Italian gothic metal icons Lacuna Coil have released their long-awaited 10th studio album, Sleepless Empire. This album marks the bands first new material since 2019’s Black Anima, and believe me when I say, it’s been worth the wait.
Formed in Milan, in 1994, the band have gained a worlwide fanbase thanks to their ability to blend gothic rock, heavy metal, and symphonic elements, topped off with the distinctive dual vocals of Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro. This album immediately showcases this element with its haunting opening track The Seige, as it gradually builds up with Cristinas ethereal voice, before the guitars kick in along with Andreas visceral growl. With its beautiful, textured harmonies, and subtle synthy undertones, it really is a perfect way to start an album.
On the inspiration and themes explored throughout the album, the band say:
“Sleepless Empire captures, through our eyes, the chaos of a generation trapped in a digital world that never stops, where social media consumes identity and every day pushes us one step close to becoming soulless zombies. We find ourselves in between, having witnessed a full analogic world and the modern one, confronting the evolution and searching for a true meaning of it all. Throughout every song, the journey is an undercurrent of rebellion, a desperate cry to reclaim oneself in an era that seems to have lost it’s sense of time and reality.”
This makes sense, especially when listening to Oxygen, one of the singles released from the album. Its lyrics address the struggle to break free from a toxic environment, while a groove-metal-type riff and double bass pedals will undoubtedly get your head banging.
This album also features two exciting collabs, the first being In the Meantime, which features Ash Costello from New Years Day. Ash’s vocals compliment Cristina’s beautifully, proving that clean vocals can be just as powerful and effective as harsher vocals.
Hosting the Shadow features guest vocals from Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe, bringing an extra level of intensity. The aggressive vocals provide an exciting contrast to the dark, melodic refrains, making the track one of the albums standout moments.
Gravity is another standout track, combining the bands signature gothic-inspired sound with some Fear Factory-esque industrial sounding synths – a direction I personally love, and really hope they keep exploring on future releases.
With each release, Lacuna Coil have proven themselves to be ever-evolving, never settling for just repeating an already successful formula, and this album sees them continuing to push themselves. Full of addictive, catchy riffs, cinematic scores, and anthemic choruses, Sleepless Empire is the sound of a band at its peak.
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