Revolver has teamed up with Lacuna Coil for an exclusive 2LP Transparent Orange vinyl variant (plus DVD) of their new album Live From the Apocalypse. Quantities are extremely limited — so order yours before they're gone!
When the coronavirus started its unstoppable march around the globe in 2020, Italy was one of the earliest and hardest-hit nations. The world watched as the country dealt with quarantine lockdowns, a strained healthcare system and more — and cheered along with its citizens' rousing efforts to lift each other's spirits (which included one particularly epic balcony sing-along of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs").
All events and live shows went dark as Italy (and soon the rest of the world) tried to contain the spread of COVID-19. By the fall of 2020 the coronavirus crisis was still a serious concern, but social-distancing protocols had proven effective enough to allow the easing of restrictions.
It was around this time that Italian metal stalwarts Lacuna Coil devised a plan to stage a special livestream event at which they would perform their latest album, 2019's Black Anima. For the band, as well as the many fans who tuned into the September 11th show at Milan's Alcatraz Club, the event was a cathartic experience.
"On one hand, it felt awkward to play for a huge empty room," says vocalist Andrea Ferro. "But, on the other hand, it felt great to finally reconnect with our fans at home and with the people working behind the scenes. A lot of people enjoyed the show — it was definitely a one-off event loaded with a lot of emotions and feelings."
On June 25th, Lacuna Coil — Ferro, vocalist Cristina Scabbia, multi-instrumentalist Marco "Maki" Coti-Zelati, guitarist Diego "DD" Cavallotti and drummer Richard Meiz — will release that performance as Live From the Apocalypse. The live record will be available in multiple formats, including CD+DVD Digipak, gatefold vinyl and digital album.
"Live From the Apocalypse is an opportunity to offer a new release to our fans while the COVID-19 crisis is still a real thing, affecting them and us," Ferro continues. "The live album represents a unique moment in our career, and life, that will be forever remembered as that one time when we literally 'rose from the Apocalypse.'"
Ahead of Live From the Apocalypse's release we reached out to Ferro to get his picks of his favorite end-times movies — many of which possess that same spirit of human resilience. Below, the singer tells the stories behind the first, funniest and most influential apocalyptic films he's ever seen.
My First Apocalyptic Movie - Planet of the Apes (1968)
I watched this on TV as a kid and I was immediately hooked by the unique atmosphere of this flick. Striking visuals for the time, fantastic buildings and weapons, abstract music and a shocking twist in the end. It raises many questions that are still relevant to this day about man's relationship with technology, nature and human evolution. For a little Star Trek and science fiction fan like myself, it felt like a super futuristic movie.
My Last Apocalyptic Movie - Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Although the trailers looked pretty cool, I wasn't expecting much from this one. I loved the Mad Max movies with Mel Gibson, and I thought that usually these kind of remakes/prequels/sequels are not as good, especially after so many years. I have to say I was proven wrong, in fact I really dug it. The memories of the original Mad Max are still intact; it's not more of the same and it takes you down a different path. It's cold and violent but it also leaves you with a sentiment of hope and redemption. It's a perfect blockbuster — certified by six Oscars.
Funniest Apocalyptic Movie - Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland are my favorite "funny" apocalyptic movies. I picked this one because it was the first one I watched and really enjoyed. I love the fact that instead of focusing on the zombies and trying to get the laughs there, it treats the characters like in a regular sitcom with their arguments and conflicts interrupted by the annoying undeads. I also love the British spirit exhibited throughout the movie.
My Favorite Apocalyptic Anime - Akira (1988)
Saw this one in the movie theater with friends when I was a teenager. In Italy all Japanese Anime has always been super popular even on TV. Love the opening motorbike chase and the attention to all the details is jaw-dropping, still to this day one of the best of the genre. Definitely not an easy one to fully understand — in the books the story is much more developed and clear. In the end Akira is a sort of a debate about the morality of developing nuclear weapons and all its implications.
Most Influential Apocalyptic Movie - The Matrix (1999)
When it came out a little over 20 years ago it was a game changer. Not only in terms of special effects, use of cinematography, the storyline, the costumes, the props and the music. But also it blew our minds and made us question the reality in which we were living. I remember the impact it had on other movies, album covers, music videos, band pictures and clothes. Not to mention everyone walking around with their leather coat, Neo sunglasses and their "banana" cell phone.
