Italy’s Lacuna Coil spent part of the late summer touring the U.S., celebrating the 20th anniversary of third record Comalies. Among the trek the King of Clubs in Columbus, Ohio got them on September 21st packing a house of loud, devoted fans and asylum seekers, wanting to see the gothic masquerade in person.
The 13 date tour began early September in Pennsylvania, ending in Illinois, saving the Buckeye State for a later stop. The traveling package included support from Lions at the Gate and Uncured with direct support from Butcher Babies for Italy’s finest dual-lunged dark-operatic export
The setlist celebrated 2002’s Comalies with a collection showcasing their long history with a handful of recharged, revitalized Comalies classics.
Warming up the speakers to bursting point, Lions at the Gate came out hungry to throw down and make an impression. Cristian Machado, Ahrue Luster, Diego Verduzco, Stephen Brewer and, Fern Lemus opened the place shaking walls and vertebrae. The Los Angeles lads left no eardrum untapped and un-attacked. With loud vibrations, vibes with a bit of POD and Sevendust they blasted into the boom of “Not Even Human.”
“Scape Goat” was somber and melodic carrying its lyrical weight. “Bed of Nails” reached out with techno-cyber charm and an air of menace. Jinjer wasn’t there but torches led the way on the bashing and jumping pace of “Find My Way.”
The four pieces of New Jersey strong metal known as Uncured hit the stage next. Led by the Cox brothers, Rex (vocals, guitar) and Zak (lead guitar) with Micah Smith on bass and Mason Borsini on drums. Sporting 8 singles, they’ve played national festivals and will travel to Indonesia in March for Hammersonic. Since 2017 they’ve road the globe playing 300 shows in 14 countries, with two records and a covers EP. “I Won’t Break” started cool and collected with moments of strong ballad-like emotion. “Take me Away”
“Living like I’m Dead” carried a techno, electro-solo, synth vibe. “Cut Me Open” seemed to carry the heaviest vibe with transitions to synth and tranquil vibes. They played like seasoned performers showcasing skills and impassioned showmanship with Rex sporting a blindfold for a solo side by side with his brother mid-show.
The Butcher Babies, two of the loudest, brashest women in metal came out to thrash next like two decadent damsels whipping lashing air with mics and hair. Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey performed a double tirade of swashbuckling screams, screeching and song. With Henry Flury, Ricky Bonazza and Chase Brenden making the noise ponding happen.
There’s nothing better than starting the party with a strapped in patty wagon trip to the funny farm to set the mood opening the show.
“Igniter” began the originals in a set heavy with Take it like a Man tunes smashing into disco balls and lycanthropy on “Monsters Ball,” the bloody pitch and swing of “The Butcher” and descending “Gravemaker.” It was a tale and show of two ladies and a group that paid dues, burning up every stage they played.
“Bottom of a Bottle,” told of late night high’s and damaged mornings. The Babies slowdown song put them serenading back to back, side by side feeling “Thrown Away.” New material superhero or villain, depending on perspective “Yorktown” whipped the crowd into shape with a one, two cracked whipped punch. “Magnolia Blvd” was a trip down bad memory hazy-shade lane, hangover and all. They ended things saying we were all “Best Friend(s)” in metal!
Lacuna Coil took the stage, in a haze of atmospheric mood-setting blinding light. The smoke rolling moors of the stage invited them with illuminated outstretched hands as the crimson backdrop beckoned them hence forth. The asylum was open for the night, with gloomy dim-lit glow and doors swung wide as stringed henchmen Marco Coti Zelati, Diego Cavallotti and earth pounder Richard Meiz appeared, painted for war, ready to manhandle all anticipating eyes, ears, lungs and necks.
The hooded vocalists emerged. It was the midnight masquerade hosted early. In a lightshow like no-other they played over 15 tunes representing every dark theme explored and dark corner imagined through music and lyrics.
Decked out in immediate dark, creative Delirium the “Blood Tears, Dust” poured out of the cracked hourglass. Black Anima was supported on the second “Reckless” swing, and supported strong throughout the set like well-placed dilapidated headstones while Dark Adrenaline flowed tripping darkness.
Bathed in ever-changing light, the dark angelic presence of Christina Scabbia resembled both hooded enchanted mistress and divine spiritual figure while male co-vocalist Andrea Ferro played part dark spellcaster and part shadowed growling counterpart to Scabbia’s siren delivery.
The stage was a visceral, haunting visual. Watching them perform like sorcerers luring people in, unsure if destiny held ascent, descent or purgatory, though it was a journey worth taking.
A band that delivers creepy, hauntingly beautiful imagery and soundscapes like no other brought the stories echoing through the walls and dark trapped souls within.
The modernized Comalies attacked back to back with “Tight Rope XX” and “Heavens a Lie XX.” More adrenaline merged with dark feminine masculinity cranking out “End of Time” and “Now or Never.” They scrawled “My Demons” in the steamed mirror for all ears to hear.
Near the end Karmacode got some solo love on “Our Truth” along with Broken Crown Halo’s, “Nothing Stands in My Way.” The evening ended with the asylum doors closing for Ohio till the next tour.
Images by Mike Ritchie
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