Review | Lacuna Coil – Sleepless Empire

Century Media Records

The latest album by Lacuna Coil, `Sleepless Empire’, is an immersive journey through the dark and atmospheric world of gothic metal. With this tenth studio album the Italian band once again proves why they have been a cornerstone of the genre for decades.

The opening track, ,,The Siege’’, immediately sets the tone with a powerful mix of melancholy and energy. Cristina Scabbia’s angelic vocals are beautifully balanced with Andrea Ferro’s raw screams, creating a dynamic that feels both familiar and refreshing. Top it off with a hefty dose of groove, and the celebration is complete. Tracks such as ,,Oxygen’’ and ,,Scarecrow’’ reveal a modern side of the band, featuring influences from groove metal and even hints of metalcore.

GUEST APPEARANCES

What truly sets this album apart is the balance between the old and the new. Fans of the classic Lacuna Coil sound will enjoy tracks like ,,In Nomine Patris’’, while admirers of their more recent work will be surprised by the experimental elements in songs such as ,,Gravity’’. The surprises continue with collaborations featuring two guest artists. Randy Blythe from Lamb of God adds extra depth to the track ,,Hosting The Shadow’’. His aggressive vocals bring another layer of intensity to the song, which revolves around confronting the darker sides of oneself. The contrast between his singing and Cristina’s results in a unique dynamic.

The second guest star is New Years Day’s vocalist Ash Costello. The song combines Lacuna Coil’s signature gothic metal sound with a modern, almost theatrical flair, thanks to Ash’s powerful vocals. The lyrics seem to reflect on a sense of lost time and the struggle to find meaning in a constantly moving world. Musically, it offers a dynamic blend of heavy riffs, melodic vocals, and a compelling build-up that culminates in an explosive climax. The duet between Cristina Scabbia and Ash Costello adds an extra layer of emotion and intensity, making it one of the album’s highlights.

One notable aspect is that the structure of the songs can feel a bit predictable. Does that make it a bad album? Certainly not! It is an album that flows well and never becomes boring. `Sleepless Empire’ feels like a reflection of our modern, always-connected world – a theme that comes through in both the lyrics and the music.

LACUNA COIL – THE CONCLUSION

In summary, `Sleepless Empire’ is an album that will appeal to both old and new fans. It is a powerful and emotionally charged work that reaffirms Lacuna Coil’s versatility and talent. `Sleepless Empire’ feels like a culmination of everything Lacuna Coil has learned and developed throughout their career. It brings together the best of their past while exploring new paths. As a fan myself, it is fascinating to see how they remain true to their core without losing the ambition to innovate and grow. An absolute must-listen for fans of gothic and modern metal!

Release date: 14 February 2025