(Century Media)

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Every so often a band comes out that is absolutely phenomenal and yet they don't get the recognition they deserve. Italy's Lacuna Coil is one of those bands, sure they are getting some airplay in this states finally but they still seem to go by the wayside.

The Milan six-piece formed in 1996 has enjoyed their greatest success in Europe. They've gained a substantial following in the U.S. supporting such diverse acts as Anthrax, P.O.D., Opeth, Danzig and Type O Negative. Their biggest gig is a slot on the second-stage at this summers Ozzfest.

Lacuna Coil has released two EP's and three studio albums of lush, ethereal Goth-metal that mixes heavy guitars with soaring melodies and mournful lyrics.

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Their latest release, the limited-edition double-CD reissue of Comalies, sticks with the same formula. Chunky guitar riffs, swirling keyboards and an occasional electronic samples. Mix that in with the interaction of vocalists Andrea Ferro and raven-haired siren Cristina Scabbia and you have one of the best releases of the new millennium.

"Swamped" their current single about regrets, with Andrea's lead vocals and Cristina's angelic backing and lead on the chorus gets the album off to a celestial start.

The ambient Goth sounds of the album continues on songs like the post-apocalyptic "Angel's Punishment," the emotional roller coaster that is "Entwined," "The Ghost Woman and The Hunter" about lost love ("You're moving on, you'll never be a part of all my tears, I cry aloud") the haunting chants on "Humane" and the sensual lead single "Heaven's A Lie." Other standout songs like "Self Deception," in which you find yourself engaged in someone’s pathetic obsession/head-games. ("I'll never waste another day, forever lost, no reason, he never chose to play this game taken too far out of control.") "Daylight Dancer," a sad tale of a friend’s plea to help someone out of their pain. ("Answer me, it can't be so hard, cry to relieve what's in your heart-desolation, grief, and agony.") This amazing piece of art concludes with the half English/ half Italian title track, "Comalies."

The bonus disc contains the radio-edit versions of "Heaven's A Lie" and "Swamped," along with seven acoustical tracks and the videos for "Heaven's A Lie" and "Swamped."

It's rather odd that Century Media didn't release this as a full acoustical album, ‘cause the group shines just as bright acoustically as they do in the studio. For those of you against re-releases just head to www.centurymedia.com and you can order the bonus disc by itself for a very low price.

Three of the acoustic songs were recorded at Boston radio station WAAF. The station had invited Lacuna Coil to perform at their annual Locobazooka festival and to perform in the studio some fan favorites, which included "Heaven's A Lie," "Aeon" and "Senzafine." The latter is a song done entirely in Italian, other favorites includes "Unspoken" and "Swamped."

The evolution of this band will only grow stronger, once Ozzfest is completed they'll continue to tour and there is a great possibility of new Lacuna Coil music in 2005.

Goth is the main word use to describe this band, well you can include poetic, emotional, and melodic as well as one of the best pure bands of today. Comalies is a vocal masterpiece. A present and future force in the world of metal.

www.lacunacoil.it

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