Conrad Lant

Conrad Lant, better known by his stage name Cronos, is an English musician and the founding member of the heavy metal band Venom. Born on January 15, 1963, in Newcastle upon Tyne, Lant is primarily known as the bassist and vocalist for Venom, a band credited with pioneering the black metal genre and influencing thrash metal. Venom formed in 1979 and gained notoriety for their aggressive sound and dark, theatrical imagery. Their seminal album, "Black Metal" (1982), not only defined the genre's name but also set the stage for countless metal subgenres to follow. Other notable works include "Welcome to Hell" (1981) and "At War with Satan" (1984). Cronos's distinct vocal style and gritty bass work helped shape Venom's identity, making them a cult favorite. The band's raw energy and rebellious themes contributed significantly to the development of extreme metal. Venom's influence can be seen in the music of bands such as Metallica, Slayer, and Mayhem, cementing Cronos's legacy as a pivotal figure in the evolution of heavy metal music.