Lacuna Coil - Comalies (CD)

Gothic Metal, hynoptic and sexy

By Momma  Jul 19, 2004 | 2 out of 2 found this Comalies review helpful

Pros: Lush production; well-crafted songs, Cristina's voice

Cons: One tempo; English as a second language

While Italy's Lacuna Coil has been around for a few years, "Comalies" is really putting them on the map and deservedly so. While credit could be given to Amy Lee for bringing more attention to them, it was the least she could do it sinc...e it should be apparent to anyone with ears that Cristina Scabbia is an influence, and Lacuna Coil as a unit was the blueprint for Evanesence. "Comalies" is not only LC's best release but its a great release, period. Yes, the songs have a "pop" feel but only because they are well-arranged, the musicianship is solid but not complicated, and vocal hooks abound. Kudos to vet metal producer and musician Waldemar Sorychta for getting all of the elements to blend so seemlessly. Cristina's pure, angelic voice almost floats above the crunchy mid-tempo songs, and male vocalist Andi, while less used, is effective when it is his turn to sing, especially on heavier tunes like "The Prophet Said" and the title track. For those with keyboard allergies be assured that keyboards are definitely there, but they are not over-used and sit prefectly in the mix, giving that full "Goth" sound and adding just the right flourishes and touches. They also use samples but they too are used tastefully. The only small drawback are lyrics that are written in a language other than their native tongue. In the end, however, it is almost unimportant as this a band more about mood and texture than lyrical grandstanding. "Heaven's A Lie" gets my vote for metal song of the year. The pop arrangement makes you feel like a sucker for falling into its trap, but it is definitely a sweet, extra crunchy treat, and the sing-along chorus performed by the two singers together is instantly memorable. The CD is worth owning for that song alone, but add other cuts like the opener "Swamped", the title track (mostly sung in Italian), "Self-Deception"
;, the beautiful "Aeon", and all of the other tracks make this an excellent overall CD. Those who like their metal quick, choppy and confrontational may find this CD boring. However, what it lacks in speed, aggression and technicality it more than makes up for with class, taste and digestibility. The perfect sondtrack for a sexy night full of promise, which I am sure was its intention. Read more Less