Ex-Venom Members Need Help with Legal Fees Against Conrad “Cronos” Lant

It sucks how this is an all-too-familiar situation that occurs in the metal world. When bands break up, you can only hope for an amicable split, free of contention and any need for legal involvement, but that hasn’t seemed to be the case for Venom. The classic heavy metal band has been in the midst of a custody battle of sorts, with two of its former memories seeking aid to help with their fight.

You see, co-founding members Jeffrey “Mantas” Dunn and Anthony “Abaddon” Bray have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for their legal fees in a restitution battle with their former bandmate Conrad “Cronos” Lant, to the tune of £150,000 or $202,575.

The battle is rooted in back and forth claims in ownership over the band’s logos, artwork, and money made while the band was still in this iteration. Dunnn and Bray’s GoFundMe page reads as follows, and if you want to check out the court documents from the recent hearing on the case, you can find them here via Blabbermouth.

“Jeff ‘Mantas’ Dunn and Anthony ‘Abaddon’ Bray, iconic co-founders of the pioneering black metal band Venom, are reaching out to their loyal fans—the ‘Legions’—for support in a legal battle against former bandmate Conrad ‘Cronos’ Lant. Since 2023, Mantas and Abaddon have fought to resolve two critical issues: securing recognition for their contributions to Venom’s legendary artwork and claiming their rightful share of merchandise profits from albums they co-wrote and performed, including Welcome to Hell (1981), Black Metal (1982), At War with Satan (1984), and Possessed (1985).

“Now in their 60s, Mantas and Abaddon seek a fair resolution to ensure their families benefit from Venom’s enduring legacy, which helped define the black metal genre. “We’re simply asking for what is rightfully ours,” they said in a joint statement. “After decades of avoidable conflict, we want peace and closure.” Despite efforts to resolve the dispute amicably, the duo has been forced to pursue legal action, incurring significant personal and financial costs.

“The legal battle intensified in June 2024, with Cronos suing Abaddon and Plastic Head Music Distribution Ltd., claiming ownership of Venom’s iconic Satanic imagery.

“Mantas and Abaddon express deep gratitude to www.plastichead.com for their support (including facilitating this crowd funder) and to the Legions for their unwavering devotion. ‘It was the honour of a lifetime to create music that inspired a genre,” they shared. “Your support has carried us through the best and hardest times.’

“After Abaddon’s recent triumph over cancer the pair pledge any surplus funds from their campaign to the MacMillan Cancer Charity.

“The duo is calling on fans worldwide to help fund their legal fight. “If every fan bought us a pint, we could see this through,” they said. Upon resolution, Mantas and Abaddon vow to raise a glass to their supporters.

Media Enquires – Andy Turner at Palmer Turner Overdrive

Legal Representation – Terry Marsh – Raftermarsh

About Mantas and Abaddon:

“As two-thirds of Venom’s classic lineup, Jeff ‘Mantas’ Dunn and Anthony ‘Abaddon’ Bray co-created seminal albums that shaped black metal, they continue to honour their legacy while fighting for their rightful share of Venom’s heritage.”

Donate to their GoFundMe here.

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