Artist: Lacuna Coil
Title: Dark Adrenaline
Genre: Melodic / Gothic Metal
Release Date: 20th January 2012
Label: Century Media
Album Review
Reviewing LACUNA COIL is always a pleasure. Through almost eighteen years of hard work they have earned their reputation of one of the most creative and versatile bands out there. ‘Dark Adrenaline’ is another excellent album and a true milestone in the band’s striving for the ultimate masterpiece. Coherent and extremely well produced (nota bene by the famous Don Gilmore), this is a must have for any fan of melodic metal (or gothic metal, if you wish).
The opening track ‘Trip the Darkness’ has already been released as a video single to promote the whole album. Initial heavy riff that keeps reappearing throughout the track is quite amazing as well as the band’s ability to sum up what’s best in LACUNA COIL in just over three minutes of music. This track is a true hit. Another track that has really grasped my attention is ‘Kill the Light’. The way it starts reminds me of 69 EYES’ ‘Brandon Lee’ but this impression only lasts a few seconds. In my opinion ‘Kill the Light’ is one of the best composed tracks on the whole album. The male vocal line is simply ingenious - somewhat decadent and hard-rockish, yet strikingly powerful. I may be foolish but there is even some of James Hatfield’s demonism in there. The lyric is quite simple but strong what seems to be of relevance to those criticizing LACUNA COIL for their lyrics. Personally, ‘Kill the Light’ is my favourite track.
The following track ‘Give Me Something More’ brings even more of catchy guitar riffs complemented with a smooth bass line and some neat synth. Frankly, every single track on this album is a possible alternative chart topper. They are all extremely well composed, coherent and short enough not to become repetitive and loopy. As mentioned earlier, the production of ‘Dark Adrenaline’ is above mastery. The shortest of all tracks, ‘Fire’, left me wondering why LACUNA COIL would ask PJ Harvey to record an intro for them ;) Purposeful or not, using Harvey’s signature voice effect just seems a bit too obvious. And in my opinion it is a missed reference since ‘Fire’ bears absolutely no resemblance to any of the PJ’s works. Despite the misleading intro, the whole track is absolutely spotless. There is a cover on this album that should not go unnoticed - ‘Losing My Religion’ by REM. While there is madness and passion in the original track, I feel that it has simply disappeared from the LACUNA COIL’s version. It seems that slowing down ‘Losing My Religion’ has killed its spirit. Again, this is more of a controversial and maybe missed concept rather than a real flaw.
To sum up I will simply repeat what I have already written above: This album is a must have. It is lighter than some of LACUNA COIL’s previous albums and seems to be more on the hard rock side. Yet, it is energetic, driven and sensual. Those of you who like harsher tunes and cherish bands like ANATHEMA or PARADISE LOST also will not be disappointed - there is some of it in this album too. I will admit this with pleasure - LACUNA COIL are getting better and better. There is something for the collectors too as the album will be available in several different formats; a limited jewel case edition with the artwork by the band members, a Digipak edition with a bonus DVD consisting of six short movies telling the ‘Story of Dark Adrenaline’ in relation to the six band members. Finally, there will be a strictly limited Deluxe Edition that will combine the Digipak edition with a calendar for the years 2012-2013 (optimists!) and a set of neatly boxed buttons.
Tracklist
01. Trip The Darkness - 03:13
02. Against You - 03:50
03. Kill The Light - 03:34
04. Give Me Something More - 03:55
05. Upsidedown - 03:03
06. End Of time - 03:52
07. I Don’t Believe in Tomorrow - 04:11
08. Intoxicated - 03:47
09. The Army Inside - 03:11
10. Losing My Religion - 03:42
11. Fire - 02:54
12. My Spirit - 05:49
Line-up
Cristina Scabbia - Vocals
Andrea Ferro - Vocals
Marco “Maki” Coti Zelati - Bass guitar, keyboards
Cristiano “Pizza” Migliore - Guitars
CriZ - Drums
Maus - Guitars, lead guitars
Website
www.lacunacoil.it / www.facebook.com/lacunacoil / www.emptyspiral.net
Cover Picture
Rating
Sound: 9.5
Music: 9.5
Total: 9.5 / 10
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