Venamoris Unleashes Haunting Cover of Scorpions' "Animal Magnetism" Featuring Gary Holt, From Upcoming Album.
As we enter the second weekend of 2025, Venamoris, the darkwave project helmed by legendary drummer Dave Lombardo and his wife Paula, has set the music world ablaze with their latest single "Animal Magnetism," a striking reimagining of the Scorpions' 1980 classic. Released on January 9, 2025, this track serves as the third glimpse into their highly anticipated sophomore album, "To Cross or To Burn," set to drop on February 28, 2025, via Ipecac Recordings.
The cover features a guest appearance from Dave's former Slayer bandmate, Gary Holt, whose blistering guitar work adds a new dimension to Venamoris's brooding soundscape. Clocking in at 5 minutes and 20 seconds, "Animal Magnetism" showcases the band's ability to blend darkwave aesthetics with metal influences, creating a haunting rendition that pays homage to the original while carving out its own identity.
Dave Lombardo, who engineered and produced the track, reflected on its personal significance: "The first rock concert I ever attended was on May 25, 1980, with Scorpions opening for Ted Nugent's 'Scream Dream' tour. To release this at the same time this iconic band celebrates 60 years is a perfect way for me to thank them for an inspiring first show in 1980 and for all that they have contributed since."
"To Cross or To Burn" promises to be a darker, more intense journey than Venamoris's 2023 debut. Paula Lombardo, who penned the album's nine original tracks, shared: "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 album features an impressive roster of guest musicians, including Testament's Alex Skolnick, Korn/Suicidal Tendencies bassist Ra Diaz, and Mr. Bungle's Trevor Dunn, further elevating Venamoris's unique blend of darkwave and metal.
Sources:
https://consequence.net/2025/01/venamoris-new-album-animal-magnetism-stream/2 https://www.loudersound.com/news/dave-lombardo-slayer-venamoris-cover-scorpions-animal-magnetism-20253 https://metalinsider.net/video/venamoris-unveil-scorpions-cover-animal-magnetism-new-album-arriving-in-february4 https://venamoris.bandcamp.com/album/to-cross-or-to-burn5 https://www.metalsucks.net/2025/01/08/paula-and-dave-lombardos-venamoris-to-release-to-cross-or-to-burn-next-month/
