Conrad Lant, the British heavy metal musician who fronted Venom under the stage name Cronos, has died aged 63. No cause of death was given.
Lant served as singer and bassist for the Newcastle band across more than four decades. Venom became a hugely influential force on thrash and black metal subgenres, according to a statement from the band.
"For more than four decades, Conrad's voice, bass and vision were at the heart of Venom," the band said. "He created something that changed heavy music for ever. Venom never followed the rules. They forged their own path. And Conrad was there at the centre of it all, uncompromising, fearless and unmistakable."