Lacuna Coil – “Sleepless Empire” Album Review

Let’s go for a hat trick, shall we? Don’t worry, I’m not about to suddenly delve into a colorful, verbal barrage of sports commentary, (This is AATR not AFTV) but we are in fact going to reconnect with our favorite Italian metal outfit LACUNA COIL. Back in October, I was firstly lucky enough to get to sit and chat with vocalist and founding member Andrea Ferro, over a Zoom call, to discuss the creative process behind their new upcoming album, ideas, influences, and touring plans. (You can catch up on that Here). Secondly, in that same month, I traveled down to Bristol to catch the last night of the band’s UK tour, which was unsurprisingly a fantastic night of live music with plenty of hits, while teasing of the new chapter that was to come… 

 Well, fast forward to the here and now, four months that have flown by may I add, and that time HAS come, as on Friday, February 14th, Lacuna Coil are about to release their highly anticipated tenth studio album, through Century Media Records. Eleven tracks of blistering alternative metal from Milan’s premier heavy hitters, that we’re about to get stuck into right now. Don’t get too settled, however…this is “Sleepless Empire”… 

The album opens up with “The Siege” and a scorching blast of ominous, introspective lyricism. “The enemy will stay up late, in silence to patrol, I’m under siege, it’s my war”. Self-reflective of your own struggles and battles in life as you look inwards to your own mental health, your own sense of purpose…the inner demons and conflicting thoughts that keep you awake at night. It’s a powerful track with a message of redemption and overcoming personal pain, obstacles, and difficulties; it’s never too late to take control of your life and your surroundings, to better yourself, and be your own guiding light through whatever darkness, life has enveloped you in, and despite its heaviness, it’s a brilliantly positive, defiant track. 

We follow this up with the single “Oxygen” and the theme somewhat follows through here, as we hear a song of almost desperation. Over a barrage of truly crushing riffs and pummeling percussion, which the band are truly relishing in here, we get a sense of suffocating under the pressures of the new status quo. Andrea spoke of the difficulties returning to a semblance of normality as a band post-pandemic, as well as the shift in societal norms, and you can hear the struggles of a band really fighting for a breath of fresh air; looking to regroup and find their place in the world again. All were delivered within a fantastic display of dual vocals between Andrea and Cristina. Andrea’s heavy growls are delivered with a youthful ease, while Cristina sounds as polished and harmonious as ever. This is brilliant.

What COULD we do in the meantime? Amidst a brief life of restrictions, guidelines, and warnings…it was like the film “The Happening”, but with paid time off work, zoom quizzes, and a neck and nominate challenge. We’re British, OK, we didn’t take it seriously at all. I won’t even lie to you, I miss lockdown. Ash doesn’t contribute a massive amount to the track vocally but she does compliment Cristina wonderfully, adding an extra layer of melody and edge that only bolsters the intensity of the cleaner vocal displays.  

The second collaboration sees LAMB OF GOD frontman RANDY BLYTHE lend his lungs to “Hosting The Shadow”, and while it begins with some soft, harmonious vocal wailing from Cristina, she’s once again complimented by far more aggressive displays of her co-singers here. Randy has this distinct, almost raspy drawl to his growls and he really does suit Lacuna Coils’ instrumental style, but the way Cristina carries her voice on the chorus; the control of her notes, her pitch and tone and the clarity of it all is simply luxurious.

Elsewhere, the likes of “I Wish You Were Dead” house an almost symphonic metal approach, with a bold chorus of gang vocals, hooks, and a catchy elegance, something I’m sure fans of WITHIN TEMPTATION would appreciate for sure. It’s an upbeat offering while singing of separation and hurt, resulting in a wonderful juxtaposition. The title track then itself, is a critical and contemporary look at life, and existence in the modern world. Consumed by instant gratification, and isolation within a world so connected, and it’s a damning indictment on society and humanity as a whole. 

Ultimately, this far into their career, getting into double digits for studio albums, Lacuna Coil could easily go through the motions, phone it in like sadly many bands do; but here on “Sleepless Empire”, the band are seemingly reborn with a fresh hunger and passion. The production, along with the songwriting, the deep, connecting messages within these eleven tracks, and the delivery; all of it shines with a real sense of purpose.

There’s an opulent nature to which Andrea and Cristina have crafted this, out of a time of struggle and uncertainty, serving as a reminder that even when under the highest pressure you can create diamonds, as this album truly is a gem. We ARE living in a sleepless empire, and humanity is becoming less human with each passing day; relying on technology, and convenience and enslaving ourselves to our fancy modern devices. Let this album serve as a reminder of hardship, go and touch grass, and experience LIFE. Only one you get, and you never know what’s around the corner. Sweet dreams x. 

Album Score: 9/10

TRACKLIST
1. The Siege
2. Oxygen
3. Scarecrow
4. Gravity
5. I Wish You Were Dead
6. Hosting The Shadow (feat. Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God)
7. In Nomine Patris
8. Sleepless Empire
9. Sleep Paralysis
10. In The Mean Time (feat. Ash Costello of New Years Day)
11. Never Dawn

Record Label: Century Media Records

Release Date: February 14th, 2025

 For all things Lacuna Coil, click HERE, and to purchase the album, click HERE