Formed in 2021, Venamoris, which comes from the Latin ‘vena amoris’ or ‘the vein of love’, is the creative powerhouse formed by married couple Paula and Dave Lombardo, who are set to return with their latest album 'To Cross or To Burn'. When their debut album 'Drown In Emotion' was released back in 2023, the pair introduced a bold new musical identity that was at right angles to expectations. Known for his legendary drumming in Slayer and many more iconic acts, Dave Lombardo takes a more nuanced approach here, crafting percussive textures that perfectly complement Paula’s hauntingly beautiful vocals and evocative song writing, to form a duo that delivers a dark and evocative new sound to fans new and old.
Steeped in atmosphere and emotion, 'To Cross or To Burn' deepens that vision, exploring themes of love, loss, and existential reckoning. The production is lush yet intimate, with brooding synths, hypnotic rhythms, and moments of raw, unfiltered vulnerability. The record is a striking fusion of darkwave, rock, and cinematic soundscapes, pushing the boundaries of their already eclectic sound.
'Stay With Me' opens the album with a slow atmospheric burn, setting the tone with its eerie melodies and pulsating bassline all while Paula’s smooth voice glides over the arrangement, delivering lyrics that cut deep - feeling almost like a spell has been cast over the listener as we are invited to fall deeper into the world and story Venamoris have crafted through this album.
There are a number of standout tracks throughout the album, with 'Spiderweb' being one of them. A fusion of trip-hop beats and post-punk guitars, this track is a mesmerizing journey through shadowy textures and cinematic build-ups. 'Animal Magnetism' - a cover of Scorpions original track - is another standout moment on the album, where this haunting interpretation adds an entirely new dimension to the original track. The addition of sludgy guitars and a gothic ambience breath a fresh perspective into it, giving the song a new lease of life.
After what feels like an emotional and personal journey through the tangled webs of love, lust and yearning, we reach the title track 'To Cross Or To Burn' to bring the album to a close. This song reinvents the classic rock sound with a modern, industrial twist. The interplay between Paula’s sultry vocals and Dave’s intricate instrumentals makes for an unforgettable experience, bringing the album and our dark gothic journey to a deeply satisfying end.
'To Cross or To Burn' stands as a testament to Venamoris' artistic evolution. The album moves effortlessly between delicate, intimate moments and grand, cinematic flourishes, making for an immersive listening experience that truly feels as if you have been pulled into a dark gothic world of romance and suspense. The combination of talents from Paula and Dave Lombardo have crafted a record that defies genre constraints, drawing from their vast artistic influences to create something truly unique. Whether you’re a fan of darkwave, experimental rock, or atmospheric soundscapes, this album is sure to resonate. A hauntingly beautiful and deeply introspective record, 'To Cross or To Burn' cements Venamoris as a project worthy of every bit of attention and praise.
Score: 8/10
'To Cross or To Burn' will be released on February 28th 2025 via Ipecac.
Words: Arcadia Craven
Photo: Hannah Verbeuren
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