Milan-based Lacuna Coil have been one of the main exponents of the Italian metal scene since before the turn of the millennium. Starting out as a gothic metal band, they were initially successful in Europe alone until 2006’s ‘Karmacode’ acted as a wakeup call for the US mainstream market. Lacuna Coil’s sound has evolved dramatically over the years: from their gothic beginnings to the more accessible ‘Shallow Life’ (2009) and ‘Dark Adrenaline’ (2012), across the alternative rock/metal of the ‘Broken Crown Halo’ (2014) to ‘Delirium’ (2016), which signals a return to full-blooded metal. Released to rave reviews, ‘Black Anima’ (2019) was heavier than anything they had put out before and their most recent gem ‘Sleepless Empire’ (2025) was not only worth the six-year wait, it also continues their tradition of subtly realigning the ingredients of their unique blend with every subsequent release. They continue to steer a heavier, more aggressive course while the lyrics explore contemporary themes such as the alienation that comes with the digital age and the impact of social media on our sense of identity. (#GMM26)
