Italy’s Lacuna Coil has been extremely busy in 2014, seemingly taking residence in the USA with touring that began back in February and continued through the middle of October. In support of their seventh studio album, Broken Crown Halo, the time off has been limited as the band spent uber amounts of time rocking venues night after night. Wrapping up the stretch in North America for 2014, this fall Lacuna Coil partook in a month long tour with Devil You Know and Starset that ended in New York City on Sunday October 12th at Gramercy Theatre. A venue the band is familiar with, having graced its stage numerous times, it was revving up to be an evening of fun with a diverse mix of music on the schedule.
Up first to the platform was Columbus, Ohio’s Starset. Having a busy year of their own in 2014, Starset went from a a buzz in the underground rock scene, to signed with Razor & Tie records, releasing their debut album Transmissions, and on to this major tour. Rocketing into outer-space, Starset was founded a mere year ago and in that time has built an impressive following with their Astrology conceptual look and brand of hard rock. Fronted by Dustin Bates, the band came out dressed in space gear featuring helmets with blue LEDS illuminating their faces as they opened with “First Light.” As Bates sang loud and clear, he steered the audience with his control panel songs like “Rise and Fall,” “Anti-Gravity,” and “Halo”. Striking the interest of all in attendance the futuristic appearance matched with the moody textures of Starset really went over well as they closed out their set with singles “Carnivore” and “My Demons.” Those new to Starset were given a glimpse into a band with something different to offer and judging by their well-thought objectives, chances are their following will only grow.
Next up was another new metal band in the form of the Los Angeles, California based Devil You Know. Coming to be in 2012 when former Fear Factory drummer John Sankey and All Shall Perish guitarist Francesco Artusato began playing together. The band quickly rounded out their super group with former Killswitch Engage vocalist Howard Jones, Bleeding Through bassist Ryan Wombacher, and Hiss of Atrocities guitarist Roy Lev-Ari. Winning the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards for best new band, it was easy to see the excitement surrounding this band as everyone clamored to see them beginning. Jumping out with songs like “A New Beginning” and “Seven Years Alone”, their thrashing was the heaviest of any band on the bill and fans loved every minute of it. As Jones put all he had into his delivery, looking revitalized with his new band mates, his screams matched his clean singing for a nice balance. Having the audience on their side chanting along to the tunes offered from The Beauty of Destruction, Devil You Know reveled in the spotlight they so rightfully deserve. Playing on with more hard-hitters like “The Killer,” “Crawling From The Dark,” and sore throat closer “Shut It Down” the thrashing seemed to go by in a millisecond by the force exhibited by the band. The end of one road is the start of something new, and for Jones and Devil You Know the possibilities are endless as they move forward.
As the dust settled from the two supporting acts it soon rose again as chants of Lacuna Coil came from the audience as they awaited the return of the adored band. Always known for their heart-stopping stage show, it was still rather impressive that the excitement was so high for the band, considering they have visited NYC generously in the past two years. Proving they are as strong as ever as a cohesive unit, the remaining members of Lacuna Coil, Cristina Scabbia (vocals), Andrea Ferro (vocals), Marco Coti Zelati (bass), Marco “Maus” Biazzi (guitar), and tour member Ryan Blake Folden (drums) took the stage to a sea of cheers beginning with “Trip The Darkness.” While Scabbia belted out her usual full colorful voice Ferro matched her with his rougher tones as they went into “Spellbound.” As fans raised their hands in the air singing along and losing themselves in the music, the band kept the adrenaline flowing with “Intoxicated” and “Die and Rise,” before taking it to the next level with “Heaven’s A Lie.”
Appearing as if Scabbia was zoning in on fans individually as she sang, it was a personal experience unlike any other throughout the entire set as they mixed in older and newer songs “Survive,” “Fire,” “To The Edge,” and “Zombies.” Certainly resonating in the souls of followers, Lacuna Coil’s attention to putting together a thoughtful set list had the emotions riding high through “Upsidedown” and their distinct cover of Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence.” Appearing as if the band had said their final goodbye to the USA for 2014, an encore emerged moments later with anthemic ” Nothing Stands in Our Way” and the mystic hit “Our Truth” which had Gramercy Theater all singing aloud and moving on the floor.
Lacuna Coil’s lengthy touring of North America in 2014 was nothing less than a wonderful treat for their fans. Too many times a band spends too much time hitting the same cities too often but Lacuna Coil surely did not lose their luster with the exciting new album Broken Crown Halo to showcase along with their solid history of tunes. With the band back overseas through the end of the year touring Europe, North America says thank you for the memories and await a possible return of the band in 2015.
Read an interview with Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil:
Read reviews of each band’s latest album:
Sounds like a killer show! Im seeing Starset in Chicago on 11/9 and am very excited