Lacuna Coil
Written by Dan on June 23, 2008
Home >> Artist Profile >> Lacuna Coil
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Official Site

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I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… there aren’t enough strong female voices in hard rock. Lacuna Coil is one of those few bands with a solid female singer, and they’re not known widely enough in the states. I have all four full length studio releases, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t either.

Supposedly Lacuna Coil is classified as gothic metal… but I don’t really buy that. It’s just good metal. Can’t we label a band as simply metal anymore? I know I tend to find the most descriptive sub-genre when possible, but sometimes you can’t and don’t need to. Heavy guitars, well placed keyboards, tight rhythm section, and a strong female singer with some male vocals thrown in there too. Lacuna Coil has a wide range of influences, and that’s certainly expressed in their writing styles as they’ve really developed their own unique sound. Unless of course every Italian metal band sounds like this for some crazy reason. But somehow I doubt that’s the case.

Never heard of Lacuna Coil? I’d suggest starting with Comalies (2002). That’s the generally agreed upon best album among my friends and myself, although In a Reverie (1999) is growing on me. Regardless of where you start, all the albums are good and none of them stray too far from the sound and style they defined for themselves. Their latest album, Karmacode (2006), is notably harder than the others, but also a little more mainstream… but only marginally. I’d also say Cristina’s vocals are much stronger and exhibit more confidence than shown in previous releases. I definitely look forward to their new release due for September this year… you’ve still got a couple months to catch up on their discography before then. If the audio clip above with two tracks from Comalies, Daylight Dancer and Tightrope, isn’t enough, don’t forget to check out their myspace page for some full length samples.

Viewing 4 Comments

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    I picked up some of Lacuna Coil’s albums this weekend (yes, I still buy CDs from a record store) because you guys spoke highly of them, and they’re Italian, and honestly, Cristina looks like a sexy vampire in that picture. Here are my opinions/reactions:

    self-titled EP: none of the instrumentalists struck me as being particularly talented or original, but the group does have a decent sound. The only thing that separates them from other good bands is that they have a solid female lead singer; Cristina carried this album.
    in a Reverie: I quickly noticed that the drums possessed a greater variety of rhythms and a more progressive style. Additionally, the chord changes were more original. After comparing liner notes (you don’t get those with a download) I found that the band acquired a new drummer and guitarist; both replacements were clearly upgrades.
    Unleashed Memories: no significant change in style from Reverie, although this one has a slightly harder sound (a good thing in my opinion).
    Halflife EP: these were bonus tracks on the Memories album; slightly harder still, and seemingly a wider range of influences.

    None of their albums seem to have any standout songs, but each one is a solid set of recordings, especially the ones after the personnel change. I wouldn’t mind their bass player having a more upfront role, although I think that of many bands. Overall, I’m glad I made the purchase – thanks for the tip guys.
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    Glad to see we're making some good recommendations! Although, you seemed to buy every recording except the one I said to start with! Even still, that's awesome you went out and bought that many of their albums.
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    Yeah, I couldn't remember which album you said to start out with but I did remember you mentioning Reverie. I'll try to pick up Karmacode and Comalies some time before their next release; just make sure to give us a review of that album when it drops.
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    I love this group. Amazing signer and she has alot of depth. If you like Evanescence and want something a little more metal, less poppy - then this is the group for you.

    I don't see them as goth either. Not sure how bands like these are classified!
 
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