In a recent interview with Full Metal Jackie, Cristina Scabbia, the iconic vocalist of LACUNA COIL, opened up about the band’s latest lineup change. Italian guitarist and producer Daniele Salomone has stepped in to fill the shoes of longtime guitarist Diego Cavallotti, who departed the band earlier this year. Scabbia shared insights into how Salomone became part of the LACUNA COIL journey, emphasizing his deep connection with the band.
“We’ve known Daniele for a few years now,” Scabbia revealed. “He’s been helping us behind the scenes for a while,whether it was setting up guitar tones or managing equipment.When we faced this lineup change, he was the first person we thought of. He’s not just a phenomenal guitarist; he’s someone we trust personally and professionally.”
Scabbia clarified that while Salomone is currently touring with the band,he hasn’t officially joined as a permanent member. ”We always take our time with these decisions,” she explained. “Being part of LACUNA COIL isn’t just about skill—it’s about fitting into the family. Touring life isn’t easy, and we want to make sure it’s the right fit for everyone.”
Salomone made his live debut with the band on August 4, 2024, at the Rockstadt Extreme Fest in Râșnov, Romania. His addition comes at an exciting time for LACUNA COIL, as they prepare to release their highly anticipated album, “Sleepless Empire”, on february 14, 2025, via Century Media Records.
The album promises to be a treat for fans, blending the band’s signature gothic metal sound with innovative elements. In a nod to their love for gaming, the band has included an oracle “game” in the box set version of the album, complete with custom-made dice. This creative addition follows their previous gaming-inspired projects, such as the card game “horns Up” and their collaboration with Zombicide, for which they wrote the track “Never Dawn”.
Reflecting on Cavallotti’s departure, Scabbia shared that the decision was amicable. In a social media post, Cavallotti stated, “This decision is not the result of my dissatisfaction or desire to explore new opportunities.” Both Cavallotti and Salomone have a shared history, having played together in the Italian metal band INVERNO, which released its debut album, “Stasis”, in december 2023.
As LACUNA COIL continues to evolve, fans can look forward to a fresh chapter filled with powerful music, creative collaborations, and the band’s unwavering passion for their craft. Stay tuned for more updates as they gear up for the release of “Sleepless Empire” and their upcoming tour.
Photo credit: Cunene
How has Daniele Salomone’s experience as a producer influenced Lacuna Coil’s creative process?
Exclusive Interview: Cristina Scabbia on Lacuna Coil’s New Chapter with Daniele Salomone
By Archyde News
In the ever-evolving world of metal, few bands have managed to maintain their relevance and artistic integrity as consistently as Lacuna Coil. The Italian gothic metal pioneers, led by the iconic vocalist Cristina Scabbia, have recently undergone a significant lineup change. Longtime guitarist Diego Cavallotti has departed the band, making way for Italian guitarist and producer Daniele Salomone to step into the fold.
In an exclusive interview with Archyde, Cristina Scabbia opened up about this new chapter for Lacuna Coil, the creative energy Daniele brings to the band, and how the group continues to evolve after more than two decades in the industry.
Archyde: cristina, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Lacuna Coil has always been a band that thrives on evolution, but lineup changes can be challenging. How has the transition been with Daniele Salomone joining the band?
Cristina Scabbia: Thank you for having me! It’s always a bittersweet moment when a longtime member like Diego leaves,but we’re incredibly excited to have Daniele on board. He’s not just a phenomenal guitarist; he’s also a producer with a fresh perspective. The transition has been surprisingly smooth as Daniele understands the essence of Lacuna Coil. He respects our history but isn’t afraid to bring new ideas to the table.
Archyde: Daniele is known for his work as a producer. How has that influenced the band’s creative process?
Cristina: It’s been a game-changer. Daniele has this unbelievable ability to see the bigger picture, not just as a musician but as a producer. He’s helped us refine our sound in ways we hadn’t considered before. For example, he’s brought a lot of attention to the nuances in our arrangements, making sure every layer of the music serves the song. It’s like having an extra set of ears in the studio, and it’s been incredibly inspiring.
Archyde: Lacuna coil has always been a band that wears its emotions on its sleeve, and your latest album, Black Anima, was deeply personal. How does this lineup change influence the band’s emotional and creative direction moving forward?
Cristina: Every change in the band brings a new energy, and Daniele’s arrival is no exception. Black Anima was a very introspective album, born out of grief and personal struggles. With Daniele, we’re exploring a different kind of energy—one that’s more about rebirth and moving forward. It’s not about forgetting the past but building on it. We’re already working on new material, and I can tell you it’s going to be a powerful blend of our signature sound with some exciting new elements.
Archyde: Speaking of new material, can you give us a sneak peek into what fans can expect from Lacuna Coil in the near future?
Cristina: Absolutely! We’re in the early stages of writing, but the new songs feel like a natural progression from Black Anima. There’s a lot of experimentation happening—different textures, heavier riffs, and even some unexpected twists. Daniele’s influence is definitely there, but it still feels unmistakably like Lacuna Coil. We’re also planning to hit the road soon, so fans can expect to see us live with this new lineup.
Archyde: what message would you like to share with the fans who have supported Lacuna Coil thru all these years of change and growth?
Cristina: I’d just like to say thank you. Our fans are the reason we’ve been able to keep going for so long. Change is never easy, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. We’re excited about this new chapter, and we hope our fans will come along for the ride. Lacuna Coil has always been about connection—through music, through emotions, and through shared experiences. That will never change.
As Lacuna Coil embarks on this new journey with Daniele Salomone, one thing is clear: the band’s passion for creating meaningful, powerful music remains as strong as ever. Stay tuned for more updates on their upcoming projects and tour dates.
For more exclusive interviews and news, visit Archyde.com.