VENAMORIS (PAULA AND DAVE LOMBARDO) ANNOUNCE TO CROSS OR TO BURN AND DROP NEW SINGLE TRUTH

5th February 2025 0 By Jon Deaux

After a string of mysterious and intriguing single releases throughout the final few months of the year, Venamoris are now excited to announce their full-length Ipecac debut, To Cross Or To Burn. The album arrives on 28th February 2025.

They’ve already shared the video for single “Animal Magnetism“, a cover of the beloved Scorpions song. Venamoris’ cover features a guest appearance from Gary Holt of Exodus/Slayer. Scorpions hold a special place in Venamoris’ heart, as the legendary rock band was Dave Lombardo’s first ever concert. The band will be celebrating their 60th anniversary with a Vegas residency that starts the day before Venamoris’ album comes out – a beautiful moment of rock ‘n’ roll alchemy.

About Animal Magnetisim, Dave says;

~ My first concert was May 25, 1980. Scorpions opening for Ted Nugent’s ‘Scream Dream’ tour. We (Slayer) had covered a couple Scorpions songs in the early years, but I never would have thought of re-imagining one of their songs at that time. Now it seems like the most natural thing to do.

The idea to re-create ‘Animal Magnetism’ came to me late one night. I could hear Paula’s sultry voice, the song taking on a slightly industrial feel… and I could fully hear Gary Holt play this insane lead. It’s been really incredible to see this idea come to life.

We recorded this track without knowing if/when it would ever see the light of day. To release this at the same time this iconic band is celebrating 60 years is a perfect way for me to thank them for an inspiring first show in 1980… and for all they have contributed since. ~

Paula adds, about the album as a whole;

~ To Cross or To Burn has taken us down a darker, very different path than our first album. There’s a confidence in this body of work. An overall vibe of heaviness that was unexpected. Verses of hard truths now bound in acceptance. The soul-searching continues. ~

The indefatigable Dave Lombardo’s bona fides as a world-class drummer are well-known. While he drafted the blueprint that would define thrash-metal drumming, he’s also applied his finesse to solo percussion (2023’s Rites Of Percussion), hip hop and classical music, as well as boundary-pushing recordings and performances with everyone from John Zorn’s ensembles to punk icons Misfits and Mr. Bungle. To Cross Is To Burn is another milestone in his storied career, where he’s added guitar, bass, and considerable production techniques to his sonic skill set.

Canadian-born Paula Lombardo began her musical career at 18 as a backing singer for Las Vegas icon Wayne Newton, performing multiple shows in the demanding Vegas circuit before relocating to Nashville to further her musical career. A dynamic musical force, she combines impressive vocal prowess, a deftness on piano and synthesizers with a natural instinct for crafting alluring lyrics, melodies, and arrangements.

To Cross Or To Burn is available for digital pre-save and pre-order as a CD, on white vinyl, and on Limited Edition Red vinyl (limited to 500 copies).

TO CROSS OR TO BURN TRACKLIST:

01 – STAY WITH ME

02 – IN THE SHADOWS [video]

03 – TRUTH [video]

04 – STAIN OF PAIN

05 – SPIDERWEB [video]

06 – BURNT PAPER

07 – HOLDING ON TO NOTHING

08 – ANIMAL MAGNETISM [video]

09 – NUMB

10 – TO CROSS OR TO BURN

all songs written by Paula Lombardo
except “Animal Magnetism” written by Rudolf Schenker
engineered & produced by Dave Lombardo
mixed by David A. Lombardo
mastering: Golden Mastering

art & design by Chippy (Heung-Heung CHIN)

all instrumentation Paula & Dave Lombardo
vocals Paula Lombardo
featuring Special Guest Performers:
contrabass Trevor Dunn (Stay with Me)
bass Ra Diaz (Stain of Pain)
guitar Alex Skolnick {Stain of Pain, Burnt Paper)
guitar Gary Holt (Animal Magnetism)