There are still plenty of very melodic and radio-friendly tracks like the opener “Trip The Darkness,” as Lacuna Coil is once again working with Don Gilmore (Linkin Park), who also produced their previous album. But as the album title suggests, some darker vibed and bombastic songs also make an appearance, such as “I Don't Believe In Tomorrow.”
Cristina Scabbia is the face of Lacuna Coil, but Andrea Ferro is an equal partner when it comes to the vocals, and on songs like “Against You” actually has the more important part. They have developed a great chemistry over the years, and the transition from one to the other is smooth and seamless. “Give Me Something More” is a good example of their synergy. Scabbia sings in a smooth, measured alto while Ferro provides the dynamics with some aggressive singing along with his normal tone.
“End Of Time” is a very catchy power ballad that features some brief harmony vocals, which is something I wish Lacuna Coil would do more often. When both vocalists are singing at the same time, at similar levels, it really adds a lot to the song. There are harmonies elsewhere, but generally one singer is much louder than the other.
The song on Dark Adrenaline that will draw the most attention is the cover of R.E.M.'s “Losing My Religion.” Lacuna Coil really puts their own spin on it, slowing it down and omitting the mandolin. Doing a karaoke version is the easy way out, while trying to inject some of your own style is much riskier. I think it turned out pretty well.
Lacuna Coil has struck a good balance with Dark Adrenaline. The songs are still very accessible and melodic, but add more edge and atmosphere. Non metal fans who discovered them on Shallow Life will still like what they hear, and the longer term fans who wanted more gothic and metal elements also get their wish.
(released January 24, 2012 on Century Media Records)
