albums from 1981 to 1985 and 1997's Cast in Stone influenced thrash and black metal's development.

Mantas' statement

Mantas stated that despite Venom's turbulent history, the three founders changed metal's direction and history.

“It was, at the end of the day, the three of us who started something so special and changed the direction, movement and history of metal as we know it.”

Mantas' reflection

Mantas recalled Venom's early days with a unified goal and the band's rebellious spirit.

“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, that rebellious quality and the absolute driven urge to be something so different whether it was accepted or not.”

Mantas' closing

Mantas promised to speak with fans tomorrow and thanked them for their support.

“I shall speak to you tomorrow, my friends. Rest in power, Conrad Cronos Lant.”