Album Review: Lacuna Coil – Black Anima

Prior to 2016's Delirium, Lacuna Coil's recent albums had often been so middling, pedestrian even, they could almost have been called off for lack of interest from anybody bar the most devoted fans.

However, that record's heavier take on the Italians' melodic metal, punctuated by an emotive concept that both the band and their audience could sink their teeth into, seemed to reinvigorate all concerned. No small feat for a band then on their eighth LP. Now, Black Anima channels personal anguish, using the group's recognisable blend of gothic melodrama and pop sensibilities, on the likes of Apocalypse, while there's more than a whiff of their early days on Veneficium, and a penchant for chunky metallic riffing on Reckless (which also features, somewhat atypically for Lacuna Coil, a quality guitar solo).

As single Layers Of Time strongly suggested, a heavier, darker yet still infectious approach is apparent at times – it's prominently displayed in Andrea Ferro's greater use of harsh vocals, his growls a welcome counterpoint for the charismatic Cristina Scabbia's pristine, soaring clean singing. Her sense of urgency elevates fare such as Save Me, and in a curious change-up that takes a few listens to adjust to, even briefly indulges in a more (relatively speaking) aggressive delivery on the otherwise accessible Now Or Never.

More than 20 years on from their debut, Lacuna Coil's place in the modern metal pantheon remains assured by adding records like this to the canon.