Lacuna Coil - Dark Adrenaline
Italian metal heads Lacuna Coil have been a bit quiet since the release of their forgettable album "Shallow Life" in 2009, but now they are back with their new studio album 'Dark Adrenaline'.
Opening number and lead single 'Trip The Darkness' is a classic Lacuna Coil track, the band's sound is instantly recognisable. It's catchy - not to heavy but well composed. There's no doubt in my mind that this song will be a hit.
'Kill The Light' instantly grabs your attention, it is by far the best performed and produced track on the album. They lyrics are simple, but the vocal work is very striking. It's great to hear Andrea Ferro's vocals dominating over Cristina Scabbia's for a change. It's Ferro's vocals that really make this track stand out for me.
"Dark Adrenaline" also houses a fantastic cover of REM's 'Losing My Religion'. It's a much slower version of the original and no doubt REM fans will be quick to criticise, but I think Lacuna Coil have done a great job. Lyrically it's instantly recognisable, but in terms of the way it is performed and the overall vibe of the track Lacuna Coil have made it their own.
The closing track; 'My Spirit' is an epic number, the song was written after the passing of Peter Steele and has a Type-O Negative vibe to it. 'My Spirit' is sad and intense, yet perfectly balanced.
While "Dark Adrenaline" is leaps and bounds ahead of "Shallow Life", Lacuna Coil are still a long way off hitting their stride. While they still seem to be striving for their ultimate masterpiece, this is definitely a big step in the right direction. "Dark Adrenaline" is heavier than their previous album, and shows miles of growth. It seems Lacuna Coil have learnt from their mistakes and are confidently moving on.