Metal Anarchy

Former Venom guitarist Jeff “Mantas” Dunn and drummer Anthony “Abaddon” Bray have launched a GoFundMe campaign in an effort to raise money amid their legal battle with the band’s bassist/vocalist Conrad “Cronos” Lant. That dispute is related to the copyright for Venom’s logo.

The following statement was issued:

“Venom Legends Mantas and Abaddon Seek Justice in Ongoing Legal Battle, Call for Fan Support

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.”

According to Law360.com, Lant previously claimed he designed the imagery associated with the band’s logo and album covers after he joined in late 1979. However, Bray said he was the originator of the artwork. As such, he responded with an infringement counterclaim against Lant and his distributor Razmataz.com Ltd.

Despite this, Lant and Bray were both unable to share sketches needed to prove their cases. The court ultimately decided that Bray was the owner of the original logo, while Lant was the creator and copyright owner for all but one of the other designs that were mentioned in the dispute.