Shallow Life Review

Released: Apr 21, 2009
Genre: Alternative Metal, Gothic Metal, Rock
Label: Century Media, EMI
Number Of Tracks: 12
While Shallow Life is not Lacuna Coil’s best release to date, there is still no shortage of memorable melodies fueled by Cristina Scabbia.

Sound:	8
Lyrics:	8
Impression:	8
Overall rating:	8
Users rating:	7.7
Comments:	39

overall: 8

Featured review by: UG Team, on april 21, 2009

Sound: For fans of Italy’s gothic metal band Lacuna Coil, the band’s 5th studio album Shallow Life will offer much of what attracted listeners in the first place. At the forefront is undoubtedly vocalist Cristina Scabbia, who is able to take songs that might be mediocre otherwise and propel them to a different level. Shallow Life marks Lacuna’s Coil first concept album, with the main theme being superficiality that exists in everyday life. Lyrically speaking you wouldn’t necessarily guess that the release is a concept album when you break it down song by song, but in the end it’s the quality of the music that will send the biggest message. In this case, there is no shortage of catchy, melodic tunes that will instantly get stuck in your head.

Shallow Life isn’t necessarily a mind-blowing new musical experience, but having Scabbia in the group is obviously a huge resource. Between her use of Arabic-style vocalizations (“I’m Not Afraid”) and her impressive range, she is able to get emotion across in every track. That’s not to say that co-vocalist Andrea Ferro is not solid in his own right, but it’s hard to keep up with Scabbia in the vocal arena. There is powerful quality to the band as well, but it comes across as a wall of sound rather than pushing individual players in the spotlight. If any of the instruments make a strong impression, it’s usually the synth/keys because of the several prominent piano-driven sections.

There are quite a few rock tracks that tend to be more power-chord based, and it is usually the unusual harmonization from Scabbia that takes the song in a new direction. The opening track “I Survive” is arguably the best fast-paced tune on Shallow Life with several musical sections featured within it. From the haunting child-like voice at the beginning to the thrash-like rhythm to the intro, it all works. The album is surprisingly lacking in memorable lead work, but “Unchained” and “Spellbound” do include soulful solos.

Shallow Life has it's share of laid-back moments, with “Wide Awake” and “Shallow Life” being two of the standout tracks in this area. They are quite different approaches, with the acoustic guitar and the piano acting as the main backing instrument, respectively. Nothing on the album truly screams metal, and Lacuna Coil should probably be deemed more of a gothic rock band than a metal one. Even so, dedicated fans won’t care about what genre the band fit's into when all is said and done. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: As was mentioned earlier, Shallow Life delves into superficiality among everyone – not just the celebrity world, as was made clear in the band’s interview with Revolver. But although this release has been deemed a concept album, all of the songs could exist and make thorough sense without the others to back them up. There is definitely an introspective feel to all of them, as is presented in “The Maze.” That particular track features lines such as “I barely carry on each day; Life is so destructive” and later “In this maze, I’m running through the halls of emptiness.” “The Maze” is a fair representation of all of the tracks on Shallow Life, in that it definitely hit's upon some universal/human topics, but it’s also not always presented in the most unexpected manner. Thankfully Scabbia has the talent and emotional depth to morph the lackluster lines into something grander. // 8

Impression: It does seem that the instrumentation on past albums stuck out a bit more than what is heard on Shallow Life, and that would be a problem if there weren’t so many interesting vocal elements that are layered in throughout the record. There are certainly a good number of songs that will find commercial success because Lacuna Coil has the ability to write an incredibly catchy hook when it comes time for the chorus. While Shallow Life isn’t their most impressive work, it still has enough positive aspects to keep dedicated fans happy. // 8

Comments

[archangelseren]

i felt is was more of a 'poppy' record but none the less still lacuna coil and still good

[Dazalator88]

Clever artwork(destructive and glamorous) but I really do prefer evanescence. This record does have a fair bit of charm though.

[MrFlibble]

Not checked it out yet, intend to grab my copy tomorrow. Should be a good 'un, even at their worst Lacuna Coil are still decent and when they really try they're fantastic.
I like how this review basically implies that Lacuna Coil is 99% Cristina and the others barely matter. I mean we all know it's the truth (how many of you can honestly spell all the other band members names without googling them?), but this was particularly tactless about it. Oh well, lulz.

[Knotism]

Cristina is so ****ing hot.

[HereticHammer01]

I didn't think it was that great to be honest and not just because it was more 'poppy'. The vocals are excellent but the actual music was a bit mediocre for my liking, i think they can do better.

[CptRevell]

Is it just me or does that album cover look exactly like a Rise Against cover? Revolutions per Minute? Yes? No?

[Drool_Mouse]

Is it just me or does that album cover look exactly like a Rise Against cover? Revolutions per Minute? Yes? No?

well, just because they both have grenades on them doesn't mean they're exactly the same. i disagree. similarities, i see but Rise Against doesn't feature a diamond grenade.. haha

[mightmuffin]

Knotism wrote:

Cristina is so ****ing hot.

AMEN!

[MINI_METAL_MAN]

Knotism wrote:

Cristina is so ****ing hot.

so true.

[nicq2005]

Walking out the door to go pick it up right now \m/

[FiveStarMotel]

Knotism wrote:

Cristina is so ****ing hot.

You speak words of wisdom, my friend.

[strat0blaster]

I'll get it this weekend, but honestly - I feel like every album they've put out thus far has been somewhat of a re-hash of former albums.

[DimebagRob]

Knotism wrote:

Cristina is so ****ing hot.

This guy says what we're all thinking.

[\m/[-_-]\m/]

Seeing them w/ Disturbed in 2 weeks!

[leondb]

I love Lacuna songs with only Christina singing. I hate when that dude wants to sing backup!

[MasterExploder0]

DimebagRob wrote:

Knotism wrote:

Cristina is so ****ing hot.

This guy says what we're all thinking.

+100000 to both of you

[Rimfrost]

i heard it from their myspace page, and they´ve completely lost me. i´m a big fan of Comalies and the unleashed memories (mostly comalies though) and never listened to karmacode. I must say that this new album seems to be quite uninspired, the songs sound bland and some songs bear too similar resemblence to songs from comalies, just less attractive. I was bored after listening to half of the songs, and had to stop completely before i reached the end...

[moonatblack]

Knotism wrote:

Cristina is so ****ing hot.

+100000 all of you

[marvel_freak_42]

moonatblack wrote:

Knotism wrote:

Cristina is so ****ing hot.

+100000 all of you

+100000 to all who agree!

As for the album itself, I'll say it was a bit of a letdown. Comalies caught my attention to them, but I really became a fan after Karmacode came out. To me, that album was just good, quality music all the way through from everyone in the band... in Shallow Life, Cristina's vocals save the stray tracks from slipping into boredom. Not to say that some of the songs aren't good ("I Survive" and "I Won't Tell You" friggin' rock!) but there's not a whole lot to keep you from coming back. For an aspiring fan, this isn't the album I'd recommend.

[Vedicardi]

My friend who loved Comalies said he hated this album. Said it was way too poppy, sounded like radio-designed crap.

[King ofKumbucha]

moonatblack wrote:

Knotism wrote:

Cristina is so ****ing hot.

+100000 all of you

^100000th power

[Johnny Quest]

christina is a hot chick, but that doesnt mean the music is good. their latest album is too poppy to be called metal.

[Johnny Quest]

christina is a hot chick, but that doesnt mean the music is good. this album is too poppy to be called metal imo

[ratlr]

the only reason i even like lacuna coil is cus on cristina

[ticklemeemo]

Knotism wrote:

Cristina is so ****ing hot.

Wait. Who's Hot?

[SanJose]

DimebagRob wrote:

Knotism wrote:

Cristina is so ****ing hot.

This guy says what we're all thinking.

Hahah, that's very true!

[MrFlibble]

Hey guys, guys, check this out; Cristina's pretty hot. Whoa, mind-blowing news eh?

[xXChimairaXx]

Yeah she's hot...and Jim Root is tapping that. Lucky guy.

I haven't heard this yet, but the new Chimaira album is freaking my mind.

[ænimic]

archangelseren wrote:

i felt is was more of a 'poppy' record but none the less still lacuna coil and still good

I agree to that, I think it's good...but nothing really great. I feel abit of disappointment at times too.

[J R Seus]

On first listen, Shallow Life brings strong echoes of Karmacode to mind. The listener has to separate the band’s last consistent edition in their ever-growing catalogue of Goth/rock metal. Shallow Life, however, is an onion waiting to be peeled. Producer Don Gilmore, best known for forays into the land of Linkin Park and Avril Lavigne, has concocted a mix of old, new, and different in Lacuna Coil’s latest edition. Andrea’s vocals have never been more pronounced, nor Cristina’s more emotively volatile. Numerous critics have hit this record as a flash in the passing pan of pop culture. Slick production and catchy hooks might disappoint long time fans of the band. However, would the fans be more disappointed if due to lackluster sales and dropping tour figures, the wonder that is Lacuna Coil ceased to exist all together? Commercial success is banked on by airplay and/or video play. This album, though a departure for Italy’s best selling musical export, is one of embracing the American mainstream. The concept of Shallow Life is simple. Giving in to the powers that be; the media; the idea of a society’s view of beauty and self worth over the individual’s. Each song has some underlined notion of this angst, and the band’s poised momentum, standing at the threshold of pop/rock America, is no less in sync with this concept than that of a bird hatching from its shell. There are numerous weaknesses on the record. It is by far a flawless effort. But wit tracks like I Like It, The Maze, The Pain, and Spellbound, anyone listening should find something to write home about. Shallow Life is far from shallow, it just needs to be embraced in an open manner.

[J R Seus]

J R Seus wrote:

On first listen, Shallow Life brings strong echoes of Karmacode to mind. The listener has to separate the band’s last consistent edition in their ever-growing catalogue of Goth/rock metal. Shallow Life, however, is more than a copy. It is an onion waiting to be peeled. Producer Don Gilmore, best known for forays into the land of Linkin Park and Avril Lavigne, has concocted a mix of old, new, and different in Lacuna Coil’s latest edition. Andrea’s vocals have never been more pronounced, nor Cristina’s more emotively volatile. Numerous critics have hit this record as a flash in the passing pan of pop culture. Slick production and catchy hooks might disappoint long time fans of the band. However, would the fans be more disappointed if due to lackluster sales and dropping tour figures, the wonder that is Lacuna Coil ceased to exist all together? Commercial success is banked on by airplay and/or video play. This album, though a departure for Italy’s best selling musical export, is one of embracing the American mainstream. The concept of Shallow Life is simple. Giving in to the powers that be; the media; the idea of a society’s view of beauty and self worth over the individual’s. Each song has some underlined notion of this angst, and the band’s poised momentum, standing at the threshold of pop/rock America, is no less in sync with this concept than that of a bird hatching from its shell. There are numerous weaknesses on the record. It is by far a flawless effort. But wit tracks like I Like It, The Maze, The Pain, and Spellbound, anyone listening should find something to write home about. Shallow Life is far from shallow, it just needs to be embraced in an open manner.

[KorbalBroach]

Scabbia is amazing (and not just cos she's ridiculously hot) but I think they really should ditch Ferro: he has a pretty bad voice, it's especially distracting after Scabbia'a awesomeness.

[twisted_freak]

Love there other CDs, find this all pretty boring tho.

Checked

[mhweaver]

All i can say is that I am a long time Lacuna Coil fan and I am having a really hard time liking this CD...and I am trying very hard to like it.

[ffaf_kick_ass]

i cant believe some people dont like this album. its a lot more upbeat than previous efforts. ive hoped LC bring out a record like this as a few of their songs can drone on a bit and can become boring. Great album, not quite as solid album as karmacode but looking forward to hearing new album and LC classics at download fest in june!

[3 days grace14]

Karmacode was the shit this ones not so much

[Ioniza]

It combined the traditional LC style, with a more modern 'pop-like' sound. Overall a good album, but not as awesome as Comalies imo

[Fantasma119]

Ive been an avid fan of LC for several years now and I own all their cd's except for the singles. I love their music. Its what got me into the female fronted european metal bands. But when I first heard "Spellbound" I gotta say I was a bit disappointed. Its not that bad a song but coming from LC, its just not right. Then I bought the CD off of iTunes and listened to the whole thing all the way through several times and just became more disappointed each time. The thing is that this album over all is alot more simple, to the point, with mediocre melodies and just feels very, for lack of a better word, shallow. LC has lost their depth, their melody, the ability of the listener to be absorbed in the music and just forget about the world whereas this new album you'd most likely find yourself skipping through it trying to find some background noise to play while doing paperwork. this new album sounds very "americanized" and tries to be more radio friendly to appeal to mass crowds. Basically a sellout.