Scabbia is very much the
public face – both literally and metaphorically – of the Italian’s. As such, in
common with many people we had assumed it was some sort of Nightwish/Epica type
deal, all symphonic power metal, when actually their sound owes far more to the
doom end of the market and with this years “Dark Adrenaline” album marking a
near-career highlight, a first time view of the band live was eagerly
anticipated.
The set is promised to be
a mammoth, career-spanning two hour affair, but the band are short of two
regular members. Bassist Marco Zelati and drummer Criz Mozatti are missing this
tour due to injury and paternity leave respectively, which is a shame, but soon
forgotten when “I Don’t Believe In Tomorrow” kicks us off, with twin singers
Scabbia and Andrea Ferro wearing matching what look to be Army uniforms and
masks.
The driving rhythm of “I
Wont Tell You” soon follows and by the time “Senzafine” comes along on a wave
of Paradise Lost type grooves and “To The End” has created mass headbanging the
momentum is really building.
The trouble is what
happens next. After a five minute break and a costume change, the band are back
– on stools – for an acoustic portion, and lets be brutal about this, for all
Scabbia’s protestations that this is their favourite portion of the show, the
songs don’t really lend themselves to the stripped back format.
There is then another
break before the band are back for part three, and this plugged in section of
pretty straight ahead metal is much, much better. “Swamped” gets things
jumping, while “Fragile” is awash with Eastern rhythms and the anthemic “To The
Darkness” sees the band cut lose.
“My Spirit” closes things
and the band take their bows after what has been a fine show. It could have
been a great one, but the mid set lull and stop-start nature rather put paid to
that.
Quibbles and personal preferences
notwithstanding, Lacuna Coil are a band with much to offer, and one that should
be cherished as being far more important than just a vehicle for Cristina
Scabbia’s considerable talents. Megadeth may have led us here, but Lacuna Coil
were worth it.
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