This new album marks a clear distinction from its predecessor, both in terms of production and sonic presence. The bass and drums take on a prominent role, adding depth and substance that contrast with the lighter sound of their previous record. Meanwhile, Cristina’s vocal harmonies finally come to the forefront, establishing her presence after being somewhat overshadowed in the prior release. It’s evident that Lacuna Coil has redefined their formula, completely shifting the hierarchy of elements within their music. Without a doubt, this marks a significant evolution in the band’s trajectory.
While there are still echoes of the old Lacuna Coil, the foundations of their sound have been shaken up, influenced by more modern and industrial textures, which inject freshness and power into the overall mix.
Visually, while the album presents a complete experience, there are still unmet expectations, particularly regarding the stage setup, where more resources could be explored for a fuller presentation.
The task of analyzing this album track by track is daunting, but there are key moments that stand out, revealing the richness of this work, which in many ways evokes the atmosphere of a psychological horror thriller.
“Scarecrow” plunges us into a deep abyss without bitterness. Cristina’s voice, devoid of any skepticism, leads the listener through a precise and unpretentious narrative. Andrea’s contribution arrives at the perfect moment, complementing the track with his characteristic vocal touch.
Cristina seems to have reached a new vocal maturity, with a more refined tone perfectly suited to the demands of the music and the stories told within this album. Her voice has evolved into a more polished product, reflecting both her growth and the essence of this work.
“I Wish You Were Dead” stands out as one of the album’s brightest compositions. Every second of this track captures the best from each member of Lacuna Coil, with the potential to become one of the crown jewels of their discography, and undoubtedly a key piece in their future live shows.
This album proves that Lacuna Coil has embarked on a journey through various sub-genres, aiming to forge a unique musical identity that defies easy categorization. Their formula doesn’t seek to follow trends, but instead to remain true to their distinctive, ever-evolving style. Unintentionally, they have opened the doors to a promising future, securing their place in a competitive market and gaining a privileged position among the most prominent bands of 2025.
“Hosting The Shadows” features fragments that evoke bands like t.A.T.u., with nods to their famous “All The Things She Said.” These moments, though subtle, manage to captivate both long-time fans and newcomers, incorporating familiar sounds that serve as a bridge between generations.
“In Nomine Patris” shines with Cristina’s sublime belting, whose stability and power are truly admirable. The aggression in her voice finally comes to the forefront, giving way to a guitar solo that sets the stage for Andrea to unleash his signature gutturals, now more mature than in any previous phase of his career.
“Sleepless Empire”, with its complex rhythmic structure, creates a haunting atmosphere, flooding the listener with a range of sounds that transition seamlessly into “Sleep Paralysis”, a track that will undoubtedly become one of Lacuna Coil’s most iconic anthems, with a carefully explored musical framework.
The future remains uncertain, but what is clear is that this album marks the beginning of a new era for Lacuna Coil. The moment to witness their most revolutionary evolution has arrived. Get ready — this journey is about to begin.
Track listing:
1. The Siege
2. Oxygen
3. Scarecrow
4. Gravity
5. I Wish You Were Dead
6. Hosting The Shadow
7. In Nomine Patris
8. Sleepless Empire
9. Sleep Paralysis
10. In The Mean Time
11. Never Dawn
I’m Sebastian, a classical singer and journalist. I specialize in classical vocal performance, bringing passion and precision to every piece I sing. Alongside my music career, I write about the arts, focusing on culture, music, and their role in today’s world. Through both singing and writing, I aim to share the beauty of heavy metal music with a wider audience and inspire others to appreciate its timeless artistry.