Venamoris (Paula and Dave Lombardo) – announce album ”To Cross Or To Burn” + share “Animal Magnetism” (Scorpions cover)

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.

Today, they share 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 the track, 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. ~

TO CROSS OR TO BURN TRACK LIST:
01 – STAY WITH ME
02 – IN THE SHADOWS [video]
03 – TRUTH
04 – STAIN OF PAIN
05 – SPIDERWEB [video]
06 – BURNT PAPER
07 – HOLDING ON TO NOTHING
08 – ANIMAL MAGNETISM
09 – NUMB
10 – TO CROSS OR TO BURN

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