Before Evanescence made it cool to be a rock band with a female lead singer, Lacuna Coil had already polished the sound with five solid releases. Too few people knew of the band, but that would soon change. With intelligent and aggressive touring, a strong work ethic, and stellar musicianship and song-writing, 2004 saw them joining the big leagues of metal. The band was invited to join Ozzfest, and won over the concert goers with their own brand of haunting, ethereal music.
Karmacode is the band's latest offering, and what an offering it is. From the very beginning, the album catches the listener. Thunderous bass, middle eastern melodies on the guitars, and Cristina Scabbia's supernal voice set the stage for the experience. Certainly not a reinvention, Karmacode serves as a subtle evolution of the sound the band has been perfecting over the course of their career.
The trademark dual voice work of Scabbia and Andrea Ferro really shines on the album. With interesting harmonies, multi-layered vocals, and well-done duet passages, there is an increased use of the vocals as additional instruments, and to great effect. The vocal lines are infectious and memorable, but also have significant depth to them, allowing the listener to easily hum along while still appreciating the subtle nuances found if you make the effort to listen.
Instrumentally, the album rocks. Period. The bass is very prominent (perhaps a tad too prominent), and will shake your windows if you give the album the chance. The guitars are both fierce and tranquil, at all the right moments. The music is often brooding, fitting with the "gothic" label given the band. However, a closer listen reveals hidden moments of hope and levity that keep the album from ever feeling ponderous. And it is the subtle stylistic approach that keeps the album from ever feeling old. The band doesn't tread too much ground in terms of musical style, but what they do, they do very well. The more ballad-esque songs don't work quite as well as the rockers, as they feel a bit too restrained, but they are in the minority.
Article comments
1 - Guppusmaximus
Sorry man... Saw 'em when they played the Metalfest in Worcester(Opeth was the Headliner)and they were a poor act being outshined by the other tighter, more talented bands of the day. Rather boring and geared for the commercial scene. Recording and performing better than Evanescence isn't a challenge seeing how Warlock set the stage 20+ years prior to these Pro-Tool powermetal garbage bands. Ozzfest is the perfect scenario for both bands as they won't have much of a bill to compete with including that decrepit sell-out(Ozzy).
2 - Progged
No problem. I welcome the input. I have heard all their albums, but have never seen them live. I like their brand of "gothic" rock, but it certainly doesn't satisfy me all the time.
3 - Hassan Taimur
i think Lacuna Coil simply kicks ass, their sound is completely different from the more mainstream gothic acts and their use of vocal melodies is superb!!!!