siLLy puPPy Following a pattern of releasing EP then full album LACUNA COIL put out their third release HALFLIFE as an EP. This five song lovely still utilizes the “Beauty And The Beast” affect from their previous work but this is also a transitional album that sees Andrea Ferro belting out clean vocals as well which would lead the band down a more mainstream path that would result as one of the more successful bands lumped into the Gothic metal camp although I don't find this to sound very Goth at all as it seems more symphonic with some death metal parts and still leans somewhat in a slightly progressive direction.

HALFLIFE is also the debut of guitarist Marco Biazzi who would become a key member in the classic lineup. This EP was originally only released in their native Italy but is available as bonus tracks elsewhere on the following album “Unleashed Memories.” I like the sound of Lacuna Coil in general but they seem to have a lot of tracks that sound too similar for my tastes but on this short little beauty there is some diverse elements that make it a really good listen. I love the guitar tones and the ranges between the alternating female and male vocals. Basically I find a lot of mid-tempo music to lack a bite that really excites me but this one seems to for whatever reason!