The Sound of Scars is the sixth studio album by American alternative metal band Life of Agony. It was released on October 11, 2019, through Napalm Records and is the band's first release with drummer Veronica Bellino.
| The Sound of Scars | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | October 11, 2019 | |||
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| Length | 40:44 | |||
| Label | Napalm | |||
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| Life of Agony chronology | ||||
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| Record Store Day Special Edition Artwork | ||||
 RSD Black Friday 2019 ▪︎ Special Edition ▪︎ Red/Black Splatter Vinyl (limited to 500 pieces) | ||||
| Singles from The Sound of Scars | ||||
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The Sound of Scars is a concept album dealing with issues related to trauma recovery and healing. It is a sequel to the story told on the band's debut album, River Runs Red.[2]
Releases
editOn November 29, 2019, a special, red/black splatter vinyl edition of The Sound of Scars was released. This Record Store Day "Black Friday" release was limited to 500 pieces worldwide and featured exclusive, alternate cover artwork by bassist Alan Robert.[3]
Documentary
editA documentary film, also titled The Sound of Scars, was released April 16, 2021. The film was directed by Leigh Brooks and includes interviews with the band members and their families. The film also includes archival footage, photographs, lost interviews, and goes over various points of the band's history, particularly Mina Caputo's gender transition.[4]
Track listing
editAll tracks are written by Life of Agony
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Prelude" | 0:32 |
| 2. | "Scars" | 2:46 |
| 3. | "Black Heart" | 3:33 |
| 4. | "Lay Down" | 3:49 |
| 5. | "Then" | 1:17 |
| 6. | "Empty Hole" | 3:03 |
| 7. | "My Way Out" | 3:56 |
| 8. | "Eliminate" | 2:17 |
| 9. | "Now" | 1:31 |
| 10. | "Once Below" | 3:31 |
| 11. | "Stone" | 3:21 |
| 12. | "Weight of the World" | 3:34 |
| 13. | "When" | 1:43 |
| 14. | "I Surrender" | 5:56 |
| Total length: | 40:44 | |
Reception
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Blabbermouth.net | 8/10[5] |
| Consequence of Sound | Positive[1] |
| New Noise Magazine | 4/5[6] |
The Sound of Scars has received positive critical reviews since its release.
Dom Lawson of Blabbermouth.net praised Caputo's vocals, saying "Caputo sings every last word as if teetering on the edge of desperation, a remorseless blaze of passion and charisma that carries these songs far beyond their initial potential." Lawson also praised the band's musicianship and said the album "is a welcome display of class and power from some perennially unsung champions."[5] Jon Hadusek of Consequence of Sound praised the album's story line, Caputo's vocals, and mixing of genres, but said the more straightforward hardcore parts were the album's weakest moments. Hadusek said the album is a worthy successor to River Runs Red.[1]
Personnel
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References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Hadusek, Jon (October 9, 2019). "Album Review: Life of Agony - The Sound of Scars". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
- ^ Benitez-Eves, Tina (August 8, 2019). "Life of Agony's 'Scars Video: Exclusive Premiere". Billboard. Eldridge Industries. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ RSDBF '19 Special Release: Life Of Agony - The Sound of Scars, retrieved December 4, 2023
- ^ Hatfield, Amanda (March 9, 2021). "Life of Agony screening new documentary 'The Sound of Scars'". Brooklyn Vegan. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ a b Lawson, Dom (October 11, 2019). "CD Reviews - The Sound Of Scars Life Of Agony". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ "Album Review: Life of Agony - The Sound of Scars". New Noise Magazine. October 12, 2019. Retrieved March 17, 2021.