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By GREG MAKI
Thanks to the breakthrough success of 2002’s Comalies, Lacuna Coil spent months and months touring the United States with the likes of Type O Negative, Anthrax, P.O.D. and Ozzfest 2004. It’s unsurprising then that their fourth full-length release, Karmacode, bears a strong American influence. That’s not necessarily for the better, though, as the more familiar Lacuna Coil trademarks are what make the album a satisfying listen.
Karmacode begins with its weakest moment, launching straight into the bass-heavy opening riff of “Fragile.” The muddy production here continues throughout the album. Bassist Marco Coti Zelati gives a strong performance, but he frequently overpowers the guitars. The vocals, particularly those of Cristina Scabbia are often low in the mix, as well. What this means is that you have to listen to the album at full blast to hear every instrument. It disturbingly recalls the nu-metal sound I thought had mostly died out. “What I See,” the heaviest Lacuna Coil song to date, features a riff and rhythm that could have come from any Korn album. But it is a nice contrast to Scabbia’s haunting vocals and her wordless chanting on the instrumental number, “You Create,” that precedes it.
Scabbia is the star of this band for more than her looks. Because Karmacode has a heavier, more up-tempo sound and less of a goth influence than previous Lacuna Coil albums, her powerful, melodic vocals are all that are left to make the band stand out from the rest of the pack. The songs that feature her front and center, such the first single, “Our Truth,” and the recently announced second single, “Closer,” are Karmacode’s highlights. The vocals of male singer Andrea Ferro continue to improve with each album, but he’s no match for Scabbia. “Closer,” with its poppy chorus, barely audible backing vocals by Ferro and three-minute length, will likely draw the ire of longtime fans. But it’s a great song with huge crossover potential.
The older, more atmospheric Lacuna Coil returns on Karmacode’s final four tracks, which include “Without Fear,” the band’s almost mandatory song sung in their native Italian. The song also features a rare guitar solo by Cristiano Migliore. The best song on the entire album might be a cover of the Depeche Mode classic “Enjoy the Silence.” Without changing much, Lacuna Coil makes the song their own, and it is a wonderful way to close the disc.
Karmacode comes about four years after the release of Comalies. Given that and the sheer number of live shows the band played during that time, it would be ludicrous not to expect a different sound. The musical direction is not what I would have chosen, but there is enough flavor to keep it interesting. Though Karmacode doesn’t top Comalies, it is a worthy follow-up.
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