Lacuna Coil
London Shepherd’s Bush Empire
5th February, 2010

Cristina Scabbia et al eventually took to the stage at 9:30 and proceeded to rattle through 18 numbers in 80 minutes, pausing only for a costume-change after the thumping Fragile. The comparatively short set took in numerous catalogue classics, along with more recent Shallowlife fare, all presaging the sound so popularised by Evanescence. Survive opened proceedings with the female/ male vocal lead on point, the lack of regular bassist (due to illness) not shortening the band’s stride. Trippy bass lines encouraged a clapalong on Closer, while the rousing I’m Not Afraid raised vocals all around. The pace slowed for Tight Rope, but the chugging riff of I Won’t Tell You and keening guitar of Heaven’s A Lie retained momentum. Following the calming piano of Wide Awake, Cristina changed costume again and Depeche Mode’s Enjoy The Silence rounded things out, before a three-song encore including the mosh-inducing Spellbound and Eastern rallying-cry of Our Truth.