Last month, Dave Lombardo surprised his metalhead fanbase with a romantic, holiday-themed love song called "The Gift," which he co-wrote and performed with his wife, Paula. The tune was very out of character for the former Slayer drummer — who currently sits behind the kit in Dead Cross, Testament, Mr. Bungle, Suicidal Tendencies and the Misfits — but it turns out it was one of many songs that Lombardo and his sweetheart wrote in that vein.
Earlier this month, the couple announced that they'd formed a new band called Venamoris, and next month they'll release their debut album, Drown in Emotion, on Three One G records. Today (January 13th), Venamoris have shared the album's first single, "Let Me Be," a slow, steamy ballad that's darker and more spellbinding than "The Gift," but still quite different than Lombardo's usual, thrashy fare.
Listen while you watch its music video above via YouTube.
As Lombardo explained in a press release, Venamoris was actually founded in 2021 after the drummer was finally able to convince his wife to return to making music after a significant hiatus. Lombardo drums on and serves as the producer of Drown in Emotion, while Paula handles vocals and keys.
"Several months after meeting Paula in 2010, she hesitantly shared with me her past decade-long career as the lead back up singer for Wayne Newton," Lombardo said. "She later played me some of the demos she recorded throughout the years and I was floored by her sonically soothing, rich tone and natural, instinctive ability to harmonize. I was determined to persuade her to return to her creative self. It's been a deeply gratifying journey witnessing this music come to life."
Out February 10th, Drown in Emotion also features guest appearances from Tyler Bates (Jerry Cantrell), Ra Diaz (Korn, Suicidal Tendencies), Jack Gibson (Exodus), George Pajon (Black Eyed Peas, Cairo Knife Fight) and Tim Stewart (Lady GaGa, Damnage Gooods). Pre-orders are available here.
