Lacuna Coil, Blind Channel
Rock City, Nottingham
24/10/2024
Having moved on from their 2021 Eurovision campaign where they placed a creditable 6th high flying Fins Blind Channel are now a much loved staple on the European circuit. There’s a cheeky boy band feel to the six piece, tempered by some Nu Metal steel and strategically placed pop and hip hop. Tonight they prove to be the perfect opening act warming the already large crowd up nicely. They have a good number of fans singing along which is always a plus. Of course being from Finland they all have instant poster appeal too, unfortunately obscured for much of the set by a totally fogged out stage which is less atmospheric and more is there a fire? That aside this is a wonderfully fun set that only enhances the band’s reputation.
You often hear musicians waxing lyrical about how good this guitarist is or how brutal that band is. With Lacuna Coil you often hear stylish and professional, and with Cristina Scabbia’s vocals outside of beautiful and golden you hear the word consistent. Actually unbelievably consistent would be more accurate. And you can see all of that on display tonight. Each band member looks like they’ve made every effort to look the part. They look like the rock stars that they are. Right from the outset the show has a freeness to it with everyone playing their part at every moment. The songs, and they are all beautifully written, are delivered seamlessly. There’s a balance of older much loved material and newer and in many ways more mature songs. Drums, bass and guitar work in perfect symmetry like a purring engine. Andrea Ferro adds to the contrast and depth with vocals ranging from clean to guttural growls. And then we have the cherry on the cake, Cristina Scabbia’s iconic voice. Every note hit and held, every nuance and detail spot on. Consistent may not be a sensational word to describe an artist but it should be regarded here as the ultimate compliment. To do this every night, night in and night out at this level is exceptional. That’s why Lacuna Coil have such an avid and growing following. Fans know they’ll hear great music performed by people who are always at the top of their game. Long may it continue.
Review And Photos by Gary Trueman