“Could this band be the next Lacuna Coil?” That was the first thought that went through my head while listening to the new album “Pain Therapy” by Conspiracy of Blackness. In addition to hailing from the same country, positioning themselves in the same modern alternative/nu-metal sub-genre, and drawing inspiration from many of the same influences, Conspiracy of Blackness are equally blessed to have an incredibly strong frontwoman within their ranks, in the form of Grazia Riccardo – who amazingly sounds every bit as formidable as her counterpart, Cristina Scabbia, in this hypothetical comparison.
But mercifully, they are more than just a pale imitation. Originally formed in 2008 in Italy, the band went by the more unwieldy name of C.O.B.R.A (an acronym for Conspiracy of Blackness and Relative Aftermath), and over the period of the next 8 years they released two EPs (“Dark Warrior” & “Rise Again“) plus their first full-length self-titled album in 2016 via SG Records. All of which were well received in the local Italian scene. Having acquired additional experience (both live and in-studio), along with a simplified rebranding and refreshed line-up, Conspiracy of Blackness should now have everything they need to gain even greater recognition and success.
Especially given the strength of this new album, and the added support of their new record label Wormholedeath. “Pain Therapy” is presented to listeners as an introspective journey, with each song tackling some of the toughest issues currently facing us, both as individuals, and society in general. The types of challenges and emotions that all naturally align with the band’s recently adopted darker sound and promotional imagery. And should you require early evidence, our experience starts with “Oblivion“, a brief yet melancholy intro track that pulsates to life while a tortured-sounding Riccardo serenades us about her fears and anxieties. This soon morphs into “Collapsed”, one of the singles (and music videos) that was released in the months leading up to the album’s release, and the aural atmosphere that is created here is similarly bleak.
Another day in the dark
Conspiracy of Blackness – Collapsed
A world is down
Another part of us
Is dying now
“Welcome Death” is the next track, and as the name suggests the song is about suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Riccardo’s vocals take an almost psychotic turn during this song to emphasise the broken mental state of the protagonist (complete with hysterical sobbing), before one of the other band members unleashes an impressive growl and screams ‘DEATH!’ over an accelerated tempo. It’s not all doom and gloom though. And there is just enough hope and light sprinkled into the lyrics throughout the album to give us faith and remind us that with help and support we can overcome any obstacle. “The Bride of Ash” breaks up some of the tension with a softer piano-led intro, before upping the rock factor considerably. The arrangement here reminds me of Evanescence. And just like Amy Lee, Riccardo has a voice that perfectly commands your full attention (and this goes for all of the tracks – not just this one in particular). She is definitely a major reason as to why each of these songs work as fantastically as they do. With a versatility that cannot be understated either, constantly showing off different techniques and seeming to know instinctively what each song needs in order for them to be effective.
“Bones” quickly establishes a pounding rhythm as Riccardo extends an invitation: “I’ll tell you about my fears, open your ears“. While “Afterlife” features some heavenly-sounding keyboards and surprisingly uplifting melodies, before “The Moth” brings us back down to Earth with a heavier bass, and more grounded guitar riff. Setting the stage for both “Rise” and “Last Man Standing“, which quicken the pace and up the metal ante even further. Things get particularly interesting about halfway through the latter, with some otherworldly chanting and vocalisation effects. The 10th and final track is a bonus rendition of “Con Il Nastro Rosa” by the Italian pop artist Lucio Battisti (thank goodness for Google), and as you would expect it is sung in Riccardo’s native tongue. This might sound like an odd way to end the album, but on the contrary I found it to be quite fitting in keeping with the album’s general concept. Especially with the main message in the lyrics: “Who knows who you are // Who knows what you will be // Who knows what will become of us // We’ll discover it only by living“. At only 10 songs in total though (less if you decide not to count the bonus track and the short intro), it does feel as though the album powers through a little too quickly. And this is perhaps my biggest criticism. But aside from wanting more, this is a release that pretty much succeeds on everything that it sets out to accomplish.
Verdict: “Pain Therapy” is the perfect prescription for anyone searching for a modern alternative/nu-metal release that has a dark and mature quality, and is also not afraid to tackle particularly heavy themes and emotions. It contains a beautifully complex set of songs, serving as a mosaic of first-hand narratives covering a range of pressing issues – and lead vocalist Grazia Riccardo does a mind-blowingly splendid job of acting out and conveying each of the characters and their personal stories. Highly recommended!
