Lacuna Coil Live at The Novo in Los Angeles, CA 09/15/2017

Lacuna Coil are a unique symphonic metal band that hail from Italy and have been releasing genre-spanning albums for over two decades.

The name Lacuna Coil itself translates to "Empty Spiral" which hints at the esoteric concepts that are a big part of the mythos of the band. This contemplative view of existence has garnered them labels such as goth metal but in reality they are so much more than any of these sub-genres can encapsulate.

I first heard them in the early 2000's with their EP "Halflife". I was immediately drawn in by the juxtaposition of male and female vocals as well as their introspective lyrics and moving melodies and rhythms. Since I first found Lacuna Coil they have proceeded to release seven full length albums, each growing upon the foundation of the one before it.

Their latest release "Delirium", shows Lacuna Coil at potentially their heaviest with thunderous bass lines and a lot more snarl from male lead singer Andrea Ferro, but it also shows an equal amount of emotion and uplifting harmonization from the charismatic female voice of Cristina Scabbia.

Founding bassist and composer, Marco Coti Zelati anchors their musical structure along with the two more recent members on the roster with Ryan Blake Folden on drums and Diego Cavallotti on guitars.

Since their early days, Lacuna Coil have made quite a name for themselves, having toured with metal giants and played on the main stage at festivals as magnificent as Ozzfest, Wacken, and Download.

I saw them so many years ago with Moonspell that they almost seem like a different band but the soul of music is still the same as it always was, and their growth has been both natural and invigorating over the years.

Lacuna Coil took the stage with their thematic outfits reflecting the mood and tone of the latest album. Mostly appearing as bloodied inmates from an overthrown asylum, some of the members had a bit more supernatural effects as well such as their drummer in intricate Dia de Muertos style face paint.

They opened the set with "Utima Ratio" from the new album. Immediately driving and forceful, the song turns beautiful and melodic on the drop of a note as Andrea hands off to Cristina and back. This song encapsulates the band from the get-go.

Embracing their fans with a favorite that brought many of them into the fold, they did the amazing "Spellbound" from the "Shallow Life" album for their follow up. This song is haunting, lingering, and powerful. The chorus has stuck in my head since I first heard it years ago and really showcases how beautiful and enchanting Cristina's voice is.

Giving their second to latest album, "Broken Crown Halo", a bit of love they did the anthemic "Die & Rise". An uplifting and empowering song about being yourself, striving, and becoming - with no regrets.

A smash hit upon its first release, "Heaven's a Lie" marked the farthest into their back catalog they would delve this evening. This song was a huge breakthrough for them and brought their music to the masses. It sounded so good live, I was singing along with all of the other fans.

Moving back to "Delirium" for a few in a row, they started off with "Blood, Tears, Dust". This song has an immensely deep and heavy bass sound that matches with Andrea's most aggressive vocal delivery to date. Despite this heaviness, the chorus is once again uplifted by Cristina's angelic voice. Being so close, it was impressive to hear how clear and perfect her vocals are.

"Ghost in the Mist" continued the onslaught of "Delirium". There are a lot of female fronted metals bands out there now and there are also quite a few bands with more than one singer but none of them have the impact that Lacuna Coil does because they are truly equal lead singers, each bringing an essential quality to every song.

"My Demons" gave us a third in a row from the latest release. It starts as a ballad but quickly down-tunes into another dark powerhouse. "I am feeling fucked up today, I will either kill or be killed".

Switching it up for a beat, they did the only song from their "Dark Adrenaline" release with the excellent "Trip the Darkness". Not by any means a soft or light song but it seems so when played on the heels of the previous song.

Cristina preceded the next song by saying that she had never experienced such loss as losing two members of her family in rapid succession recently and the feelings of sorrow and that intense loss was what inspired what would become the song "Downfall". Emotional power would seem to be the hallmark of the "Delirium" release and it shines through every moment of it.

"Our Truth" stood out as the only song from "Karmacode" for the night. This a great album so I wouldn't have minded a few more but honestly, it was awesome to get so many new songs that I can't complain at all.

It was time for the title track from "Delirium" as the concert moved into its final portion. Hauntingly beautiful is the best way I would describe it. It is, in a way, a cry for help against the constant pressures that push us to mental breakdown but as with everything Lacuna Coil, it at the same time, shows a way through the darkness through self belief and empowerment.

Speaking of which, it was time for an anthem of strength, this one hailing from the "Broken Crown Halo" release in the form of "Nothing Stands in Our Way". The title says it all and was felt by all present.

There was only time for one more song and for the finale, they went once more to the latest material. For the last song of the night they left us with "The House of Shame". Another song of intense proportions. Andrea sang more extreme than ever on this song, while Cristina hit new sonic heights as her clear voice matched his in force and delivery.

This was such a great show. I left so impressed with their ability and intensity. It just cemented why I have loved Lacuna Coil for the last decade and half and hope to for many more to come.

As an added bonus for those of us who love Cristina, she came out and did a duet with tour-mates Epica for "Storm the Sorrow" which apparently was an exclusive event only for those of us here in Los Angeles. An absolutely stellar evening!




					Lacuna Coil Live at The Novo Los Angeles, CA September 15th, 2017 Review and photos by Travis Baumann Lacuna Coil are a unique symphonic metal band that hail from Italy and have been releasing genre-spanning albums for over two decades. The name Lacuna Coil itself translates to "Empty Spiral" which hints at the esoteric concepts that are a big part of the mythos of the band. This contemplative view of existence has garnered them labels such as goth metal but in reality they are so much more than any of these sub-genres can encapsulate. I first heard them in the early 2000's with their EP "Halflife". I was immediately drawn in by the juxtaposition of male and female vocals as well as their introspective lyrics and moving melodies and rhythms. Since I first found Lacuna Coil they have proceeded to release seven full length albums, each growing upon the foundation of the one before it. Their latest release "Delirium", shows Lacuna Coil at potentially their heaviest with thunderous bass lines and a lot more snarl from male lead singer Andrea Ferro, but it also shows an equal amount of emotion and uplifting harmonization from the charismatic female voice of Cristina Scabbia. Founding bassist and composer, Marco Coti Zelati anchors their musical structure along with the two more recent members on the roster with Ryan Blake Folden on drums and Diego Cavallotti on guitars. Since their early days, Lacuna Coil have made quite a name for themselves, having toured with metal giants and played on the main stage at festivals as magnificent as Ozzfest, Wacken, and Download. I saw them so many years ago with Moonspell that they almost seem like a different band but the soul of music is still the same as it always was, and their growth has been both natural and invigorating over the years. Lacuna Coil took the stage with their thematic outfits reflecting the mood and tone of the latest album. Mostly appearing as bloodied inmates from an overthrown asylum, some of the members had a bit more supernatural effects as well such as their drummer in intricate Dia de Muertos style face paint. They opened the set with "Utima Ratio" from the new album. Immediately driving and forceful, the song turns beautiful and melodic on the drop of a note as Andrea hands off to Cristina and back. This song encapsulates the band from the get-go. Embracing their fans with a favorite that brought many of them into the fold, they did the amazing "Spellbound" from the "Shallow Life" album for their follow up. This song is haunting, lingering, and powerful. The chorus has stuck in my head since I first heard it years ago and really showcases how beautiful and enchanting Cristina's voice is. Giving their second to latest album, "Broken Crown Halo", a bit of love they did the anthemic "Die & Rise". An uplifting and empowering song about being yourself, striving, and becoming - with no regrets. A smash hit upon its first release, "Heaven's a Lie" marked the farthest into their back catalog they would delve this evening. This song was a huge breakthrough for them and brought their music to the masses. It sounded so good live, I was singing along with all of the other fans. Moving back to "Delirium" for a few in a row, they started off with "Blood, Tears, Dust". This song has an immensely deep and heavy bass sound that matches with Andrea's most aggressive vocal delivery to date. Despite this heaviness, the chorus is once again uplifted by Cristina's angelic voice. Being so close, it was impressive to hear how clear and perfect her vocals are. "Ghost in the Mist" continued the onslaught of "Delirium". There are a lot of female fronted metals bands out there now and there are also quite a few bands with more than one singer but none of them have the impact that Lacuna Coil does because they are truly equal lead singers, each bringing an essential quality to every song. "My Demons" gave us a third in a row from the latest release. It starts as a ballad but quickly down-tunes into another dark powerhouse. "I am feeling fucked up today, I will either kill or be killed". Switching it up for a beat, they did the only song from their "Dark Adrenaline" release with the excellent "Trip the Darkness". Not by any means a soft or light song but it seems so when played on the heels of the previous song. Cristina preceded the next song by saying that she had never experienced such loss as losing two members of her family in rapid succession recently and the feelings of sorrow and that intense loss was what inspired what would become the song "Downfall". Emotional power would seem to be the hallmark of the "Delirium" release and it shines through every moment of it. "Our Truth" stood out as the only song from "Karmacode" for the night. This a great album so I wouldn't have minded a few more but honestly, it was awesome to get so many new songs that I can't complain at all. It was time for the title track from "Delirium" as the concert moved into its final portion. Hauntingly beautiful is the best way I would describe it. It is, in a way, a cry for help against the constant pressures that push us to mental breakdown but as with everything Lacuna Coil, it at the same time, shows a way through the darkness through self belief and empowerment. Speaking of which, it was time for an anthem of strength, this one hailing from the "Broken Crown Halo" release in the form of "Nothing Stands in Our Way". The title says it all and was felt by all present. There was only time for one more song and for the finale, they went once more to the latest material. For the last song of the night they left us with "The House of Shame". Another song of intense proportions. Andrea sang more extreme than ever on this song, while Cristina hit new sonic heights as her clear voice matched his in force and delivery. This was such a great show. I left so impressed with their ability and intensity. It just cemented why I have loved Lacuna Coil for the last decade and half and hope to for many more to come. As an added bonus for those of us who love Cristina, she came out and did a duet with tour-mates Epica for "Storm the Sorrow" which apparently was an exclusive event only for those of us here in Los Angeles. An absolutely stellar evening!










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