Tonight, Glasgow was poised to embrace the much-anticipated comeback of Cristina Scabbia and Lacuna Coil. The excitement was palpable as fans assembled outside the venue, eagerly awaiting the performance of the renowned Italian gothic metal band.
Tonight marks the opening performance for Finnish Nu Metal band Blind Channel, led by the outstanding Joel Hokka and Niko Moilanen. They kicked off their set with the powerful track “Deadzone,” instantly capturing the attention of the Glasgow crowd. The band’s dynamic stage presence was truly captivating, utilizing every part of the stage to engage the audience. By the end of their opening song, they had the audience in Glasgow completely enthralled.
Blind Channel commands the stage with an electrifying presence that captivates the crowd, and their music features catchy hooks that immerse you in their world. Key moments in their performance included standout tracks like “Over My Dead Body,” “Flatline,” and “Die Another Day.” The band also thrilled the audience with a remarkable cover of System of a Down’s “B.Y.O.B,” which electrified the venue. Their rendition of the song included all the intense energy of the original, yet they infused it with their unique style and passion, adding a personal touch to the classic tune.
The band ended their performance on a high note with their standout track “Wolves in California,” captivating the audience in Glasgow with its intensity and power. They threw a curveball by covering “Everybody” by the Backstreet Boys, an unexpected choice that they transformed into a rock-worthy rendition. Their performance concluded with “Dark Side,” their entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, which was met with enthusiastic applause, highlighting their successful support set. The band bid farewell to the crowd at SWG3, leaving a lasting impression. They are definitely a band to keep an eye on, consistently delivering spectacular shows.
It was time for Cristina Scabbia and Lacuna Coil to make their grand return to the city. As the venue dimmed and the intro music began, a palpable buzz of excitement filled the air, with the noise crescendoing at the first glimpse of Cristina and the band. The opening chords of the powerful “Blood, Tear, Dust” had the audience singing along passionately, with Andrea Ferro and Christina’s combined vocals resonating throughout the space. Their commanding stage presence captivated everyone, effortlessly drawing them in. This opening number set the tone for what promised to be a thrilling comeback performance in Glasgow for the band.
Key highlights from the opening of the set included “Trip The Darkness,” “Layers of Time,” and the outstanding “Entwined.” The audience in Glasgow was fully engaged, singing along enthusiastically throughout the performance. The joy was evident on the band members’ faces as they too relished every moment. The concert felt like a greatest hits showcase, featuring songs from various albums. Both gothic rock anthems and classic rock tunes from the band captivated the diverse Glasgow crowd, young and old alike.
The concert ended on a high note, featuring standout performances of “In The Mean Time,” “Hosting The Shadow,” and an impressive rendition of Depeche Mode’s classic “Enjoy the Silence,” before concluding with “Never Dawn.” As the band exited the stage, the audience was expectant, knowing there were still some classic hits left to be performed.
Cristina and her band were greeted like champions upon their return to the stage, with the crowd’s enthusiasm intensifying for the encore. They performed a four-song finale that was thoroughly captivating, thrilling both longtime supporters and newcomers with a spectacular close. They kicked off with the outstanding “Aeon XX,” which had the entire Glasgow audience singing along, followed by “Tight Rope XX” and “Swamped XX,” much to the delight of their dedicated fans. The band had one more surprise up their sleeve for the Glasgow audience with the superb “Nothing Stands In Our Way,” marking the band’s final performance of the night. The energy expended by the band was immense, culminating in a powerful and memorable set.
As the band bid farewell to Glasgow, the decibel levels soared, a testament to the incredible performance they had just delivered — making up for their absence in the city. Fans departed grinning, touched by the memorable impression left by the Italian Gothic rockers. Glasgow eagerly anticipates their return, having felt their absence keenly. If the opportunity arises, don’t miss this tour; be sure to catch Blind Channel and the spectacular Lacuna Coil at a venue close to you.
Review & Photographs by James Edmond Photography
