Karmacode Reviews

• Solid, nothing more

  
  By ASVNSWIXBV72Q on 2006-04-07
  On 2003's "Comalies," this Italian six piece goth-metal band finally got noticed. "Comalies" sold several hundred thousand copies, and boasted a couple of catchy singles, so it was thought of as a "breakthrough album." But instead of signing to a major record label, Lacuna Coil stuck with their current one, Century Media, and released their fourth full length disc.
  
  "Karmacode" is somewhat of an experimental album, since a few new ingredients are also sprinkled on here and there. "Our Truth," for instance, makes effective use of tribal drums; and "In Visible Light" features (what sounds like) violins.
  
  But this band's same basic sound is still here, with crunchy guitar riffs and frontwoman Cristina Scabbia's impressive, limpid singing. "What I See," "Closer," and "The Game" are all traditional Lacuna Coil tracks, with punching, almost Korn-esque guitars and soaring vocals.
  
  Other highlights include the aforementioned "Our Truth," which is the album's first single, but the churning album opener, "Fragile," is probably this record's catchiest song. And, lastly, "You Create" is a pretty (albeit short) song, with a spacey vibe and intoxicating vocals.
  
  "Karmacode" suffers a little bit from a somewhat thin production job (especially on the guitars), but it's still definitely worth buying for all Lacuna Coil fans. It isn't a mind-blowing album, or a huge leap forward from "Comalies," but it is very solid and completely listenable.
  
  

• Fantastic Album!!!!!

  
  By A2F7KIN0SL00I6 on 2006-04-04
  Karmacode takes over where Comalies left off and takes off in a major way. Christina Scabbia's mesmerizing vocals blended with Andrea Ferro's strong voice, heavy bass and guitar riffs give this album a fierce sound that will have you rocking in your car or room (or wherever you listen). And like all of Lacuna Coil's albums, there are a few songs that back off the heavy and mellow you out for a bit. It is roller coaster joyride that doesn't disappoint. From the opening track "Fragile" to the closing cover of "Enjoy the Silence", Karmacode is a statement that Lacuna Coil is continuing to climb.
  
  

• Karmacode by Lacuna Coil - BUY IT!

  
  By A179GX8E3M4G52 on 2006-04-04
  Lacuna Coil, the increasingly popular femme metal band from Milan, Italy, is back with yet another great new release, albeit a heavier one. In Karmacode, other than their normal melodic maudlin almost ethereal metal sound, Lacuna Coil have introduced, on their faster songs, a distinctly heavier, bassier rhythm sound, tinged with Eastern influences. This is brought about effectively by the music, assisted by Christina's soaring accompaniments on songs like "Fragile," "To the Edge," "Our Truth," "You Create/What I See" and "Fragments of Faith."
  
  Although it's not the same, I have heard similar sounds from some East European bands like Artrosis and Darzamat. Perhaps the almost two solid straight years of touring have influenced their music thusly. On Karmacode, the 'Coil' present us their new heavy metal side, and an Eastern flavor. I don't remember their other albums having such distinctly eastern, almost exotic leanings nor such a heavy bass and guitar delivery. The `Coil' also provide a trio of ballads, with "Within Me," "In Visible Light" and "Without Fear." I usually like their ballads but strangely, on Karmacode the ballads didn't appeal to me as much as usual. "In Visible Light" seems to be the best. The `Coil' goes on to closes out the album with an excellent rendition of Depeche Mode's, "Enjoy the Silence."
  
  If there is a downside to Karmacode, other than uninspired ballads, it's that the faster songs don't seem to offer enough variety. The melodies are all different, all right, but the deliveries are similar. I like the delivery so it doesn't bother me, but it may others.
  
  Another tiny little petty critique I have, is the album title - Karmacode. Really! Where did they get that? I have trouble even thinking that, let alone saying it. I keep wanting to think and say Carmel-corn. Oh, hell with it. I'll call it Carmel-corn!
  
  Lacuna Coil plays a contemporary, gothic, alternative style of femme metal music. It consists of six members featuring two lead singers - one male and one female. The male, Andrea Ferro is not blessed with a great voice, sometime seeming to shout more than sing. The lady however, Cristina Scabbia, is blessed with exceptional looks, resembling the movie actress Linda Florentino, and a superlative haunting voice that seems to get better on each new album. The two singers do not sing together but rather bounce back and forth tag team style of one takes the lead while the other takes harmony. The remaining four members are drums, bass and two guitarists. The music varies somewhat, featuring a gothic style on one end of the spectrum and accessible alternative radio style on the other end. The obvious comparison is Evanescence. To that, I would add Garbage. There are other comparisons but not to well known bands.
  
  Two years ago, Lacuna Coil's previous effort, their third full length studio album, Comalies, almost made a breakthrough into the U.S. music scene. Well, I guess it did, sort of.
  
  Comalies, originally released in 2002, had brisk sales, selling some half million copies world wide and hundred thousand stateside. They toured in the U.S. with Type O Negative, Danzig, Opeth, P.O.D. and Ozfest in 2004 and singles "Heavens a Lie" & "Swamped" hit the billboard top fifty, while the album, 92 weeks after it's initial release cracked the Billboard top 200 albums for 2004 at 194. It eventually peaked at 178. The single "Swamped" appeared in the horror movie, Resident Evil Apocalypse.
  
  At the time that Comalies was gaining popularity, the musical phenomenon known as Evanescence, was going platinum with their debut album Fallen - their only studio album to date. The two bands were often compared, with Europeans calling Evanescence, America's Lacuna Coil and Americans claiming Lacuna Coil was Europe's Evanescence. I can only speculate whether Evanescence's popularity helped or hurt Lacuna Coil, but with Evanescence seeming to live up to it's name by disappearing into thin air, like a puff of smoke, it seems to me that Lacuna Coil may now be in a position to claim the mantle of top femme metal band in the world. This, notwithstanding possible claims by Within Temptation and Nightwish. Of course, their music is symphonic and Lacuna Coil's is more progressive alternative.
  
  

• Bad Karma

  
  By A2HSANU6DBD2I1 on 2006-04-06
  Four years, it seems, is a long time in music. I suppose it was inevitable that Lacuna Coil would change their sound in that time, not least because of all the touring they've done, but I thought they'd move forwards, not backwards.
  The guitars sound muddy, and far too much like Korn, and as for Marco's bass, what happened? Again, too much like Korn. The point I'm trying to make is these guys used to be innovators, now they sound like the competition.
  The album lacks the Gothic atmosphere of previous releases, notably 'Comalies', and doesn't do justice to them as musicians. Both Maus and Chris are great guitarists, who add some classical influences to their playing, but, for the most part, their riffs are dull, lumpen and with repetitive phrasing. Along with Criz's drums, the guitars and bass sound bolted on from other (American) bands, and totally at odds with the ethereal atmosphere they seem to be trying to create, but seem to have forgotten how to do.
  Much has been made of this album having an Eastern influence, but that seems confined to Cristina's vocals. They are, as ever, excellent, but in this case they are the album's only highlight, not one of many. If it's Eastern influenced rock/metal you're after, try Led Zeppelin, Godsmack or 'Lateralus' by Tool.
  The saddest thing about 'Karmacode' is how far they seemed to have strayed from their European roots. Songs like 'Closer' and 'Devoted' sound like they've got one eye on US radio airplay, seemingly forgetting that it was sounding like they did on 'Comalies' that got them noticed in America. Put simply, it sounds like a calculated move to sound 'American', and to 'heavy themselves up'. Though, if they'd wanted to do that, they should have used their own ideas, not stolen other, (oudated) riffs from other bands.
  It has nothing to do with them suddenly gaining commercial interest, far from it. Being in a band is hard work, and a band that's worked as hard as Lacuna Coil deserves their success, I don't begrudge them that success. It's just a shame that it is with this record that they should try to achieve it
  
  
  
  
  

• La KORNa Coil...what happened to these guys?

  
  By A2VKGFPYI51G1I on 2006-04-06
  I should have listened to the leaks people were putting on the internet. I would have not rushed to by the album so fast.
  
  Anyway if I would have known that most of the songs in the album was going to sound like 'Our Truth' then I would have not been in such a rush to buy it. There is no variety in the album and the songs sound like the same bass riff Korn uses.
  
  What I need to ask is why on earth would anyone want to sound like Korn? They are one of the worst bands that ever emerged and here is a beautiful Italian band with a unique sound who stripped away their beauty to sound like Korn? That's sad.
  
  Another thing is Cristina's vocals are much lower and she barely sings as much as the previous other albums. She's more like an afterthought to many of the songs and Andrea takes more lead in the songs. Cristina Scabbia is, unfortunately, the balls and estrogen in the band. How many of you really care about the rest of the band, and be honest. Andrea's vocals are more annoying in this album. He is getting his fair share, but the two singing together sound like chaos in some songs. It is an ear soar.
  
  Poor musicianship, like always, but this time no "italo-pop meets metal"-charm. No songs like "senzafine" and so on. But lots of mediocre Nu Metal Riffs. Strange mix on this. The singers voice sounds very thin. Very overproduced. Sounds like Evanescences worst pre-fallen demos. Totally unmemorable songs. Especially the first three songs, the most "Nu Metal-ish", suck so bad... It pees in your butt. Uuuh, that were some wasted minutes. I could have earned 10 bucks in the hour I just wasted for listening to this. I allways liked at least 3 or 4 songs on their previous albums. But this album totally lacks everything, that made their previous albums even partially worthwhile. Other bands don't even get a record contract for this kind of crap. And this band needed 4 years for this??
  
  
  Ive been a fan for many years. It's obvious they the are lying through their corporate ass kissing teeth when they say that this is "just the natural Progression, and the perfect bridge between european, and american metal" Yeah, they went into the studio with the intention of doing that, it's artificial, and very superficial. Not memorable at all..
  
  
  If Century Media or the band wanted to get huge or commercial acceptance in America they sure will since the majority of the songs in Karmacode sound like the same Nu-Metal crap I have to put on with in MTV and many times Fuse together with the Emo crap.
  
  The only 3 good songs on this album is "Within Me", "You Create"(Cristina chanting) and the cover of "Enjoy The Silence". That's about it.
  
  Go buy The Gathering's new album called "Home" instead and don't waste your money on this crap.
  
  
  
  
• Close but no cigar
  By A1JCSMCCMNO9MT on 2006-04-24
  I have been a fan of lacuna coil since their first ep which is their best material.
  This album good but sounds like lacuna coil are trying to sound mainstream.
  The songs are good but some songs like the game and within me sound like (gulp) evanensence! and another problem the album missing a good track without a reason off the our truth single which should have been on this album because it sounds like old lacuna coil era unleashed memories.
  For new fans of the band you love this album but for long time fans like me its a let down really and sorry for the heresy of saying they sound like evenansence im so sorry lacuna coil.
  If you want to hear lacuna coil at their best check out unleashed memories or the lacuna coil ep.
  
  
• Much Better Than I Expected
  By A2X7NBUETXC19E on 2006-05-03
  Man, judging from the other reviews, longtime Lacuna Coil fans really don't seem to like Karmacode. I suppose I can understand why. I've been a fan of the band since their self-titled EP and saw them in concert supporting bands they have since overshadowed. On the one hand, I think everyone wants the band to experience the success they deserve. On the other hand, I think we tend to regard Lacuna Coil as "our band" and don't want to see them get so big they become some unrecognizable MTV entity.
  
  A lot of things have changed since Comalies was released. Evanescence's success cast a spotlight on this kind of music, and Lacuna Coil started to garner some much deserved attention as a result. The band's videos from Comalies enjoyed heavy rotation on MTV's metalcore obsessed Headbanger's Ball. The band even secured a spot on the Ozzfest lineup. These factors were bound to play a role in the direction of Lacuna Coil's next album, and the fear was that the band would take a more accessible, nu-metal influenced route. With Karmacode, the band did exactly that.
  
  But it works.
  
  I was a total skeptic going in, but after a few short weeks Karmacode is fast becoming my favorite Lacuna Coil album. Yes, there are some nu-metal elements, most notably the much more prominent, Korn-style bass sound. Christina & co. don't resort to rapping, but there is a sharper vocal delivery on some tracks. It's as if they looked at the various elements of American metal and incorporated those elements that would truly enhance their music. This isn't some shameless attempt to win over American audiences, but rather an example of a band willing to grow and progress.
  
  As much as I enjoyed Comalies, In a Reverie, and Unleashed Memories, each album had a very similar sound, and had some less than exciting moments. Karmacode is not only a step forward in terms of style, but is also the first Lacuna Coil album that stays interesting from start to finish. The album's first three tracks (including the single Our Truth, which never fails to have me turning up the volume and banging my head) hit so hard that by the time the slower-paced Devoted comes around; you need to take a deep breath. Then it's right back to heavier songs until the album's closer, a faithful and appropriate rendition of Depeche Mode's Enjoy the Silence. Throw in a video clip for Our Truth, a documentary video, and a price tag under $10, and you have an album that is a winner any way you look at it.
  
  While I can partially understand some of the negative reaction, it's hard to reconcile that with the fact that Karmacode is so freaking good. If this album gives Lacuna Coil more mainstream success and a wider audience, then so be it. They have nothing to be ashamed of (quite the opposite) with Karmacode, and deserve whatever success they get.
  
  
  
• Am I going mad?
  By A1R0XSG1BOU4MN on 2006-04-05
  After reading the newer reviews, my point wasn't quite made.
  Key negative points:
  1. There isn't one stand out song on this album.
  2. Harder and heavier doesn't mean it's better.
  3. Vocals seem weaker. I don't care if she can hold out a high note, there isn't much emotion.
  4. Very over-produced.
  5. Lyrics are very lame...
  This album really isn't that spectacular. I have been following this band for years and enjoyed Unleashed Memories. But this album is Comalies with KORN DISTORTION, not exactly a newer Comalies but a progression. Andrea Ferro's vocals, again, leave us less than impressed, and Cristina still hums and ahh's her way into songs. Her vocals were more weak on the verses of "our truth." Then she barrages us with simplistic choruses. Honestly, I really think most people don't want to let themselves down and praise this album, as mediocre as it may be. Songs like "fragile" kind of make me think of some Evanescence song you'd hear on the radio. It tries to be hard and edgy with middle paced vocals and stressed words in vocal lines.That same old guitar and bass throbbing sound. Good for radio play and for younger crowds. LC have been on the radio, so I am afraid that they are a mainstream band that isn't exlusive for a few underground fans anymore. Why do you think that their singles off the last album were remixed? I know, Lacuna were around before that Amy Lee and back-up band, yeah yeah. But they have that sound now. Their songs sound as bad as that duet "Bring me to life." Sorry folks. They tried to hard to produce songs that are edgy and vibrant, songs that were catchy and memorable. In that case, they are catchy and easy to remember, but also they can be forgotten in time easily. I'm not being harsh for the sake of being harsh. This band just seems to have lost it, even though they are gaining more publicity. Cristina's voice hasn't improved that much. She can hold out a note longer it seems.
  This album is too pacey. And it tries to create a mood but ends up distorting any progress it might have had. It is over-produced, but that is to be expected from a rising break-through band. I'm not let down because I expected this in the end. All I can say is.. that's a real shame.
  Now, considering the negative parts, I will consider that bands need change. I wouldn't want to hear the same thing over again. But the only that has changed is the guitar distortion and bass. The keyboards are "Comalies" and the longitivity of the songs are the same. I think the majority of people that are into this new release are newer LC fans that like this modern American metal sound. Now I understand that some people are die hard LC fans and will stick to them regardless of their change, but Unleashed was a much better release. I have heard all but two songs fully but I get the idea. It's business though. I have seen them live years ago and it seems that touring in the U.S. has changed their whole attitude. It's alright though. LC aren't the only band out there. Music shouldn't be so limited. It doesn't have to be. I am afraid though, that Lacuna's time is limited. They'll be a lingering band after the success of this release and maybe a next release dies down. The media world has not a lot of time for certain trends in music. I bet Cristina is making loads of money for the band though, so financially, this is a good release.
  
  
• Over Produced
  By AC1YLEFC9AN5X on 2006-04-05
  Been listening to Lacuna Coil for 5 years now and was blown away with Comalies. I thought Unleashed Memories was going to be their pinnacle album (it is that good) but my view changed when Comalies was released (even better). I guess I was hoping to be blown away again with Karmacode, however, it appears that the band has fallen into the same over produced trap that a lot of my other favorite bands have fallen into (Rush, Iron Maiden).
  
  There are very little "clean" vocals throughout the album as they decided to throw layers of vocals over each other. I prefer Cristina's voice as it truly is, not how it is manipulated on a computer mixing station. Maybe these songs will sound better live but somehow I doubt they will considering Andrea is a terrible singer. I am suprised at how much his vocals play a role in most songs rather than focusing on Cristina. Anyone who has heard them live will know what I am talking about. He is not good.
  
  Anyway, on the positive side, the music is great as the sound is a little different than what you hear on most U.S. radio stations. It is not enough for me to recommend this as your first Lacuna Coil purchase (stick to Comalies or Unleashed Memories) but if you own everything else, you might as well buy this too.
  
  I only wish that Lacuna Coil would keep away from all the U.S. bands they are touring with as they are picking up the bad habits of overproducing albums. Go back to the simple days!
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Music does not have to fit into a genre to be good!
  By A2CTRY0JR3CQOA on 2007-02-12
  I've noticed many reviewers have a tendency to compare Lacuna Coil - and this album in particular - to bands that represent a particular genre. My advice to you is this: don't. Don't expect this album to sound just like Evanescence, or Paradise Lost, or Korn, or any other band. Lacuna Coil is an unusual blend of elements from metal, gothic rock, pop, and probably a few other things I'm not thinking of off the top of my head. The lead singer has a pretty voice, and a decent range, but don't expect her to show it most of the time - the song is more important here than how many trills the singer can do, how fast the bassist can play, or how complicated a riff the guitarist can play. This album is loaded with hooks (usually played by the bassist), and brimming with meaning. I've seen a lot of people say they are disappointed that there aren't a lot of solos, etc. to show off the various talents of the band members. If they had paid more attention to the lyrics, they would have known why. It seems to me that this is a concept album about dealing with disease and death, and the songs seem tailored to express the feelings that go along with that. Solos would have been out of place here, as the main emotions are despair and helplessness. That said, Lacuna Coil ends the album on a more positive note, with their cover of "Enjoy the Silence", which makes it seem like Lacuna Coil are saying, "Yes, there's death, but there's also life." I can't read the band members' minds, but that's what this album says to me. It is deeply emotional, touching, and should be judged as a work of art - not by how well it fits into expectations created by genre divisions.
  
  
• Lacuna Korn!
  By A39CLUEZN0XIPY on 2006-04-05
  I kept asking myself a lot of "why"s when listening to this last night. Why did they lose so much of their gothic and melodic side to end up sounding like Korn (at a time when nobody gives a flying krap about them anymore)?? Why is the production so muddled? Why are the guitars barely audible but the bass is overwhelming? Why is Christina's beautiful voice mixed down so low in almost every song? Why is the male singer still with the band, and now on every song with his annoying vocals? Then I figured it out: management and the record company convinced them that if they're gonna be on the main stage at Ozzfest this year, they have to be as heavy-metal as all the other bands. I'm sure this will grow on me, as there are some great songs here, but it's not at a "Comalies" or even "Unleashed Memories" level to me - there is no Swamped, or Unspoken or Cold Heritage here to be found. A step backward to appeal to metalheads, in my opinion.
  
  
• An Empty Spiral
  By A2USYLTNPBW3 on 2006-04-06
  I've been a fan of Lacuna Coil for several years now and have seen them live. They're a great band. I was really drawn to the unique sound of their early work (pre-Comalies). I thought Comalies was OK, but kind of a step in the wrong direction as it sounded a lot more commercial than previous works. Unfortunately, Karmacode takes this once unique and great band deeper into the commercial, overproduced, GENERIC metal sound. Nothing on this new CD sets Lacuna Coil apart from the masses of similar-sounding bands out there. I don't find even one song on this new CD appealing or interesting in any way. Lots of overdone synth, rumbling bass and for heaven's sake, a Depeche Mode cover?! I won't bother to see them on the Karmacode tour. This band peaked with "Unleashed Memories"...that is their masterpiece. I love that CD. "In A Reverie" is also very good. Save your money (and spare yourself a heartbreak) Karmacode is a disappointment that is destined for the "used CD" bargain bins.
  
  
• Highly disappointed
  By AK74GOC0P5SFN on 2006-04-21
  Lacuna Coil has lost it. The magic, the mesmerizing ambience due to Lillo's vocals is gone. This is a messy album highly dominated by mallcore sound and too distant from "In A Reverie" or "Unleashed Memories" to be taken as coming from the same band. Even the song in Italian ('Without Fear') has nothing of the magic of 'Senzafine'. The only song truly LC in my opinion is 'Within Me', and yet has not the fire of 'To Myself I Turn' or 'Falling Again'.
  
  Unless you are a hardened fan or very open to a band falling into the mainstream I recommend to avoid this one.
  
  
• Overall Improvements Are Great
  By A2M2KDNYUWW7A4 on 2006-04-05
  Ok, first off, Comalies had a lot-and I mean a lot-of diversity. Not even their other albums (In A Reverie, Unleashed Memories, etc) can compare to Comalies in the amount of sheer lines crossed in musical genres. So, to compare Karmacode to Comalies is unfair. Karmacode rocks from beginning to end, with one or two softer moments. While listening to Comalies I found myself wishing that Lacuna Coil would become harder, and they most definitely have! I must say that some songs on this cd are brilliant. Some of the synth moments and violin moments mixed in the songs are just perfect. On the overproduction thing, the only time I noticed overproduction was on the first track Fragile. There's almost too much going on in the chorus and it takes a few listens to really enjoy it. However, this is a great cd. Maybe not such a great ride as Comalies but Lacuna Coil have improved. Their sense of melody and some of the guitar riffs have definitely improved (I found that Comalies is rather bland in terms of guitar work-too minimalistic). Also, an important note on Andrea, his vocals have improved tremendously! On Comalies it took a while to get used to him but now his voice has become much more pleasant. The track Devoted shows off his new great clean singing voice. Overall, Karmacode is great, maybe not as diverse as Comalies, but definitely not a step backwards!
  Highlights include; Within Me, Devoted, What I See, and In Visible Light.
  The whole cd is awesome but these are the songs that sound most different from each other.
  
  
• Overhyped?
  By AIG8WQL9OJGNQ on 2006-04-06
  I had soemwhat expectations for this album after the band overhyped this album as being their best to date. Don't get me wrong, this album isn't bad but it suffers from different things:
  
  1. The production is very muddy on most songs. The guitars are so buried where as they were more enjoyable to listen to on Comalies and Unleashed Memories.
  
  2. Too much chugging bass and it almst gives a Korn vibe. It really buries the guitar parts. The bassline during the intro of Closer is interesting but songs like To The Edge and Devoted are ruined with the high level of bass and the buried guitars.
  
  3. The mix of the vocals aren't as good as past releases. A couple of the songs both singers sound buried thanks to the chugging bass. They really messed up during the middle of CLoser where they lower Christina's vocals and added too many effects to it. DOH!
  
  4. The band lost a lot of their European ways. I don't mind bands changing at all but it seems like they have a little too much of that American influence (chugging bass, buried guitars, badly produced) and lost out on what made them great in the first place.
  
  The Depeche Mode cover is amazing though. Within Me has some great melodies going and Closer has a fun, catchy chorus.
  
  It's not a bad album at all but nothing that lives up to the band's hype.
  
  
• What happened?
  By A3OGJPUG4VJKGE on 2006-04-06
  Comalies and Unleashed memories were amazing CDs (found these on a trip to the U.K. before they became mildly popular in the U.S or even before the much weaker Evanescense came out). Cristina's amazing voice (a rarity) coupled with the rich, yet kick-ass music looked to inject some quality into popular rock and metal (instead of the same stuff like Foo Fighters, Staind, Godsmack, Disturbed). Karmacode is amazingly MEDIOCRE. I gave it 2 stars because by itself, it is maybe a 3, but in comparison to Comalies (their last CD), it is a 1. They replaced the heavy tapestry of Comalies by ripping off Korn and adding a spattering of eastern influenced music (done properly by bands like Tea Party). The whole thing seems severely cobbled together from various pieces of music, totally eliminating their signature sound. Cristina's vocal abilities are wasted on poorly pieced together songs(where you also notice the flimsy lyrics)...the ability is evident, but it isn't fluid. Okay...track 8 sounds a bit more like their style, but Cristina's voice is washed out. Makes me wonder if they changed producers. Another reviewer said it best. Too many people REALLY want to like this CD (and are giving it good reviews) inspite of the fact it kinda sucks. I sympathize with some of the misguided folks because these days even I feel like I am starving for good music...and I REALLY wanted to like it too.
  Update: The Depeche Mode cover is awful! I hate covers in general, but this could have been okay IF Cristina was solo during the refrain.
  
  
• oh brother, another band falling into the mainstream...
  By A354CVLXHWBZR1 on 2006-04-23
  I'll be slated for saying this but I'have listened to everything this band has ever produced. Played some of their older material over and over for many months.
  Where is the passion they had in Unleashed Memories, Halflife or, In a reverie?
  
  
  
  
• "Grief is the light"
  By AVCRD98TH48RN on 2006-09-29
  Lacuna Coil successfully upholds the Goth-Rock tradition with this solid effort after their immensely successful "Comalies." Like "Comalies" the production value on "Karmacode" is exemplary, but "Comalies" is nowhere near as bass-heavy as "Karmacode." Even on the slower songs such as "Within Me" the chorus is carried by a commanding bass line. While I love the diversity of songcraft on "Comalies" I also enjoy the headbanging quality of many of the songs on "Karmacode." The emphasis is once again centered on those glorious female vocalizations and quality arrangements, but on no previous album do these guys sound more like a complete band with equal contributions from all than on "Karmacode." There is really only one song on this album that I would consider second-rate by comparison to the other tracks and that is "Closer" with a chorus that has a level of catchiness to it that borders on annoying. The closing song is an excellent cover of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" that had my complete attention and smiling the first time around. For all their commercial accessibility Lacuna Coil has maintained a Goth-Rock sensibility on "Karmacode" that is admirable and dare I say it...fun to hear. Thank you.
  
  
• Best Yet
  By A2Y1WGULH5QIAO on 2006-04-05
  I can honestly say this is now my favourite Lacuna Coil album. I loved Comalies to death and really enjoyed their earliest tracks, but this CD stands out to me as a huge step forward. As mentioned above, it could well be the effect of the far superior production elements - the vocal layering is particularly powerful. I've always been of the opinion that the male vocals can sound poor when compared alone with Cristina's amazing voice, but the blending and echo effects work extremely well here. I thought I might be disappointed with this album, as it had so much to live up to and attempt to exceed, but it surpassed all of my expectations. It will appeal to LC fans and first time listeners alike, I think. 5 out of 5.
  
  
• A definite improvement
  By A2GUUF4JQR1ZPJ on 2006-04-06
  I started listening to this band about 3 years ago, when I finally managed to track down a copy of Comalies (before their albums were sold regularly in stores anyways). I loved it on first listen - a truly sublime mix of female vocals, heavy guitars and ambiguous lyrics that at the time were very foreign to the American metal scene. When Lacuna Coil started receiving some popularity at the end of 2003, I took the opportunity to track down their first two albums, Unleashed Memories and In a Reverie. To my surprise, I enjoyed these albums even more than Comalies (particularly Unleashed, which to this day is my favorite LC album). Actually, I thought Comalies seemed pretty bland when compared to these earlier works, so I stopped listening to it completely for some time.
  
  The following summer, I was able to see Coil live, and they blew me away. The songs that I no longer listened to on Comalies suddenly seemed refreshing again, and the band had a great stage presence (I actually spotted Cristina walking across the parking lot later that day, but somehow lost her in a crowd).
  
  Fast-forward to a year and a half later, and we have Karmacode, LC's fourth album. I had already heard the single "Our Truth", which was very promising - and it also showed a heavier side of the band. Unsuprisingly so, because in the past two years, Lacuna Coil have toured and performed with many American metalcore and post-thrash bands, generally more aggressive and angsty than those from the European scene, as well as nu-metal acts like P.O.D. and Slipknot. That alone denied the validity of any Within Temptation comparisons, but it also came as a nice surprise - hopefully signaling an end to the "Are Lacuna rock or metal?" debates circling amongst critics.
  
  The album kicks off with "Fragile", and this song sums up why I love the band so much. The modern metal scene is filled with female-fronted acts - there are hundreds among hundreds by this point - and LC seem to be one of few (The Gathering, Flowing Tears and perhaps After Forever's latest album also come to mind) that avoid airy, high-pitched singing and symphonic accompaniment for a generally darker, grittier sound. "Fragile" is the perfect example of this - a sludgy opener with frequent male vocals (on that note, Andrea sounds much better here) and a grinding bass line. Another highlight is the beautiful ballad "Within Me", which arguably contains some of Cristina's best vocal lines and a catchy sing-a-long chorus. A standout worthy of mention is the three-minute "Closer", a sort of ethereal combination between metal and pop that will most likely serve as the band's next single. Finally, the album ends with the Depeche Mode cover "Enjoy the Silence" - capturing the main essence of the song, but adding on the LC signature with distorted guitars and soaring vocal lines.
  
  In the end I would rank Karmacode slightly under Unleashed Memories, as my second favorite LC album so far. It still maintains the band's general blueprint, but offers enough change to please fans and newcomers alike. So far this is my favorite album of 2006 - but German industrial-metallers OOMPH! have a new album coming out as well, so maybe that could change...
  
  
• Lacuna Coil's latest achievement
  By A3UV60AAYZBB7Z on 2006-04-07
  When I first gave this album a listen, I was slightly put off by a few songs, just because they were quite different and unexpected. But, as I've been listening to it non-stop for the last two days, I've discovered it's as good if not more so than Comalies, Lacuna Coil's reigning masterpiece.
  
  Fragile 10/10: One of the best tracks on Karmacode without a doubt. Cristina's opening is perfect and got me hooked right away. The cruncy guitars and driving tempo help get this album off to a terrific start. The mid-section shows off Cristina's soaring, ethereal vocals. Fragile keeps you pumped til the last second, going right into the next song ...
  
  To the Edge 10/10: One of the cathiest in my opinion. The riff at the beginning doesn't give you time to relax from Fragile. Cristina's vocals soar on this one. And Andrea's are great. Cristina's repetition of "Close to the Edge" gives me chills. Driving and exciting are two words that come to mind.
  
  Our Truth 9/10: The only reason this gets a 9 instead of a 10 is that I've been listening to this for the past four months. It's not as 'new' as the rest of Karmacode, but is a strong first single. The opening hooks you in along with Cristina's vocals that remind me of battle cry. Combined with great verses and soaring chorus, Our Truth is a gem.
  
  Within Me 10/10: Karmacode's first 'ballad' of a sort, shows off Lacuna Coil's talent for writing killer ballads. Within Me gives the listener time to relax from the first three, and it's a nice relaxation. Cristina's gorgeous, soaring vocals throughout the whole song offer a beauty only Lacuna Coil can make.
  
  Devoted 9/10: Not one of my favortie tracks, but as with all Lacuna Coil songs, it will grow on me eventually. At first listen it was a 6/7. Andrea opens the song with Cristina jumping in a line later. Cristina's "Can you feel me?" stands out as being the highlight of the song.
  
  You Create 9/10: Purely for being so short, I deduct a point. Cristina's vocals are soaring and add an middle eastern flavor to Karmacode's already diverse sound. She soars and puts you in a trance leading right into ...
  
  What I See 10/10: The melody from You Create is still heard as the guitars come crunching in. One of Karmacode's gems, the verses are as close to perfect as anything can be. Cristina soars yet again on this one with Andrea close behind.
  
  Fragments of Faith 10/10: Possibly my favorite on Karmacode. Right from the beginning it introduces an ethereal theme with a live orchestra in the background. Andrea leads this song with awesome verses. Andrea shows great improvement throughout the album and it shows especially on this song. Cristina isn't to be left out though and makes up for being absent in the verses with her powerful "Can you feel it?" Oh yes, you can feel it. She dominates the rest of the song with her siren-like voice.
  
  Closer 8/10: Probably the weakest song, in my opinion, Closer just doesn't click with me. The melody doesn't appeal to me. It seems disjointed. Closer's saving quality is its chorus. With a strong chorus, Closer moves up to an 8 from a 5/6. Cristina's vocals aren't as up to par as they could be, but Andrea proves his worth to the band, even though he only sings backup vocals. Knowing Lacuna Coil, Closer will be my favorite track in about a month anyway.
  
  In Visible Light 10/10: Possibly the best competition with Fragments, In Visible Light is magnificent. Cristina shows how low she can go in this one. With "Grief is the light," In Visible Light can easily become the best ballad Lacuna Coil has done, surpassing even "Ghost Woman and the Hunter" from Comalies. It also has some of the best lyrics on Karmacode.
  
  The Game 10/10: This a thrilling song that keeps me on the edge of my seat. It's exciting, catchy and purely Lacuna Coil. The inclusion of a live orchestra adds the addictive flavor of this song. With Cristina's lingering "Time is running out," I become painfully aware that the album is indeed almost over. Maus's solo, rare in rock bands nowadays, is short but oh so sweet.
  
  Without Fear 10/10: One of the most beautiful and ehtereal on Karmacode, Without Fear is sung all in the band's native Italian except for one line: "Here I am, giving myself to you, without fear," which I find is one of the most powerful lines in the whole album. Singing lower than normal, Cristina shows she rules even in the lower octave. As with "Comalies" and "Senzafine," I am reminded that Italian is one of the most beautiful languages in the world. Chris's solo is also short, yet fits the mood of the song perfectly. A perfect ending for a pretty much perfect album.
  
  Enjoy the Silence 10/10: Viewed by the band as more of a bonus track than a last song, "Enjoy the Silence" is a Depeche Mode cover. Though I have never heard Depeche Mode before, Lacuna Coil's version should do them proud. Though obviously not written by Lacuna Coil, the song still has the Lacuna Coil flavor. They took another band's work and made it their own. I have not listened to the original, but this version is flawless by itself. The combination of Andrea and Cristina's "Enjoy the silence" with Cristina's purely soaring vocalizations makes teh ending to this song anything but unsatisfying.
  
  So there it is, song for song. Andrea shows much improvement from Comalies and asserts himself as a defining member of the band. Though Cristina gets most of the publicity, without Andrea, Lacuna Coil would lose something that Cristina could not make up for. Though not as good as Comalies (yet), Karmacode is a very solid effort from my favorite band. Karmacode is a gem and possibly 2006's best release. With other giants due out this year, such as Evanescence and Within Temptation, Lacuna Coil's got some competition, but I'm sure they can pull it off.
  
  
  
• Does not sound like the great band that they are.
  By A28AMF1L2ONBYV on 2006-04-22
  The thing I loved the most about lacuna coil was that there music had feeling, like the song entwined off of comilies. This album however lacks any feeling it just seems that they tryed to be heavier. I Have all four of the lacuna coil albums and this is by far my least favorite, If they keep going in this direction I will probably not buy another album of thiers.
  
  
• One Month Later...
  By A2TF2BA0NY17DA on 2006-04-22
  After listening to this CD for about a month, finally it is starting to grow on me. It took many listenings! This is a hard departure from "old" Lacuna Coil. I still say there is too much "generic" metal sound. In this CD there are brief "tastes" of the "old" Lacuna Coil I remember. All of the many newbie "Comalies" generation of fans would like this CD. We old-school L.C. fans (who know them since the debut EP) see a dramatic change (initiated with Comalies). Then again, what could be worse than becoming one of those damned people who still think classic rock is valid and great? May the classic rock FM stations burn in hell! Sure guys, the Stones and Tom Petty rock, OK! Not! We need to progress with the times. Obviously, Lacuna Coil have moved on from their "old" sound. So what. People constantly change. Are YOU the same person you were when Unleashed Memories was released 5 years ago? If so, please seek psychiatric help; you are obviously stuck in the past. I still hear hints of the "old" L.C. in this CD and you know what? I think it's alright. The production is not that great (buried vocals and loud bass) but, this is still "catchy" after a few listens; minus the points off for the doofus producer. OK you old curmudgeons, give this one another shot! These guys still have it, albeit somewhat more commercial. Time to evolve.
  I give it 3 stars out of 5. Not their best, but still pretty damn good!
  
  
• A little on the trendy side, but still a good listen
  By A2WA0LKVRACYOY on 2006-08-03
  Lacuna Coil enjoyed success following the release of Comalies in 2002. Since then Lacuna Coil have been featured in Ozzfest, toured with Rob Zombie, and performed various metal/hard rock festivals and shows around the world. I was an eager fan waiting to pick up my copy on the day 'Karmacode' was released. The main question that many fans have been asking has been whether or not this album has been worth the wait. In four years since the breakthrough album 'Comalies,' Karmacode does not really seem like a huge step foward.
  
  The album starts off well with 'Fragile.' Christina Scabbia has wonderful vocals with a middle eastern flare. The song 'To the Edge' is a decent track, but it seems to be too repetitive. Just about everyone has heard 'Our Truth' which is actually one of my favorite songs. 'Within Me' is soft song that sounds made for American radio. Speaking of American radio, many songs here are very catchy. This is not generally a bad thing at all. 'Fragments of Faith' is very catchy and one of my favorite songs on the album. 'You Create' and 'What I See' are fun to listen to and the middle eastern mood is extremely present. Andi's vocals are pretty good throughout.
  
  One of my main concerns is that this release sounds pretty trendy. It is almost borderline with the music that is considered popular in the U.S. If you do not believe me, just listen to the choruses on many of the songs and the not-so-creative guitar work by Marco Zelati and Maus. Scabbia's vocals really do shine, though. Lacuna Coil have seemed to have gone with a more mainstream approach then the style with Comalies. Newcomers to Lacuna Coil, please start out with Comalies, then check this one out. It definately is not bad material, but it's not great either. I hope it will not take four years for another Lacuna Coil album to come out, though.
  
  
• Different, but somehow the same
  By AAHSKX20RK4Y2 on 2006-04-05
  This is a hard review to begin. This record brings many conflicting feelings to my ears. First off, there is a massive amount of production on here. There are layers upon layers of voices, which sound pretty neat, and with the weird distortions that are added to Cristina's voice, it's sometimes hard to get a good feeling how strong her voice is. I would almost venture to say that the CD is overproduced, there's often too much going on. That might just be me though, I tend to like the slower, simpler songs (The Ghost Woman and the Hunter, Falling, etc.)
  
  Following up the success of Comalies, there was a lot of pressure on the band to come up with something as powerful. I venture to say that this CD is perhaps more powerful than Comalies. The songs are definitely harder, "To The Edge" and "Our Truth" have a real metal feel to them. Grinding guitars, pounding drums and the screaming vocals. I also noticed the larger presence of the male singer (I believe his name is Andrea). It seems like every chorus has him doubling Cristina. If there is one main complaint I have about this CD, it is that the songs tend to sound very similar, there's not as much differentiation as there has been on previous records.
  
  Now there are some definite high points on this CD. I do enjoy the Eastern feel to these songs (Kashmir is my favorite Led Zeppelin song if that gives an idea how I feel about the Eastern motif). There are some very nice ballad type songs, "Within Me" and "In Visible Light" both use a very understated orchestra which adds some nice depth and richness to them. This CD also has their usual Italian song, "Without Fear" in this case, which continues a nice tradition. I also enjoy the Depeche Mode cover, I very much enjoy Depeche, and this is a nice cover, true to the original, but making it their own in a way.
  
  In general, this CD is fine, it doesn't blow me away, but it definitely doesn't turn me away from the band. Maybe this will change as I listen to it more, but none of the songs really just knocks me upside the head as some of Comalies did (Heaven's a Lie, The Ghost Woman and the Hunter, Comalies). Overall a good effort, I just wish there was a little more variety.
  
  
• Nothing new..
  By AUEOUGZB29EI1 on 2006-04-04
  I've listened to 8 songs of it so far. I like the melodies better than "Comalies", but the guitar riffs are unoriginal. It's definitely classic Lacuna Coil, but nothing impressive. Anyone looking to check this band out, start with "Unleashed Memories". In my opinion, that's their best album. This is definitely their commercial album. Perhaps after this one they'll relax and actually create something memorable.
  
  
• Harder, Darker, Faster...but still Excellent!
  By A33EM6FXIAE4U on 2006-04-05
  I'll try to be brief since there are already 19 reviews posted the day after this album was released in the U.S.! As a die-hard Coiler, I pre-ordered this CD directly from the record label & got it on April 1, so I've listened to it probably a dozen times already. On the first listen I thought, "Too hard, over-produced", but I remember thinking the same thing on my first listen of Comalies (and then ended up loving every track), so I knew to give it another chance.
  
  As always with LC, there is a lot going on in their songs, so it takes several listens to get familiar with the patterns & integrate all the sound coming at your ears! Cristina's voice has a new, harder edge on some tracks that takes some getting used to, but it goes along with the edgier music. Andrea's voice still provides that awesome tonal balance & vocal layering that has long been their signature style...he even sounds a little smoother & warmer on this CD than before. If you're new to LC, you have to realize that on most songs, they treat vocals more as just another instrument in the band, giving them equal production weight with the guitars, etc - rather than setting the vocals over & above the music as is more common with other bands.
  
  My overall opinion now is: I appreciate the creative progression to a new heavier (even slightly industrial?) sound, enjoy the "crunchier" guitars and Marco's more prominent funky bassline, & I REALLY like the middle-Eastern tinge...BUT I still prefer the more melodic/symphonic LC of past releases. I wouldn't want them to crank out the very same kind of music over & over, but I think they have enough talent & creativity to do better -- I'm reserving my 5th star for their next CD...now that they've proven they can do the hard stuff really well, I'd like to see them spin off in the opposite direction, integrating more melody & keyboards than ever before, more international-flavored rhythms/instruments, maybe even some acoustic stuff ("Within Me" & the soundtrack to the short video on the ECD give a tantalizing taste of how well LC could do acoustic). I have to agree with some other reviewers who said this heavier/faster LC makes them sound more like other bands & less original. Comparing LC to themselves, this CD is very good; but comparing them to what else is out there, it's awesome! LC set the bar extremely high with previous releases, and I think they matched (but didn't exceed) their own level with Karmacode.
  
  
  
• Not Enough Room In This Band
  By A2B9Y0WXNSN17U on 2006-04-11
  Well now we know who Evanescence has been ripping off (they weren't first, as other ADD-addled reviewers would have you believe). Lacuna Coil has been getting a lot of well-deserved press for this album, but the praise may be getting ahead of the music. What makes this band unique, of course, is the incredible vocals of Cristina Scabbia, while Andrea Ferro on "male vocals" is a pretty good metal singer himself, compared to all the meatheads polluting the field these days. Unfortunately, having two great singers is more of a curse than a blessing for Lacuna Coil. Both Cristina and Andrea are capable of carrying a band themselves, but here they seem to be holding each other back, each trying to get out of the way to make room for the other. This particular problem is especially evident in the album opener "Fragile."
  
  Another problem is that there is little unique (anymore) about Lacuna Coil's music. Beneath the ethereal keyboards and string flourishes, the band cranks out little more than a watered-down version of Korn and other goth-metal heavyweights, via imitative overdriven bass and downtuned guitars (bassist Marco Coti Zelati is the most guilty of Korn-isms). Fortunately, Lacuna Coil are capable of much more class and emotion,, with real successful execution in tracks like "Fragments of Faith" and the "You Create"/"What I See" couplet, not to mention the dramatic orchestral power ballads "Within Me" and "In Visible Light." But in the end, the musicians seem to be straying form their dark Euro-goth roots, while there's not enough room in this band for both singers, especially the awesome Cristina. She could (and should) be carrying a show on her own. [~doomsdayer520~]
  
  
• And now for something different...
  By A2DUA4SF6FGBPJ on 2006-04-14
  The subject-line of this review holds meaning for both old Lacuna Coil fans and for new ones for whom this album is their first exposure to the Goth-metal group from Milano.
  
  The for old Coilers (for which I am a proud member...I've been rocking to them since Unleashed Memories) I can say that this album is not a repeat of Comalies, or any other album of theirs for that matter. This album is far more lush, textured, and intricate than anything they have done before. While their core music is still Lacuna Coil, they have soaked their trademark music in Eastern and tribal influences, intertwining harmonies, and dark atmosphere. It is clear that in the four years since their last major release they have percolated their creative juices to capture a truly unique sound on this album. If you were expecting a second Comalies, you won't find it here. If you expect to discover how the band has matured and grown over the past 4 years, blended world-influences into their music and hope to experience a truly awesome album, then you won't be disappointed. This album is different than anything they've done before, but for any old Coiler, I'd recommend this album in a heartbeat.
  
  Now, for the new listeners hearing Lacuna for the first time, I would also recommend this album without hesitation. Why? It is different than anything you've encountered in the mainstream-cookie-cutter music industry that dominates American radio and MTV-eque media. This is quality, solid music - No, there are no sugary poppy hits that will catch a hook in your brain and snag there until the next shallow catchy song comes around. If you are looking for something Evanescence-like or Garbage-like, I would warn that this is darker and harder than the aforementioned bands, they are certainly more talented songwriters, and the music more mature and lush. (Though I do like Evanescence and Garbage for what they are, so I am not knocking them. They just do not compare to LC.)
  
  One final comment for those new to Lacuna Coil: unlike most American music, Lacuna gets better with each listen, since the music is so different from most other mainstream music you are familiar with, given Lacuna's complex harmonies, layered instruments, and throbbing atmosphere. You won't truly hear the album for all it can offer you the first time through. The more you listen to Karmacode, the better it gets and the more amazed you'll be...listening to it once just isn't enough and might leave you undecided. To me, an album like that is a sign of quality, depth, and mature musicianship. To others, they might shrug, set the album on the shelf, and flip on MTV to hear something more poppy. So what sort of music do you want to listen to?
  
  So if you want something different, more mature and darker than the top-40 spinners, and you want some quality music that you will enjoy for years, this album will serve you well. That I promise you.
  
  
• A big disappointment
  By A1R4830GBU8UIM on 2006-04-20
  I bought this album, expecting to hear more of the great music I liked so much in Lacuna Coil's previous albums, especially Comalies. Instead, what I heard was a bunch of dumbed down Korn-style rap metal with Eastern influences and female vocals. If it wasn't for Cristina's voice, the album would have sounded like a completely different band. The music no longer has that melodic composition and complex sonic texture that made me like Comalies from the moment I heard it. Instead, I hear repeated monotonous guitar and rhythm styles, combined with Christina and Andrea singing often in unison, which only results in them drowning out each other's voice. There's absolutely nothing in this album that would make me want to keep listening to it.
  
  

• Comalies
• Unleashed Memories
• In a Reverie
• The Open Door
• The Heart of Everything