Review by Brady Moody
For a band with a career as illustrious as Lacuna Coils', every release feels like stepping into a carefully crafted world. With Sleepless Empire, the Italian masters of gothic metal once again transport listeners to a space both haunting and cinematic—a shadowed landscape where their signature sound evolves while staying true to their unmistakable roots.
Sleepless Empire engulfs you from its opening. The production is expansive, weaving together thunderous riffs, ethereal atmospheres, and delicate nuances that create a deeply immersive experience.
Cristina Scabbia’s vocals remain as spellbinding as ever, effortlessly shifting from
haunting vulnerability to soaring, powerful crescendos.
Meanwhile, Andrea Ferro’s harsh and melodic contributions provide the perfect counterbalance, adding grit and depth.
Tracks like ‘I Wish You Were Dead’ and Sleep Paralysis serve as perfect showcases of Lacuna
Coils' ability to meld heaviness with elegance. The former opens with musing orchestration,
intertwined with mesmerising vocals, before unleashing a tidal wave of chugging guitars. The latter is a slow-building epic, its melodies burrowing into your soul as layers of sound unfold like chapters in a dark fairy tale.
Not only have Lacuna Coil pulled off a magnificent feat, with such a masterful example of
creative excellence, the two featured artists of Randy Blythe and Ash Costello have equally
added a new depth of brilliance to their respective songs. Neither of the tracks steal the show, nor do they fall short. They just fit intrinsically into a perfectly balanced work of art.
With Sleepless Empire, Lacuna Coil proves once again why they are one of the most celebrated acts in heavy music. It’s not just an album; it’s an experience—a richly textured world that you can lose yourself in. And as with every entry in their storied discography, it feels like both a culmination of their journey and a bold step forward into the unknown.
Watch Lacuna Coil 'Gravity' below.
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