Lacuna Coil: From Gothic Metal Underdogs to International Success

Hailing from Milan, Italy, Lacuna Coil is a force to be reckoned with in the world of gothic metal. Formed in 1994 as Sleep of Right, they've undergone two name changes – first to Ethereal and finally to the iconic Lacuna Coil we know today. The band has consistently pushed boundaries with their music, crafting a sound that blends heavy, melodic riffs with powerful vocals and ethereal textures.

Lacuna Coil's journey has been one of steady growth. Since their debut, they've released nine studio albums, two EPs, two live albums, two compilation albums, a video album, and a whopping sixteen singles and music videos. Their dedication to their craft and their relentless touring have earned them international recognition, cementing their status as a prominent force in the metal scene.

A Legacy of Awards and Critical Acclaim:

• Lacuna Coil received an MTV Europe Music Award nomination in 2006, showcasing their growing global appeal.
• They proudly claimed the Metal Female Voices Fest Award for Best Album in 2012 with their critically acclaimed release, "Dark Adrenaline."
• In 2016, they were crowned Best International Band at the Metal Hammer Awards, further solidifying their international recognition.
• Their electrifying live performances earned them the Best Live Act award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards in 2018.

A Milestone Achievement:

Their 2012 album "Dark Adrenaline" reached the top 15 on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating their undeniable influence on the global music scene. By March 2012, Lacuna Coil had sold over two million albums worldwide, proving their staying power and widespread fan base.

The Birth of a Gothic Metal Masterpiece:

The band's foundation was laid in 1994 by vocalist Andrea Ferro and bassist/composer Marco Coti Zelati. They were joined by Raffaele Zagaria on guitars and Michelangelo Algardi on drums. After recording their first song, "Bleeding Souls," for the compilation "Noise of Bolgia," Claudio Leo became the band's second guitarist, and Leonardo Forti took over drumming duties.

Cristina Scabbia, a friend and Marco's girlfriend at the time, was asked to provide background vocals. Her voice was a natural fit, and she quickly became an integral part of the band's sound. This marked a pivotal point in their journey as the band embraced a more gothic and atmospheric sound, eventually leading to their name change to Ethereal.

The band's journey from humble beginnings to international success showcases their dedication, artistic vision, and a passion for creating unforgettable music.

Måneskin: A Rock Band That Rocked the World

Måneskin, hailing from the vibrant streets of Rome, burst onto the music scene in 2016. This dynamic quartet, comprised of lead vocalist Damiano David, bassist Victoria De Angelis, guitarist Thomas Raggi, and drummer Ethan Torchio, quickly made a name for themselves.

Their early days saw them honing their craft through energetic busking performances, a testament to their raw talent and passion. A pivotal moment arrived in 2017 when they finished as runners-up on the eleventh season of the Italian "X Factor," catapulting them into the national spotlight.

However, their international breakthrough came in 2021 when they triumphed at the Eurovision Song Contest with their electrifying performance of "Zitti e buoni," a song that resonated across Europe and beyond.

Since then, Måneskin has dominated the music world, releasing three studio albums: the fiery "Il ballo della vita" (2018), the powerful "Teatro d'ira: Vol. I" (2021), and the dynamic "Rush!" (2023). Their captivating music, coupled with their compelling stage presence, has resulted in 34 platinum and seven gold certifications from FIMI, signifying their immense popularity in Italy. Before their Eurovision win, they had already sold over a million records in their home country, with their biggest hit being "Torna a casa."

Måneskin's global success continued, shattering barriers as they became the first Italian rock band to enter the UK Singles Chart Top 10 with "Zitti e buoni," "I Wanna Be Your Slave," and a captivating rendition of "Beggin'," originally by The Four Seasons. They also climbed the Billboard Global Excl. US chart, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in the international music landscape.

Måneskin's story is a compelling one, proving that raw talent, relentless passion, and a touch of rock 'n' roll magic can truly propel a band to the top of the world.