Cronos und VENOM brachten eine bis dato ungekannte Härte in den Metal, und spätestens mit dem zweiten Album "Black Metal" war die Musikwelt eine andere. Black Metal wurde ein ganzes Genre, das sich explizit auf Satan, die Hölle und alles, was dazu gehört, bezieht – das Album lief den Legenden zufolge jeden Tag im Osloer Plattenladen "Helvete". Also da, wo sich die späteren Kirchenanzünder der norwegischen Black-Metal-Szene der zweiten Welle trafen. VENOM ist eine der Bands, die zur ersten Welle und somit zu den Wegbereitern dessen zählen, was später von EMPEROR, IMMORTAL und Co. weitererzählt wurde.
VENOM haben folgendes Statement zu Cronos' Tod veröffentlicht, in dem auch sein Sohn Nathan zu Wort kommt:
IN MEMORIAM — CONRAD “CRONOS” LANT
It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we share the news that Conrad “Cronos” Lant has passed away. For more than four decades, Conrad’s voice, bass and vision were at the heart of VENOM. From the first dark rumblings of Welcome to Hell, through Black Metal, At War With Satan, Possessed and beyond, he created something that changed heavy music forever. VENOM never followed the rules.
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.
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.
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 had the privilege of knowing him.
REST IN PEACE, CONRAD
THE LEGEND LIVES ON
VENOM
Nathan, Conrad’s Sohn:
I want to thank all of the Legions for all of the support you have given my dad over the years. 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.
