Today, Venamoris has unveiled “Contrapasso,” which is a gripping new standalone single accompanied by a shadow-drenched video directed by Displaced/Replaced. The track follows the February release of the duo’s album, To Cross or To Burn.

With “Contrapasso,” Venamoris delivers a cinematic descent into emotional and psychological ruin. Paula Lombardo explains: “As we move forward on our musical trek, phenomenology continues to scorch the way. ‘Contrapasso’ is the story of an antagonist’s eventual ruin that is an offering created for a specific cycle to end.”

As for Displaced/Replaced’s video, it mirrors the track’s intensity by using evocative imagery and a stark black and white aesthetic that echoes Venamoris’ previous clips and reinforces the song’s themes of reckoning. “Contrapasso” follows the band’s critically-praised To Cross or To Burn’s arrival. Treble described the album as “gripping,” adding it sounds as “if Jarboe had gone even darker.”

The indefatigable Dave Lombardo’s bona fides as a world-class drummer are well-known. While he drafted the blueprint that would define thrash-metal drumming, he’s also applied his finesse to solo percussion, hip hop and classical music, as well as boundary-pushing recordings and performances with everyone from John Zorn’s ensembles to punk icons Misfits and Mr. Bungle. To Cross or To Burn is another milestone in his storied career, where he’s added guitar, bass and considerable production techniques to his sonic skill-set.

Canadian-born Paula Lombardo began her musical career at 18 as a backing singer for Las Vegas icon Wayne Newton, performing multiple shows in the demanding Vegas circuit before relocating to Nashville to further her musical career. A dynamic musical force, she combines impressive vocal prowess, a deftness on piano and synthesizers with a natural instinct for crafting alluring lyrics, melodies and arrangements.

Photo Credit: Marv Watson