Comalies is the second studio album by Italian gothic metal band Lacuna Coil. It was released on 5 October 2005 in Italy and subsequently on 15 November 2005 in the United States via Century Media Records. The album was produced by Waldemar Sorychta and recorded at The Plant Studios in Sausalito, California.
Background and Production
Following the moderate success of their debut album In a Reverie (1999), Lacuna Coil sought to refine their sound by incorporating more melodic elements and polished production techniques. The band entered the studio in early 2005 with producer Waldemar Sorychta, known for his work with bands such as Paradise Lost and Moonspell. Recording sessions emphasized the dual vocal dynamic of Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro, as well as a tighter guitar-driven approach.
Musical Style and Composition
Comalies is characterized by a blend of gothic metal, alternative metal, and melodic rock. The album features heavily layered guitar riffs, atmospheric keyboards, and a combination of clean and harsh vocal passages. Lyrical themes explore subjects such as emotional turmoil, personal introspection, and existential reflection.
Track Listing
- "Swamped" – 3:46
- "Swamped (Acoustic)" – 4:01 (bonus track on some editions)
- "Heaven's a Lie" – 3:54
- "Fragile" – 4:09
- "Sempiternal" – 4:15
- "Our Truth" – 4:07
- "This Is the Part I’m Looking For" – 3:57
- "Home" – 4:03
- "Who Shows?" – 3:51
- "The Veil" – 4:12
- "Crawl The River" – 4:35
(The standard edition contains ten tracks; some international releases include additional bonus material.)
Release and Reception
Comalies entered the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart at number 9 and eventually reached number 145 on the Billboard 200. The album was certified Gold in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2008, denoting shipments of 500,000 units. Critical reception was generally favorable, with reviewers highlighting the album’s melodic hooks and the synergy between Scabbia and Ferro’s vocals. AllMusic awarded the album 4 out of 5 stars, noting its “polished production and accessible songwriting.”
Singles and Promotion
Three singles were released from the album:
- “Heaven’s a Lie” (2005) – accompanied by a music video directed by Benny Boone.
- “Swamped” (2005) – received airplay on rock and metal radio stations; the accompanying video featured the band performing in a dimly lit industrial setting.
- “Our Truth” (2006) – also released with a video, featuring narrative elements.
The band supported the album with extensive touring throughout Europe and North America, sharing stages with acts such as HIM, In This Moment, and Shadows Fall.
Legacy
Comalies is often cited as Lacuna Coil’s breakthrough release, establishing the band’s international presence and influencing the mid‑2000s gothic metal scene. The album’s title—a portmanteau of “coma” and “lies”—has been interpreted by the band as a reference to the deceptive nature of escapism and emotional stagnation. The record was reissued in 2018 as a 13‑track deluxe edition, featuring remastered audio and previously unreleased live recordings.
