Representing a classic case of delayed fame, Italian goth-metal act Lacuna Coil broke into the American music consciousness via a much talked-about showing on the Ozzfest 2004 second stage, nearly two years after the release of their third album, COMALIES. Similar to its American counterparts Evanescence, this European sextet features the dual vocals of Cristina Scabbia and her male counterpart, Andrea Ferro. Despite the liberal amounts of keyboards added to the mix, guitarists Cristiano Migliore and Marco Biazzi more than hold their own, pumping choppy riffs into the 1980s-sounding "Self Deception" and the simmering opener "Swamped". What makes Lacuna Coil so unique in an often musically conservative genre is the band's ability to dabble with ethereal dynamics. Such is the case with the soaring title cut and equally potent "The Ghost Woman and the Hunter", both of which blend neo-classical riffing, swirling synth runs and a perfect juxtaposition of light and heavy vocal phrasing. To commemorate the group's Ozzfest 2004 stint, COMALIES was re-released with a bonus disc featuring nine cuts that include a mix of live and studio acoustic performances, along with videos for "Heaven's a Lie" and "Swamped".

Jun 2004

'Comalies' is the third full-length release from Italian gothic metal band Lacuna Coil. Recorded with longtime producer Waldemar Sorychta (Sentenced, Samael, Tiamat) at Woodhouse Studios, Hagen, Germany, it showcases the band's own distinct sound, which draws its dramatic power from both goth and classic metal. Led by the dulcet tones of Cristina Scabbia - a lady whose sultry looks are matched by her mesmerizing voice - and the deliberate vocals of her male singing partner Andrea Ferro, 'Comalies' is another dynamic exploration of Lacuna Coil's soulfully sombre and stunningly enigmatic musical alchemy.

• CMJ (10/28/02, p.29) - "...COMALIES is symphonic rock that will appeal to even the most groove 'n rap-minded mall-metaler..."

Limited edition two-disc reissue.
Representing a classic case of delayed fame, Italian goth-metal act Lacuna Coil broke into the American music consciousness via a much talked-about showing on the Ozzfest 2004 second stage, nearly two years after the release of their third album, COMALIES. Similar to its American counterparts Evanescence, this European sextet features the dual vocals of Cristina Scabbia and her male counterpart, Andrea Ferro. Despite the liberal amounts of keyboards added to the mix, guitarists Cristiano Migliore and Marco Biazzi more than hold their own, pumping choppy riffs into the 1980s-sounding "Self Deception" and the simmering opener "Swamped." What makes Lacuna Coil so unique in an often musically conservative genre is the band's ability to dabble with ethereal dynamics. Such is the case with the soaring title cut and equally potent "The Ghost Woman and the Hunter," both of which blend neo-classical riffing, swirling synth runs and a perfect juxtaposition of light and heavy vocal phrasing. To commemorate the group's Ozzfest 2004 stint, COMALIES was re-released with a bonus disc featuring nine cuts that include a mix of live and studio acoustic performances, along with videos for "Heaven's a Lie" and "Swamped."

Formed in the early 1990s, this Italian outfit is an anomaly in the annals of metal, blending dark goth leanings with sophisticated arrangements and an unmistakable ear for snappy pop hooks. Singer Cristina Scabbia's ethereal vocals undoubtedly go a long way towards enhancing the band's commercial appeal, while its live act and a relentless tour schedule have gained the band a loyal international fan base.