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LACUNA COIL
"Comalies XX"
(Century
Media; 2022)
Reviewed by Snidermann
I have been a Lacuna Coil fan for quite some time. I really like the dichotomy between the male and female vocalists; it adds a certain richness to the music that is rarely heard in the current metal scene and they also sound really great together.
This band has been together since 1994 and, after numerous recordings, I would say they have it down pat. "Comalies" was originally released in 2002 (see the review below) and, according to the band's website, this release is "An entirely new version of 'Comalies' – deconstructed, remade, re-recorded and transported into the year 2022."
The music weaves a tapestry through the presentation that creates a certain otherworldly aspect with deep, thought-provoking lyrics, thunderous music and, of course, those fucking great vocals. The name of the recording is "Comalies XX" and every song on the recording has the double X at the end so you'll know whenever you listen whether the track came from the original album or this re-imagined version.
I can't wait to back and listen to the previous recording and compare output. What fun that's going to be! But I can tell you this right now: This is one killer recording and I can't wait to listen to the 2002 recording again to compare.
For more information, check out http://www.lacunacoil.it/.
"Broken Crown
Halo" (Century
Media; 2014)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Lacuna Coil's "Broken Crown Halo," is a powerhouse performance that just proves this band is still at the top of their game.
"Broken Crown Halo" is chock full of signature LC songs and it truly makes for a fun and exciting listen. To be blunt, this shit rocks like a bitch. This band out of Italy has been rocking the metal world for almost twenty years now and if this CD is any indication, Lacuna Coil should be around for the next twenty and that is nothing but good news.
For more information, check out http://www.lacunacoil.it/.
"Dark Adrenaline" (Century
Media; 2012)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
I've always been a fan of Lacuna Coil. The vocal battle
between Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro is epic! The thing I love about this
band is that they were doing this type of vocal banter long before anybody knew
who should be at the vocal helm. First it was metal screams, then down-tuned
guitars, then blast vocals. All the while Lacuna Coil realized that vocals are
the most important instrument in music. Being an Italian Goth metal band gives
them room to move in and out of metal and create some awesome sounding music no
matter who is handling the vocal duties.
Lacuna Coil has developed and matured into a sound that shows their continuous
effort to create some of the best music on this planet. Their penchant for hard
guitars and solid bass work gives each song a drive. Every track on "Dark
Adrenaline" has a hook; some are monstrous and some are subtle enough that they
pull you slowly into the track so eventually you'll get lost within.
The vocals are a key element and it is obvious that a story is being told
between Cristina and Andrea. It's done in a way that allows you to pick a side
so you can lean toward the female or male vocal aspect. The music is outstanding
and I think they just keep getting better with each disc released. I've followed
the band for a long time and I'm coiled around their sound.
Lacuna Coil: Cristina Scabbia: Female Vocal; Andrea Ferro: Male Vocal; Cristiano
Migliore: Guitars; Marco Biazzi: Guitars; Marco Coti Zelati: Bass, Keyboards;
Cristiano Mozzati: Drums, Percussion; with Mario Riso on guest percussion.
For more information
http://www.lacunacoil.it.
"Shallow Life" (Century
Media; 2009)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
I've always liked Lacuna Coil because they use the
vocal sounds from Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro like a story from two
different points of view, much like a he said/she said concept. The Gothic sound
that put them on the map of Europe and beyond is not as prevalent on this disc.
No matter, their alternative approach is still solid and those who waited three
years won't be disappointed at all.
Cristina's haunting voice still memorizes me and when she powers a song you can
get lost in her vocal allure. The guitar from Cristiano Migliore and Marco Coti
Zelati is heavy and continual throughout each song. There are a lot of blast
interjections of guitar and each time it punches you have Cristina balancing out
the sound.
A few songs take a different musical approach and that
may be due to the fact that this is a concept album. It's based on the
superficial world of today; the lyrics tell about or reference phony and
exterior characteristics. Thus the title "Shallow Life" is a direct link to
what's in between each songs start and finish.
The music still has that eerie Gothic sound but you really have to listen to
find it and point it out. A European sound is more evident on songs such as "The
Pain." Their sound is still excellent and this disc is 48:08 -- that's still
more music than you can get from most bands.
Lacuna Coil: Cristina Scabbia – vocals; Andrea Ferro – vocals; Cristiano "Pizza" Migliore – guitar; Marcos "Maus" Biazzi – guitar; Marco Coti Zelati – bass; Cristiano "Criz" Mozzati – drums.
For more information, check out http://www.lacunacoil.it/ or http://www.myspace.com/lacunacoil.
"Karmacode" (Century
Media; 2006)
Reviewed by Snidermann
What happened when I heard "Karmacode," my first entire Lacuna Coil CD? I'll tell you: I was completely spellbound.
"Karmacode" is nothing short of astonishing. It's purely superior musical storytelling in every aspect. In my opinion, Lacuna Coil is right up there with The Alan Parsons Project and Pink Floyd when it comes to getting a story across to the listener. I know that's high praise and I do not deliver it lightly. I feel very strongly about this band; they are simply that good.
Lacuna Coil have certainly earned their place on the Ozzfest main stage. They just plain cook! Damn it! Now I have to go out and dig up all the past Lacuna Coil releases. Oh, well. That comes with the territory and it'll be fun exploring the band's past.
For more information, check out http://www.lacunacoil.it.
"Comalies" (Century
Media; 2002)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
"Comalies" is Lacuna Coil's best commercial effort to date. The tag-team vocals are still
here and they work is such unison that aggression meets harmony to fill a void in music that most bands couldn't muster. Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro have an almost operatic way of delivering the vocal goods. I could definitely see an evenly mixed guy/girl crowd at their show. The Goth element is still present but not overindulgent.
This disc has all the elements that make it worth several spins; it didn't leave my car for two weeks! Each song is polished but not
so slick that it sounds manufactured by a mindless producer and each song offers a new musical journey.
There are thirteen tracks and a bonus video track, "The Making Of Comalies," for those who want a little more Coil in their lives. The video is only six minutes long, but
it's a freebie so that's okay.
From the first song to the last, you'll be into "Comalies." The band's love for guitars and drums
is never absent. The guitar is driving when it needs to be and mixes well with the vocals. Track 6, "Aeon" is an intermission song that made me think my CD player was
skipping. It wasn't; it's just part of the song, and part of the mystique of Lacuna Coil. It has an underwater guitar sound with Cristina singing a haunting melody. Track 7, "Tight Rope" has the machine gun bass drum going. Track 12, "Angel's Punishment" has some growling vocals by Andrea but Cristina smoothes them
out -- sort of a beast and beauty duet.
Those who favor female vocals will want to be buried with this release. The best
track is offered is at the end: "Comalies" is sung in French and English and doesn't sound like any other
track on the disc. I had to pull the insert to follow along. They say French is the language of
love; well, for the time Cristina sings, I agree.
"Comalies" is an excellent disc
and you owe it to yourself to find it and share it with your friends. If they don't like it, check their pulse.
Lacuna Coil: Cristina Scabbia - female vocals; Andrea Ferro - male vocals; Cristiano
Migliore - guitar; Marco Coti Zelati - bass and all keyboards; Cristiano Mozzati
- drums.
For more information, check out http://www.lacunacoil.it.
"In A Reverie" (Century
Media; 1999)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
The nine tracks make the disc compact with no wasted superfluous filler. Each track is a solid reminder that melodic metal can be about tension, drama, and showmanship.
"Circle" is dark and somber while wondering what can be done to resolve past actions. "Stately Lover" is a great song about misunderstood obsession. "Honeymoon Suite" plays a bit of role reversal as Andrea strongly dictates that his lover "get out of my life" while Cristina sings "won't you take me back" with longing and desperation - this is as good as it gets for dramatic interplay in today's music. "My Wings" gives a good example of the duo-vocalist style that Lacuna Coil employ - while Cristina's voice cuts through the air with symphonic authority, Andrea's gruff vocal line "time is like a knife for me" adds another vicious element to the tune.
"Cold" is another strong track. While a murky guitar arpeggio kicks the tune off there is a wistful vocal line that belies the chilling honesty of the lack of remorse of a relationship that has come to an untimely demise. Cristina's inflections in her vocals are amazing - just listening to her sing will create new synapse explosions in your brain's auditory region.
Production on "In A Reverie" was provided by the famous Waldemar Sorychta (known for being a member of Grip, Inc. as well as a producer of Samael, Tiamat, Sentenced); the disc was engineered by the equally famous Siggi Bemm (who has produced Covenant, the Gathering, and Kreator).
The band is comprised of Cristina Scabbia as the female vocalist and Andrea Ferro as the male vocalist, accompanied by Cristiano Migliore on guitars, Marco Coti Zelati on bass, and Cristiano Mozzati on drums. Waldemar Sorychta contributed keyboards. All of the music was written by Coti Zelati and Migliore with one exception where producer Waldemar Sorychta wrote the music; all of the lyrics were written by Ferro and Scabbia.
For more information, check out http://www.lacunacoil.it.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2022 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
