Blind Channel (Support Band)
Glasgow welcomed back Italian alternative gothic metal icons Lacuna Coil, known for their electrifying intensity and haunting atmosphere. Their recent show at SWG3 was no exception, drawing a packed room of eager fans!
The “In the Meantime” tour started with dates across the U.K., including Bournemouth and Manchester, before continuing to London, Bristol, and more. They were joined by the Finnish nu-metal band Blind Channel, who delivered an outstanding performance that perfectly set the stage for Lacuna Coil.
Blind Channel opened with their latest release, “WHERE’S THE EXIT,” immediately captivating the crowd with their high-energy presence. Their infectious energy had everyone engaged, with each band member utilizing the entire stage to interact and excite the audience. Vocalist Joel Hokka introduced the band, welcoming new faces and encouraging crowd participation—getting everyone to crouch low for a breakdown and sing along to “Over My Dead Body.”
This song showcased the band’s lively personalities, with playful interactions between members, including a mock wrestling match during the line “under attack” and a cardboard cutout of Scottish icon Lewis Capaldi appearing. Their ability to engage the crowd was impressive.
While every member brought incredible energy, guitarist Joonas Parko stood out, constantly moving across the stage and delivering high kicks. The band’s nu-metal sound is reminiscent of Electric Callboy and Linkin Park, featuring rapping and electronic beats. Their insane breakdowns and guitar riffs, especially during “XOXO,” created an electrifying atmosphere as fans eagerly awaited Lacuna Coil!
Lacuna Coil
The atmosphere built, drawing everyone in with anticipation as drummer Richard Meiz took the stage first, making commanding eye contact that reached every corner of the room and igniting the crowd’s cheers. Soon, he was joined by guitarist Daniele Salomone, bassist Marco Coti Zelati, and the powerful vocalists Andrea Ferro and Cristina Scabbia. I loved their matching branded Lacuna Coil jumpsuits—I’m searching for one online, as it would make an iconic piece of merchandise!
📸CC: @helloconnorphoto
They kicked off the show with the fan favourite “Blood, Tears, Dust.” Andrea and Cristina welcomed Glasgow with heartfelt enthusiasm, expressing how great it felt to return to the city after a long time and how much they had missed us. The crowd erupted in cheers when they asked if we were ready to party, and the energy was palpable as they launched into “Into the Darkness.”
Cristina Scabbia’s voice was, as always, enchanting and impeccable. Her soaring vocals and impressive range added an ethereal quality to the performance, particularly during tracks like “Veneficium” (those operatic tones blew me away) and “Our Truth,” where her haunting tones beautifully contrasted with Andrea Ferro’s growling vocals and fiery screams. Their dynamic vocal interplay was perfectly complemented by the band’s powerful riffs, intricate breakdowns, and dark, mysterious tones.
📸CC: @helloconnorphoto
One standout performance was “Layers of Time.” The song’s opening and closing mirrored each other, showcasing the vocal chemistry as Andrea captivated us with his gritty, contrasting vocals alongside Cristina’s powerful melodies. I particularly enjoyed the riffs and rhythm; hearing it live felt explosive as the song opened with atmospheric instrumentals that set a haunting tone, gradually building in intensity.
📸CC: @helloconnorphoto
Later, Cristina introduced “Entwined XX,” commenting on the crowd’s energy:
“This is why we missed you—this beautiful energy. This is what matters about concerts; the main reason we’re here is the constant exchange of good energy around the venue. It is something that heals us… because we’re all entwined.”
In that moment, watching the band perform, I could see how personal it was for them. Each member seemed truly present, soaking in the atmosphere, which sent goosebumps through my body. I felt the emotions align with what the band was experiencing.
The band performed with incredible passion! You could see every fibre of their being moving to the energy in the room, affirming Cristina’s earlier comment about the beautiful exchange of energy at concerts.
It was fantastic to hear a mix of older and newer material, including “In the Meantime,” featuring Ash Costello. The band shared that they wrote this song to remind us that while it’s difficult to reset ourselves during tough times, we will slowly get through it in the meantime.
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They also played another recent track featuring metal icon Randy Blythe: “Hosting the Shadows.” I find that the lyrics delve into themes of inner conflict, and I appreciate how this band masterfully crafts songs with significant themes that draw you into their narrative.
The crowd reached a new level of excitement during their hit cover of “Enjoy the Silence,” where the audience’s voices nearly overpowered the band’s live sound. Fans came prepared, sporting iconic makeup looks to match the band, headbanging along to their immersive, unique metal sound.
The encore was every Lacuna Coil fan’s dream. Cristina engaged the crowd, encouraging everyone to repeat and shout the phrase “We Fear Nothing” before introducing their final song of the night: “We Fear Nothing”—because “Nothing Stands in Our Way.”
📸CC: @helloconnorphoto
If you’re in search of a band that skillfully combines haunting melodies with profound themes, Lacuna Coil offers an experience that will captivate you. Be sure not to miss their new album, Sleep Empire, set for release on February 14th, 2025!