Century Media Records
Out Now
Words by Jimmy Glinster
Lacuna Coil, what do I know about them? Fuck all, really. I do know that they’ve been around a hell of a long time, since 1994 in fact, and that I’ve probably even seen them a couple of times here or there at the odd festival. I’m going to say Soundwave if anyone cares to research that.
Luckily, I took a sneaky read of the promo material for this album after I noticed that every song had XX after it. Thinking that was odd, because it was one X short of an adventure into porn land, and almost a dream come true for Cristina Scabbia fans worldwide, I decided to investigate. What I found was that this is a deconstructed and re-made recording of the Comalies album release back in 2022, hence the title Comalies XX.
I’m not going to pretend I know the original album Comalies, or that I even listened to it, even though I know it did cross my path. The only thing that is certain is that I don’t remember it, so I’ll approach this like it’s a completely new album without any prejudice from its former self.
Swamped XX is an instant adventure into synth land, and Cristina’s ethereal vocals quickly drag me in. I’m not sure what the original version of this album sounded like, but the overall recording, guitar tones and drum sounds are extremely modern sounding. It’s a super crisp production.
Heaven Alone XX opens with a tonne of strings and Cristina again steals the show over some slow somber verses. When co-vocalist Andreo Ferro joins in with his wretched screams, you know you’re back in a metal song even though the track’s otherwise on the much softer side of heavy.
In a nice surprise, Daylight Dancer XX takes no time in fucking around as ferocious double kicks provide a heavy-as-fuck intro. This time around, Andreo takes the vocal lead through the verses and leaves the choruses up to Cristina. This one is pretty heavy on keys over the entire track, which I’d usually frown upon, but it’s buried just enough to not make it obtrusive.
Humane XX is another slower one, and to be honest it kind of bores me a little. It’s definitely not bad, it’s just not very exciting. Luckily, I could listen to Cristina’s voice all day, so I’ll see the song out.
Self Deception XX, while a bit heavier, was much of the same so I listened to that one too. An extended intro to Aeon XX almost gave me the shits until that sweet, sweet voice stole my heart away, and then fucked off too quickly, leaving me depressed and lonely.
The next track Tight Rope XX monetarily sounded like an Evanescence track with its piano intro. I’m sure someone stole that off the other, but I’m not going to get into that debate. You could make comparisons all day long, and this track is probably the one that most closely aligns the sound of both bands. Who does it better? I’m not even going to touch that, but this song stands on its own!
I’m starting to get a bit lost in this album. Not because it’s bad, because it’s definitely not. It’s just a bit slow and brooding, and maybe I’m just not in the right mood this early on a Sunday morning. The Ghost Woman And The Hunter XX is where I’m at right now, and as I just said, it’s slow and brooding.
At this point in time, I’m getting sick of typing XX after everything and am beginning to wonder if this is even worth it? The remake I mean, was this a big album for them, or is this just an attempt like every other band at the moment jumping on the 10, 20, 30-year anniversary bandwagon? I’m not sure, and I couldn’t be fucked going back to listen to the original version of this album.
Unspoken XX luckily picks up the pace and ferocity a little and grabbed my attention again as I was just about to switch off and stop typing. I mean, it’s not overly thrilling, but it is a step up from the last few tracks. Even the Casio keyboards aren’t shitting me that much this time around.
Alright, I’ve decided I’m going to wrap this up as the intro to Entwined XX drags the pace back down. I did quickly jump into the remaining tracks The Prophet Said XX, Angel’s Punishment XX and Comalies XX to hear much of the same drop of pace. One of the songs had a slightly rockier section, but you could almost jump into random sections of each song and think it was all part of the same song, which is exactly what I did, and exactly what I thought.
This is actually a really great recording, but just like a fine wine, it’s an acquired taste … whatever the fuck that means. If you’re a fan of the band, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this remake.
I kind of did, but I feel this is the kind of album that needs to just be playing in the background while I’m sitting by a fireplace, reading a book and drinking wine from a chalice.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a fireplace, I’m too busy to read a book, and I fucking hate wine!
