Back with their tenth full-length studio release (eleven if you include Comalies XX, the reworked version of their 2002 breakthrough album) Italian alt/goth metal act Lacuna Coil return with Sleepless Empire (Century Media Records), one of their strongest records in years.
Following a fairly common theme in metal these days, Sleepless Empire is a warning about modern technology and being caught in its inescapable digital web. Attempting to reclaim the humanity of the analogue age by rescuing a generation from the soul-consuming void of social media, each song is used to confront this new technology and prevent humanity from becoming a society of digital zombies and unthinking drones who merely exist as online shadows.
Opener “The Siege” begins with a Middle Eastern vibe and simple chord progression, Andrea Ferro‘s ragged guttural vocals roaring out of the blocks before lead singer Cristina Scabbia follows with trademark quality, hitting some sensational high notes while a delicate backing choir gives the song a more ethereal quality.
A djent style riff from guitarist Diego Cavallotti opens “Oxygen,” Ferro the focal point during the verses, Scabbia supports him with strident tones before taking the lead on the choruses and the uplifting final section. “Scarecrow” is full of piss and vinegar with the pairing duelling over chunky riffs and the powerful rhythm section of drummer Richard Meiz and bassist Marco Coti Zelati.
“Gravity” possesses a simple chuggy riff and aggressive vocals while “I Wish You Were Dead” finds Ferro reduced to the most minor of roles on an instantly memorable standout track with a chorus that recalls vintage Within Temptation. The uptempo yet somewhat melancholic “Hosting The Shadow” finds Cristina as part of a three-pronged vocal attack with Andrea and Randy Blythe of Virginian veterans Lamb of God.
The surging “In Nomine Patris” and the brooding drama of “Sleep Paralysis” both feature quality guitar solos from Cavallotti, the six-stringer creating angular, atonal sounds for the beefy title track as Scabbia putting in another top performance. Ash Costello from New Year’s Day makes an appearance on penultimate cut “In The Mean Time” before “Never Dawn” brings the album to a satisfying conclusion.
Crammed with hooks and catchy choruses galore, plus all the usual pitch-perfect vocal histrionics from Scabbia, the only thing missing from Sleepless Empire is more fancy fretboard work from Cavallotti. As for the record’s overarching message of escaping the clutches of digital technology and social media? An admirable ideal for sure but a warning that has probably already arrived far too late in the day. Feel free to respond with memes, emojis, and animal GIFs.
Buy the album here:
https://lacunacoil.lnk.to/SleeplessEmpire
7 / 10
GARY ALCOCK
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