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LACUNA COIL
Sleepless Empire
Century Media

Fan favorite albums and hit singles are blessings and curses. On one hand, the artist has crafted something with staying power and emotional resonance. On the other hand, every bit of output will be measured, at some point, against the nostalgia that fans have for that one vaulted album, or single. In the case of LACUNA COIL, they will continue to be judged against 2002's breakthrough album Comalies. Is it fair? Of course not. Am I doing it right now? Well, I've heard that heaven's a lie..

Not once guilty of releasing a bad album, LACUNA COIL are back with new album Sleepless Empire and have brought back some old tricks in a fancy new bag. Immediately rushing through the opening gates, guitars first and foremost here - the band sounding as fresh and vital as ever. The crunch of pseudo-nu-metal is a welcome respite from the relative safety of recent COIL output. I have my coffee at the ready so sleeplessness will not be an issue to contend with.

The ace up the sleeve of LACUNA COIL has always been the exquisite vocals of Cristina Scabbia, and Sleepless Empire does not disappoint in that regard. Every single track positively shimmers here, arrangements are lush and expansive - that is to say, it's everything we have come to expect from such an experienced act. Not playing out of pocket and being fully aware of the niche they have carved for themselves, LACUNA COIL are firing on all cylinders in a way they haven't, frankly, in years. While discussing vocals, I would be remiss to not touch on co-vocalist Andrea Ferro, the foil to Scabbia's soulful croon. If memory serves me correctly, the advertising used to allude to a beauty and the beast interplay and, indeed, the entirety of proceedings use this tactic to fabulous effect. The arrangements, particularly on the title track, exemplify this dichotomy without seeming pandering or, worse, attempting to relive past glories. It would appear the re-recording Comalies served a larger purpose than to boost some sales. Not to be misunderstood as a rehash of past glories, Sleepless Empire showcases every strength LACUNA COIL has, without need of fat trimming.

3.5 Out Of 5.0