LACUNA COIL – Delirium
- Posted on 04-06-2016
Since their late 90’s origins, Italy’s Lacuna Coil have been one of the premiere acts in the gothic rock/metal landscape- evolving once successful through 2002’s "Comalies" breakthrough into more of a modern leaning outfit, yet still never forsaking a lot of the heaviness and female/male vocal contrast trademarks. "Delirium" as their eighth studio album introduces a new drummer to the fold in Ryan Folden, as well as a little more of a darker guitar presence against the gothic/alternative metal proceedings we’ve come to know and love from the band.
Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro at this point fill all of the vocal landscapes seamlessly – angelic and tension filled, bringing words to life in vital animation for highlights such as "Broken Things" (where Andrea uses a potent roar call not dissimilar to Burton C. Bell of Fear Factory) and semi-electronic meets exotic-oriented ballad "You Love Me ‘Cause I Hate You". Bassist, guitarist, and keyboardist Marco Coti Zelati in the studio ramps up his engaging, almost funky meets Korn-ish low lines during the addictive title cut, while also giving "My Demons" that modern bellow that encourages active spasmodic motions in live concert-goers, Andrea’s ‘it’s either I kill or will be killed’ line reverberating in the memory bank incessantly. Tapping into everyday life horrors and exploring the unknown, the lyrics will definitely strike a chord with the listeners.
Although a lot of the material is of a mid-tempo variety, it’s all about the little things that carry the weight for diversity’s sake – a keyboard segment here for "Blood, Tears, Dust", the ominous musical refrain that weaves in and out closer "Ultima Ratio", beyond the exemplary melodies and abilities of Cristina – transcending metal and rock into truly one of the best vocalists we have in the business. At 11 songs and 44 minutes, "Delirium" adheres to a focus and vision that never overstays its welcome – a perfect launching point from the studio to the stage. Probably my favorite record since "Comalies", Lacuna Coil hopefully continues to keep reaching for the creative stars and assembling material that appeals to a fanbase both young and old.