Rock music frontman, founder of pioneering band, dead at 63: ‘His music will live on’

Alabama Life & CultureFrom left, Phil Anselmo and Cronos from Venom arrive for the Kerrang! Awards 2013, London, Thursday, June. 13, 2013. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)Jonathan Short/Invision/APBy Brian Linder | blinder@pennlive.comConrad “Cronos” Lant, the bassist and lead singer for the band Venom, has died.He was 63. A cause of death has not been reported.Venom shared the news on Facebook.“It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we share the news that Conrad ‘Cronos’ Lant has passed away,” the post read. “For more than four decades, Conrad’s voice, bass and vision were at the heart of Venom. From the first dark rumbling of Welcome to hell, through Black Metal, At War With Satan, Possessed and beyond, he created something that changed heavy music forever. “Venom has never followed the rules,” the post continued. “They forged their own path. And Conrad was there at the centre of it all — uncompromising, fearless and unmistakable. The Legions have always been an important part of Venom. To everyone who stood with the band through the years, bought the records, came to the shows, wore the shirts, shared the music and kept the flame burning — Cronos was always grateful for your loyalty and support.”Rolling Stone called Lant and Venom “black metal pioneers.” Along with being the band’s bassist and vocalist, Lant also founded the group. Venom released its first album, “Welcome to Hell,” in 1981. The band has 14 albums altogether, with the last, “Into Oblivion,” released this year. He also released four albums with the heavy metal band Cronos. The first of those, “Dancing with Fire,” came in 1990, and the last, “Hell to the Unknown,” came in 2006. The band also shared a message from Lant’s son, Nathan. “I want to thank all of the Legions for all of the support you have given my dad over the years,” he said. “I know he really appreciated you all. He has laid down his soul, and his music will live on. The legend of Cronos will never die. His music will never die. His voice will never fade. And the legacy of Venom will live on through the music he created and through the Legions around the world who continue to carry that flame.”The band added, “Thank you, Conrad. Thank you, Cronos. Thank you for the music. Thank you for the memories. Our deepest love and condolences go to Nathan & Hel, friends and everyone who has the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, Conard. The legend lives on.”Brian Linder is the trending editor at PennLive.com. He has more than 20 years of experience working for newspapers first in South Carolina, then Daytona Beach, Florida and now in Pennsylvania. Linder spent...