Draft:In The Mean Time

"In The Mean Time" is a song by Italian gothic metal band Lacuna Coil. It was released as the second single from their upcoming tenth studio album on 19 April 2024, by their record label Century Media Records and accompanied by a music video. This is the second Lacuna Coil single released since "Never Dawn", which was released on June 2, 2023. The song features a guest vocal appearance by Ash Costello from New Years Day.

Background
The song serves as a reflection on societal disillusionment, highlighting the prevailing sense of turmoil in contemporary culture. It addresses the challenges of navigating through, as the band explains; "mean times filled with unhappy people: lonely, anxious, depressed, destructive." Additionally, it emphasizes the impact of external pressures, which "doesn't allow to see things with the right clarity." The lyrics convey a message of acceptance amidst adversity, acknowledging the difficulty of rebuilding oneself once broken. Despite the prevailing toxicity, the song encourages listeners to find solace in the recognition that "there's so much more to this life... and know that in the meantime, everything cannot be aligned."

Music video
The music video, directed by Patric Ullaeus in Göteborg, Sweden, features actor Andreas Barås as the main subject. The storyline revolves around Barås's character, who, amidst life's struggles, embarks on a journey from his affluent home to The Abyss, a heavy metal-themed bar. Along the way, he grapples with inner turmoil, symbolized by contemplations of suicide and surreal hellscape experiences.

Upon arriving at The Abyss, Barås encounters Lacuna Coil performing, providing a stark contrast to his troubled state. The video explores themes of inner hardship and the search for solace, resonating with the band's lyrical content.