Never let it be said that Lacuna Coil‘s Cristina Scabbia is unwilling to embrace challenges for her artistic vision. In an engaging conversation with Full Metal Jackie, she revealed that it was her bold decision to perform the intense underwater suffocation scenes in the band’s captivating “Oxygen” music video. This commitment underscores her dedication to authentically representing the emotional depths of the song.

During the interview, Cristina clarified that there were initial considerations to employ a stunt actress for these dramatic scenes. However, she firmly believed that it would resonate more with their audience to witness her personal struggle. As she expressed, “I thought that it would have been much better for whoever was watching, especially our fans, to see that it was me going through the whole process,” emphasizing the visceral connection to themes of suffocation and entrapment in toxic relationships, whether they be romantic, professional, or platonic.

In this interview, the talented vocalist also discussed the band’s highly anticipated upcoming album, Sleepless Empire, which features a collaboration with her long-time friend Randy Blythe from Lamb of God. The conversation explored the album’s creative journey, the pressures that artists face on social media, and the nuances of crafting a setlist after many years in the industry. Cristina also shared insights about welcoming a new member into the Lacuna Coil family.

Stay tuned for more insights from this fascinating discussion.

It’s Full Metal Jackie, and I’m thrilled to welcome the one and only Cristina Scabbia from Lacuna Coil back on the show this week. It’s a pleasure to have you here, especially to discuss the band’s upcoming album, Sleepless Empire. Cristina, the creative journey for this album began while you were immersed in the Comalies XX project. What was the catalyst behind this new album, and how does it feel to juggle ideas while being focused on another project?

While we were deeply engaged in the creation of Comalies XX, we were also celebrating the 20th anniversary of a record that holds immense significance for us. We aimed to produce something truly special that goes beyond the typical remastering or reissuing. Our vision was to delve deeper into the music and the emotions associated with it, rather than simply revisiting the past.

Thus, we undertook the ambitious task of rewriting the entire album from scratch, allowing it to evolve as it did in 2020. This approach revitalized our passion for songwriting, especially since the pandemic had stifled our creativity. We consciously chose not to create music that echoed that challenging time, instead channeling our renewed experiences into a fresh record that reflects our journeys.

Real-life experiences are crucial to our songwriting process. As artists traveling the world, we encounter diverse cultures and hear myriad stories. This rich tapestry of life enriches our music. We believe it’s essential to truly live and absorb these experiences before transforming them into our art. This approach has always been integral to our creative philosophy.

Collaborating with Randy Blythe: The Story Behind “Hosting the Shadow”

Cristina, congratulations on receiving the Social Media Hero Award at the Metal Hammer Awards! In today’s music landscape, engaging with fans online is crucial. Given the themes of reclaiming one’s identity in the digital age within your new album, how do you navigate the complexities of social media while maintaining your well-being?

My understanding of the world predates social media, which gives me a unique perspective. I witnessed the shift into a digital landscape and the rapid pace at which online relationships evolve. It was a vastly different experience back then, yet I’m not resistant to progress. I remain genuinely curious about new developments and strive to stay informed about what’s happening in real-time.

This curiosity helps me balance the benefits of the digital world without losing touch with reality. It’s important to remember that genuine life experiences happen outside of screens—whether at concerts, in pubs, or during meaningful one-on-one conversations. I embrace both the opportunities and challenges that come with evolution; it’s essential not to become stuck in the past.

Cristina, your dedication to the video for “Oxygen” is commendable. What were the challenges of shooting underwater, and are you pleased with the final outcome?

I am incredibly satisfied with how it turned out! The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have praised my performance, which is amusing because I don’t see myself as an actress. I have immense respect for professional actors who dedicate themselves to their craft.

The initial plan involved hiring an actress for the underwater sequences, but I felt compelled to take on the challenge myself. I believed it was important for our fans to witness my authentic experience of suffocation and entrapment in a toxic relationship. This idea resonated deeply with me, as I wanted to convey the raw emotions that come with such experiences.

Spending four to five hours submerged was no easy feat, especially with a dress that kept getting tangled. Acting underwater while simulating suffocation posed real risks, but ultimately, it was a fun and rewarding experience. Looking back, I’m glad I took on this challenge as it significantly enhanced the video’s emotional depth. The camaraderie on set with the crew made the experience even more enjoyable.

Exploring the Depths of “Oxygen”

Another standout track from your album is “Hosting the Shadow,” featuring a special guest appearance by Randy Blythe. This collaboration marks a significant moment in your long-standing friendship. What made this the perfect time to finally work together?

It’s true that we meet many talented friends in the industry, and while I would love to collaborate with all of them, Randy stands out as not only an exceptional vocalist and performer but also one of my closest friends. Our bond has grown over years of touring together. Whenever he visits Milan, we make it a point to catch up over dinner or a stroll. The same goes for when we cross paths at festivals.

When we were writing “Hosting the Shadow,” it felt natural to invite him to contribute. However, knowing his busy schedule gave us pause. We hesitated, thinking about the demands we were placing on him. We reached out, expressing our admiration and shared that we had a song where we felt his voice would be a perfect fit. His enthusiastic response was heartwarming; he had been eager to collaborate with us for quite some time.

He recorded his part from the States, and when we received his contributions, we were thrilled. His performance was absolutely perfect, and we can’t wait to perform this song live together. It’s going to be an epic moment that we hope will blow everyone away.

As you gear up for your upcoming tour, what factors influence your setlist creation? I’ve seen discussions online about Lacuna Coil’s lesser-known tracks that deserve more attention. How do fan suggestions come into play during this process?

Sometimes I wish we could decide the setlist by lottery because selecting songs has become increasingly challenging. With ten albums under our belt, the sheer volume of music makes it difficult. We have classic hits that fans expect to hear, which are integral to our legacy. Yet, we also have many other songs we love but might not fit into our limited performance time.

The setlist often changes depending on whether we’re touring or playing festivals, and whether we’re opening for other bands. For instance, we might opt for heavier tracks if we’re touring with a metal band to attract their fanbase. It’s a balancing act to honor our classics while promoting new material from the latest album.

Cristina, it’s noteworthy that Lacuna Coil has welcomed Daniele Salomone to the lineup recently. Can you share how he came to join the band?

We’ve known Daniele for several years, as he previously assisted us with recordings, setting guitar tones, and managing equipment. When we had a lineup change, he was the first person we thought of to step in. His familiarity with our music and our personal rapport made him an ideal fit. He’s an incredibly talented guitarist with a wealth of knowledge about music production.

While he’s not officially the new permanent member yet, we’re excited to have him help out during this cycle. Adapting to the lifestyle of a touring musician can be a challenge, and it’s essential to see if it’s a good fit for both the band and him.

We wish him the best as he integrates into the band. With Sleepless Empire set to release in 2025, we’re looking forward to seeing you and the fans in the U.S. soon, Cristina. It’s always a pleasure speaking with you!

Thank you to Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil for this insightful interview. The new album Sleepless Empire is available for pre-order and will be released on February 14. Keep connected with the band through their social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and Spotify. Discover where to listen to Full Metal Jackie‘s weekend radio show here.