VENAMORIS, the captivating project led by legendary extreme metal drummer Dave Lombardo (known for his work with SLAYER, FANTÔMAS, and more) alongside his wife, Paula, has officially signed with Ipecac Recordings. They are gearing up for a sophomore album set to release in 2025, with a preview of their sound available now through the entrancing track “In The Shadows.”
Paula Lombardo shared her thoughts on the new single: “’In The Shadows’ stems from genuine emotions. The driving rhythm evokes a sense of moving forward, even amid internal struggles. It’s a call for self-acceptance, reflecting the weight of a life fully lived.”
Dave Lombardo expressed his excitement about the collaboration: “VENAMORIS is an intimate project for us. Having our next album under Ipecac’s skilled guidance is a dream come true. We’re thrilled to join this audacious label.”
VENAMORIS crafts an alluring sound that melds sultry vocals with mesmerizing instrumentation, creating a hypnotic and emotionally charged experience. Their music has been likened to a whispered secret, possessing a seductive yet provocative quality. Brooklyn Vegan aptly described their earlier work as having “PORTISHEAD-meets-David Lynch vibes.”
Founded in 2021, VENAMORIS emerged from what Dave calls “astral influence.” He recalls how, after meeting Paula in 2010, he encouraged her to return to music, impressed by her rich tone and harmonizing ability from her previous career as a backup singer for Wayne Newton. “It’s been a deeply gratifying journey witnessing this music come to life,” he noted.
Paula Lombardo, a Canadian-born singer-songwriter, contributes vocals and piano, channeling vulnerability and intimacy through her lyrics that touch on anger, healing, pain, and hope. The project symbolizes love, passion, and mutual encouragement, serving as an aural journal of their shared experiences.
In a recent Q&A with Metal Hammer, Dave Lombardo addressed the possibility of rejoining SLAYER, stating, “I don’t think that’s ever going to happen. But I’d listen to whatever they had to say.” His journey with SLAYER has been tumultuous, especially following his departure during a contract dispute in 2013, which led to his replacement by Paul Bostaph.
Last weekend, SLAYER reunited for a performance at Riot Fest in Chicago, featuring Tom Araya, Bostaph, and guitarists Kerry King and Gary Holt, reigniting the legacy of one of metal’s most iconic bands.
