I first heard of Lacuna Coil through the release of ‘Broken Crown Halo’ – which, at the time, was one of the few bands that adopted a dual-vocalist approach. Today, this group remains at the forefront of this approach; and ingeniously adapts it to the evolution of its sound through each record.

Since its inception, the band has always forged a sound that amasses listeners of rock, metal, and alternative music alike. Combined with the gothic sounds and somber symphonies – their sound is one that is distinctively atmospheric and melodramatic.

Six years after ‘Black Anima’, the band is now at the horizon of ‘Sleepless Empire’ – the tenth record to pave the way into the band’s discography. The record follows in line with the band’s sound and dials up the atmosphere through its production.

(Tragically) beautiful vocal melodies paired with growls, vocal harmonies and layers, and dronish vocal choirs (kudos to Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro)are scattered throughout this record, which supplements the beefy riffage (Marco Coti Zelati on bass and guitar; and Daniele Salomone on guitar) and drumming (Richard Meiz). Marco has been the band’s primary composer since inception, and takes credit for the keys and arrangement for the record – and for the various synth and symphonic sections that augment the feel of each track.

The band uses this sound as a medium to communicate the modern-day struggle. Quoting the band’s public statement (which is the most appropriate description of its mood), the record 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 closer to becoming soulless zombies. Metal as a genre and community, has never been a stranger to communicating the unspoken, the unnerving; and the underbelly of the ever-turbulent human civilization. The band’s decision to take a step in this direction, therefore, is apt.

Right off the bat, the record starts with an eerie synthesizer sequence in “The Siege” – only to make way for the thunderous riffage and a larger-than-life chorus that dominates the track. This track is not the only one – the band has outdone itself and written some fantastic choruses on the record. “Oxygen” (already teased as part of the release), “In Nomine Patris”, and “Never Dawn” are some notable tracks that listeners must look out for.

The band did not stop there, and also went ahead to bring Randy Blythe on board in “Hosting the Shadow” – who comes blitzing through with his iconic vocals right in the verse. Ash Costello also makes a feature on the track “In the Mean Time” –doubling with Cristina’s vocals with unmatched ease.   

Overall, ‘Sleepless Empire’ is another Lacuna Coil staple for the fans. The record is a concrete statement by the band after a long release hiatus; and encapsulates the evolution of the band’s sound. It is bound to have fans coming back for seconds.