Laced/Unlaced cover

Laced/Unlaced

Emilie Autumn · 2007

108 min · 22 tracks · classical music

A haunting blend of classical instrumentation and dark cabaret sensibilities, woven into an exploration of mental health themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    La Folia — The opening track captures the essence of the album with its intricate arrangement and emotional depth, setting a theatrical tone for the entire experience.
  • →
    Manic Depression — This track stands out for its raw vulnerability, directly addressing mental health struggles with a captivating blend of classical and industrial sounds.
  • →
    Syringe — Through sharp lyrics and an urgent melody, this song encapsulates the central themes of addiction and recovery, making it a poignant highlight on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends classical and dark cabaret styles, showcasing distinctiveness but lacking full cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The first six tracks consist of classical compositions, while the subsequent tracks shift to a darker, more theatrical style with spoken word elements.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • dynamic exploration of contrasting moods
  • haunting soundscapes for deep focus
  • wave-like pacing with emotional shifts
  • immersive experience for reflective moments
  • late-night introspection and contemplation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2007, Laced/Unlaced marked Emilie Autumn's transition from underground artist to more mainstream recognition. It was her first major release after the independently released Opheliac, showcasing her unique fusion of classical music and gothic aesthetics.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 La Folia 10:18
  • 2 Recercada 1:43
  • 3 Largo 4:02
  • 4 Allegro 3:21
  • 5 Adagio 3:36
  • 6 Tambourin 1:52
  • 7 Willow 5:49
  • 8 Revelry 1:56
  • 9 On a Day... 2:30
  • 10 Prologue (live) 2:07
  • 11 Sonata for Violin & Basso Continuo (live) 11:45
  • 12 Chaconne (live) 10:24
  • 13 La Folia (live) 9:55
  • 14 Epilogue (live) 5:09

Disc 2

  • 1 Unlaced 3:26
  • 2 Manic Depression 5:25
  • 3 Leech Jar 4:13
  • 4 A Strange Device 4:16
  • 5 A Cure? 3:06
  • 6 Syringe 3:22
  • 7 Cold 3:02
  • 8 Face the Wall 6:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata