Guitarist Jeff “Mantas” Dunn and drummer Anthony “Abaddon” Bray , co-founders of the pioneering black metal band Venom , have begun a legal battle against former bandmate Conrad “Cronos” Lant . Mantas and Abaddon have launched a crowdfunding campaign to help finance the expenses of the dispute.
Since 2023, Mantas and Abaddon have been fighting over the authorship of Venom's iconic logo artwork, as well as claiming their share of the profits from the sale of the albums they co-wrote and played on. The albums in question are: Welcome To Hell (1981), Black Metal (1982), At War With Satan (1984), and Possessed (1985).
In a joint statement, Mantas and Abaddon said [via Blabbermouth ]:
“We are simply asking for what is rightfully ours. After decades of avoidable conflict, we want peace and closure. It has been the honor of a lifetime to create music that inspired a genre. Your support has helped us through the best and the most difficult times.”
The former member also emphasizes that any additional funds raised in the fundraising campaign will be donated to the MacMillan Cancer Charity , due to Abaddon's recent recovery from cancer. "If every fan bought us a beer, we could take this forward," they add.
The copyright dispute in Venom
Legal proceedings are underway, with high financial costs that are still accumulating. Mantas and Abaddon are asking Venom's loyal fans to contribute to their campaign, which is being promoted with the support of distributor Plastic Head .
The conflict intensified in June 2024 when Cronos sued Abaddon and the distributor Plastic Head Music Distribution Ltd., alleging infringement of his Venom designs. Abaddon filed a counterclaim, claiming to be the true author of the band's initial logo.
On July 31, 2025, Superior Court Clerk Amanda Michaels delivered a landmark ruling that partially favored both sides.
For Mantas and Abaddon, both now in their 60s, the fight is not just about the legacy, but also about ensuring that their families can benefit from the band's lasting influence.
Despite the fierce dispute, the two former members expressed gratitude to the fans: “Your support makes the music happen, because you inspire souls. After all these years, we are still here because of you.”
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