Is Black Anima a good place to start with Lacuna Coil?

Yes, Black Anima is recommended as a starting point for new Lacuna Coil listeners. A haunting blend of gothic melodies and heavy riffs that explores themes of darkness and introspection. Black Anima marks Lacuna Coil's ninth studio album, released after their 2016 effort Delirium. By this time, the band had solidified their status in the alternative metal scene, consistently evolving while retaining their signature sound. The album represents a continuation of their artistic exploration into darker themes and complex musical arrangements.

Who is Black Anima for?

Black Anima works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, introspective themes of struggle and dynamic journey through emotions.

How many songs are on Black Anima?

Black Anima has 15 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Released 7 years ago this October

Black Anima

Lacuna Coil · 2019

62 min · 15 tracks · alternative metal

A haunting blend of gothic melodies and heavy riffs that explores themes of darkness and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Anima nera Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Layers of Time — This track showcases the dynamic range of vocals between Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro, combining melodic hooks with aggressive instrumentation to highlight the album's contrast between light and dark themes.
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Apocalypse — With its intense build-up and powerful lyrics, the song encapsulates the sense of urgency and existential struggle prevalent throughout Black Anima, making it a standout representation of the album's core message.
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Save Me — This track delivers an emotional punch with its raw vulnerability and poignant lyrics, illustrating personal battles while maintaining the band's signature heavy sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but has a less cohesive flow due to its bonus track.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to more melodic and atmospheric elements.
Several tracks incorporate dual vocal lines, alternating between male growls and female melodies, enhancing the dynamic range.
The album closes with a bonus track that diverges from the overall sound, introducing a lighter, festive theme.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with peaks
introspective themes of struggle
dynamic journey through emotions
cathartic release in crescendo
dark atmosphere for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer light-hearted tunes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and cohesion in sound, reinforcing their established reputation.
Career context: Black Anima marks Lacuna Coil's ninth studio album, released after their 2016 effort Delirium. By this time, the band had solidified their status in the alternative metal scene, consistently evolving while retaining their signature sound. The album represents a continuation of their artistic exploration into darker themes and complex musical arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors: Within Temptation· Epica· Nightwish

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Now or Never

The moment shifts from a reflective tone to an urgent plea, emphasizing a decisive choice about seizing opportunities.

This transition enhances the song's thematic urgency by contrasting contemplation with a call to action, effectively mirroring the overall narrative of facing inner demons.