HEAVY MUSIC HISTORY: Broken Crown Halo – Lacuna Coil
LACUNA COIL‘s Broken Crown Halo made a statement of evolution. For fans, it was a highly anticipated release that followed Dark Adrenaline (2012) two years prior. Consequently, it was the last album to involve guitarists Marco Biazzi and Cristiano Migliore, and drummer Cristiano Mozzati. Despite this, the Italian gothic metallers succeeded in crafting a record that sated the desires of metal listeners across the globe.
This time, things were arguably darker than ever. Fans got a taste for the album with the release of lead single Nothing Stands In Our Way. Whether it was deliberate is unknown, but said song became the album’s first impression. It was our first glance into this record’s world. Starting with its ominous synth intro, it delved straight into a repeating thumping guitar sound. Zombies was even heavier in comparison with wrathful guitars straight off the bat. Paired together, the songs are a knockout. Both tracks mark the start of something more and express exactly what LACUNA COIL were capable of.
Broken Crown Halo tells a story. Of course, it drew several influences, but the influence of Italian culture on the band’s music was distinct. For instance, it appears through a slice of Italian used in Die & Rise, sung by Cristina Scabbia (vocal). The album is influenced by old Italian horror. Moreover, it was bassist and main songwriter Marco Coti Zelati who provided many of the demos for this release while away due to injury. Without the influence of films and documentaries Zelati watched, Broken Crown Halo may have sounded very different to what it became. Immersive in its quality, a personal preference may be listening to the album in order, so as not to miss out on the cinematic soundtrack quality.
Since the introduction of Scabbia in 1997, she and Andrea Ferro remained consistent in their divergence as dual vocalists. That seamless blend did not stop on Broken Crown Halo. Their contrasting vocal styles gave fans a taste of familiarity, even if their sound was in a state of transformation. At times, they come together to form dazzling harmonies. As if a lofty sound throughout wasn’t enough, Scabbia‘s melodic vocals bear vehemence. Meanwhile, Ferro complements her vocal style through low, gritty vocals, making the album an enjoyable playthrough.
The album’s general theme was about looking deeper into the fabric of a “shallow and fake” reality, revealed Ferro in an interview with Loudwire. That much should be obvious through lyrics like “Subconscious lies / Dream within a dream” in Cybersleep. In contrast, it is lyrics like “People told me I was weak / I told them I’ll never quit / I will never quit” in Victims that illuminate the fight against such fabrication.
For an album of its genre, Broken Crown Halo ticks several boxes. Despite being the last before members departed, it is atmospheric, submerging you in a symbolic inky lake of gothic darkness. It is unique – in its own right – with two co-vocalists. But above all, it is a LACUNA COIL album through and through.
Broken Crown Halo was originally released on March 31, 2014 via Century Media.
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