LIFE OF AGONY „River Runs Red”

When I first heard this band (at the same point I discovered Tool) I was impressed by the way heavy music could be combined with really emotional vocals. It was something new and fresh. Soundgarden was just as impressive but LOA had almost nothing in common with the grunge-wave of that time. The career of LOA started in the same time as Biohazard and Pro-Pain became famous. There are many references to hardcore but the music and atmosphere is much more sinister and anxietyridden. Maybe thanks to Josh Silver (Type O Negative) who produced this great album.

This is LOA's first album and perhaps the best to date. All songs (music & lyrics) are written by Alan Roberts but arranged by the band. Everything is just perfect: Keith Caputo's desperate vocals are amazing, imagine a hybrid of Danzig and Tracy Chapman! Joey Z's guitars are sharp with metal-edge, heaviness, melody… Sal Abruscato's (ex. Type O Negative) drums are heavy yet groovy. Finally we've got Alan Roberts heavy bass-lines that are not that easy to hear but still give that extra heaviness to the sound. Guess I mentioned the word ”heavy” a couple of times, didn't I? But it is what this album is all about. Everything is pretty slow or mid-tempo with some up-tempo parts. The ”heaviness” isn't only a musical one but refers to the whole feeling this music gives you… I bet you won't be smiling listening to this one. If you are already depressed maybe you should avoid listening to this album!

If you are mentally fit you should check out the following 2 albums ”Ugly” and ”Sould Searching Sun”.

10 out of 10 and there is no doubt about it!