Randy Blythe Joins Lacuna Coil at Aftershock Festival
In a thrilling collaboration, Randy Blythe, lead vocalist of LAMB OF GOD, joined the Italian metal band LACUNA COIL on stage at the Aftershock festival in Sacramento, California, on October 3, 2025. The pair performed their collaborative single, “Hosting The Shadow,” which is featured on LACUNA COIL’s tenth studio album, “Sleepless Empire.”
About “Hosting The Shadow”
“Hosting The Shadow” was released as a studio track in August 2024, receiving positive feedback from fans and critics alike. LACUNA COIL described the song as a journey through contrasts of light and darkness, where silence unveils hidden truths. The band emphasized the importance of confronting one’s inner shadows to achieve personal growth.
The band expressed their excitement about collaborating with Blythe, stating, “Randy Blythe did an incredible job on this track. We absolutely adore his voice and his evil laugh! Our admiration for him is infinite, and to have him as a guest on this song is a dream come true.” They looked forward to the opportunity to perform the song live, which came to fruition at the festival.
Blythe’s Enthusiasm
Randy Blythe shared his own excitement about the collaboration, reflecting on his long-standing admiration for LACUNA COIL. “I was super excited when LACUNA COIL asked me to sing on a song with them,” he said. “Not only am I a big fan of their music, but they are truly beautiful souls who have been like family to me for 20 years now.” His eagerness to perform “Hosting The Shadow” live finally materialized at the Aftershock festival.
The Making of “Sleepless Empire”
The inspiration for the album “Sleepless Empire” arose during the sessions for “Comalies XX” (2022), a successful reimagining of LACUNA COIL’s breakthrough album, “Comalies.” The writing and recording of the new album took place in northern Italy, primarily between Milano and Como, at SPVN Studios. As with previous albums, production was overseen by Marco “Maki” Coti Zelati, with artwork crafted by renowned Italian artist Roberto Toderico. The album also features a special collaboration with Ash Costello from NEW YEARS DAY on the track “In The Mean Time.”
Band Lineup Changes
In October 2024, it was announced that Daniele Salomone had joined LACUNA COIL as the replacement for longtime guitarist Diego Cavallotti, who departed from the band earlier that year. Cavallotti, who had been with the band since 2016, clarified that his departure was not due to dissatisfaction but rather a personal decision. Salomone made his live debut with LACUNA COIL on August 4, 2024, at the Rockstadt Extreme Fest in Râșnov, Romania. Notably, both Cavallotti and Salomone had previously played together in the Italian metal band INVERNO.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Randy Blythe and LACUNA COIL at the Aftershock festival marks a significant moment for both artists, showcasing their mutual respect and admiration. The performance of “Hosting The Shadow” not only thrilled fans but also highlighted the evolving dynamics within LACUNA COIL as they continue to push boundaries with their music. As they embark on this new chapter with “Sleepless Empire,” fans eagerly await what the future holds for the band.
FAQs
1. When was “Hosting The Shadow” released?
“Hosting The Shadow” was released in August 2024 as part of LACUNA COIL’s tenth studio album, “Sleepless Empire.”
2. Who produced the album “Sleepless Empire”?
The album was produced in-house by Marco “Maki” Coti Zelati.
3. What is the theme of “Hosting The Shadow”?
The song explores the contrasts between light and dark, emphasizing the importance of confronting one’s inner shadows for personal growth.
4. Who joined LACUNA COIL as a new guitarist?
Daniele Salomone joined LACUNA COIL as the replacement for Diego Cavallotti in October 2024.
5. What other artists collaborated on “Sleepless Empire”?
Ash Costello from NEW YEARS DAY contributed to the track “In The Mean Time” on the album.