Conrad Lant, the bassist and lead singer who helped define the black metal genre as the frontman of the British band Venom, has died at age 63.

Conrad Lant, known by his stage name Cronos, has died at the age of 63. His death was announced by his bandmates in Venom, the influential British heavy metal group he fronted for more than four decades. No cause of death was provided for the musician, who was a central figure in the band's development of a raw, aggressive sound that helped shape the thrash, speed, and black metal subgenres.

Musical Legacy and Influence

Venom formed in 1979 in Newcastle, evolving from a band originally called Guillotine. Lant, who initially joined as a guitarist at age 16, transitioned to bass and eventually lead vocals. The band's debut album, 1981's 'Welcome to Hell,' and their 1982 follow-up, 'Black Metal,' became foundational works in heavy music. The latter album's title eventually provided the name for an entire subgenre of metal. While the band never achieved massive commercial success, their influence was widespread. Their imagery, which featured satanic themes, skulls, and theatrical stage antics, inspired numerous bands including Metallica, Slayer, and Mayhem. Lant's work also extended to collaborations, such as his 2004 appearance on the Probot project with Dave Grohl.

Controversy and Mainstream Attention

Venom's provocative style often drew significant attention. Their 1985 album 'Possessed' gained notoriety during the rise of the Parents Music Resource Center, a group that testified before the U.S. Congress regarding explicit lyrics and imagery in music. A song from the album was included on the organization's 'Filthy 15' list, which brought the band's music to a wider audience.