Artist: Lacuna Coil
Label: Century Media
Release Date: 10/29/02
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Title: Comalies Artist: Lacuna Coil Label: Century Media Release Date: 10/29/02 |
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Abyss's Review:
With Comalies, Lacuna Coil finally come into their own a bit. I always felt that this band was better on paper than they were on any of their albums. For instance, the track "No Need To Explain" off of their full length debut was an incredible song, a haunting melody that danced over thick, but understated guitars. Unfortunately, I didn't think any of their subsequent work approached the success of that single track.
"I always felt that this band was better on paper than they were on any of their albums." Comalies sees the band improving their overall songwriting without changing their overall sound. Andrea and Christina trade vocal duties quite successfully, although I do think many songs on this record would benefit from a little less Andrea (the guy) and a little more Christina, but that is a minor point. There aren't really any stand out songs, but all of the songs are of a quality to make this record more than worthwhile. My criticisms remain the same as with any band doing this sort of thing-- the album would benefit greatly from a slightly heavier sound-- but I guess I just gotta face the fact that no one is going to listen to me.
Obviously this one isn't for someone craving an all out dirge of blistering guitars and death metal vocals, but for fans of this doom/goth thing, there is little out there that is much better. More poppy and less artistic than peers like The Gathering, Lacuna Coil offer a perfect diversion from much of the stuff I normally listen to, and I find it easy and relaxing. The listener doesn't need to put any thought into it to enjoy it, and its uniquely feminine style is somewhat refreshing. After surrounding yourself with the scent of rotting corpses and entrails, it is indeed nice to stop and smell the roses every once in awhile.
"If you were luke-warm towards the band, this album might be what you're looking for, as I think it is easily their strongest to date." If you haven't really liked this band in the past because they weren't heavy enough, you still want to avoid them. However, if you were luke-warm towards the band, this album might be what you're looking for, as I think it is easily their strongest to date. Longtime fans I'm sure already have it and are quite happy. One word review: Great.
Death's Review:
Italy's Lacuna Coil return with a brilliant new effort that solidifies the band's status as an artist that in a perfect world should be huge but probably never will be. Comalies is a very moody record, showered in hauntingly beautiful vocals from Cristina Scabbia and powerful male vocals from Andrea Ferro. The result is part Pink Floyd, part The Gathering, part Amorphis and part Opeth. The songs must be listened to closely and with full attention for full effect; however, hook-filled, throwaway pop this is not. Instead, Comalies is an album for the true music or rock connoisseur.
"Is it metal? Perhaps."
Is it metal? Perhaps. The guitars have that certain "crunch" at points and definitely the underlying aggression/moodiness is certainly there. But "artistic hard rock" is perhaps the preferable term. Just because the band is on Century Media doesn't mean this is stuff is extreme! Frankly, even most nu-metal bands are heavier. The problem is that while this is not pure, traditional, first-pumping metal, it is not easy enough to digest for the masses either. While Radiohead and Tool and others have established an artier modern rock sound while achieving mainstream success, and this is certainly the model for bands like Lacuna Coil and The Gathering, frankly, most of this stuff goes over most people's heads. Tool, for example, has hits that probably are catchier, and Lacuna Coil doesn't have the cool videos to carry them the rest of the way.
"Mainstream potential aside, this is an album for audiophiles and fans of quality rock to enjoy." Mainstream potential aside, this is an album for audiophiles and fans of quality rock to enjoy. Give it numerous spins, let it get under your skin, and rejoice in the beauty of Lacuna Coil. To do so is certainly a rewarding experience.
Hel's Review:
The duality of having both a male vocalist and a female vocalist immediately sets Lacuna Coil apart from their potential peers. Taking them a step farther afield, the music on Comalies is primarily atmospheric, yet packs an underlying punch which makes it memorable.
"Comalies... packs an underlying punch which makes it memorable."
"Despite their music's softer edge, Lacuna Coil has something to offer nearly every metalhead." While I usually am drawn to the more aggressive styles of metal, I found this release to be entertaining and attention-grabbing, despite the overall mellowness of the songs. The occasional heavy riffs are what makes Comalies truly irresistible, and undeniably metal.
Despite their music's softer edge, Lacuna Coil has something to offer nearly every metalhead, except for those with an aversion to understandable lyrics or any kind of slow pacing. Certainly, this is a band worthy of at least a moment's consideration by any and all looking for something a little different.
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