One of the greatest albums I've ever heard
This is a truly amazing album. Amazing and totally unique. Nothing sounds like this. Crushing guitars, tremendous bottom end, heartfelt melodies, empassioned vocals, and emotional lyrics abound. This is one of the most awe inspiring and emotionally charged works of art I've ever experienced. Keith Caputo has a soaring, unforgettable voice. Joey Z's guitar sound is massive, churning, razor sharp. Alan Robert, bassist and songwriter, is a musical genius who supplies a bottom end that makes this album groove and pound away. Sal Abruscato's drums sound great. The album deals with some very dark and personal issues. Depression, frustration, insecurity, and most prominently, suicide, are central themes. However, the music, and it's emotional content are almost uplifting. This was a band that tore through the New York Hardcore scene in the early 90's, with talented songwriting, aggression, and originality like no other. Every song is special, with standouts being: "This Time", "Respect", "Words and Music", "Bad Seed", "The Stain Remains", and the anthemic "Method of Groove" and "Underground." Get this album, as a metal fan, or anyone who appreciates the unparalleled emotional power of music.
River Runs Red Review
This is a godly CD. It's definintly the best of LOA's CD's, not to say that the others aren't incredibly good as well. Keith's voice is a voice like no others', and it gives me chills every time I listen to the CD. Keith and Alan are so good at writing lyrics. This CD is filled with incredibly talented music, not neccessarily skill-wise, but creatively.This Time-Still my favorite LOA song. It's about Kieth's trouble's with his father. That's a very broad overview of the meaning, but you'll have to find out for yourself.
Underground-A great anthem to staying true to one's self, summed up by the first lyric of the song "If you don't walk with me I will walk alone."
River Runs Red-Although this song is quite negative, it's still really catchy, and I personally love the lyric "I suppose I'll be dead by the morning light, don't be surprised if you mind when you find me."
Through and Through-A quicker song. This song is about, in my opinion, not doing anything until you're ready to avoid messing up.
Words and Music-Easily summed up by the chorus "It's these words and music that keep me leaving, keep me breathing."
Bad Seed-A song about Keith's mom's suicide, it's a really good song.
My Eyes-This is another negative song about suicide, but still, the opening riff is icredibly catchy.
Respect-A song about respect. The chorus kind of sounds like a cult-chant, but a good song still.
Method of Groove-An awesome song where Alan and Joey join Keith in singing. This is a very positive song filled with awesome riffs, like all of their songs.
The Stain Remains-This is about overcoming hardships in life and stay away from negativity, and making your dreams come true. Keith's voice in the beginning gives me chills everytime.
All the interludes in the CD are awesome, and the last one is really jaw-dropping. It's so sad, but really deep.
Hands down, this is the best CD ever. I can't really say any bands that relate to them, but if you like any sort of metal, you should love this. This CD is a great addition to any collection. BUY THIS ALUBUM!!!
Wow
First of all, I'm not a big metal fan. Sute, I listen to Metallica and I love Tool. I grew up with KISS posters on my bedroom walls, but I prefer eighties rock and New Wave to most of todays thrash. About two months ago I caught an old Headbangers Ball live vid of "River Runs Red". I thought "Did I miss something here? Who the hell are Life of Agony?" I immediately purchased "River Runs Red" and I have not stopped playing it since. Crushing guitar work and insane tempo changes abound. My opinion of the vocals leaves a little to be desired, but the lyrics and melodies more than cover any range shortcomings. I gave this one five stars because there are only a handfull of CD's out there that can be played from start-to-finish at maximum output. This is one of them.
..and I think I'm...dyiiiiiiiing (yay!)
Don't be fooled by the lyrics; This is a totally feel good record! Don't ask why, it just is. It's like...candy.
It sounds like nothing and no one elses stuff, yet it's totally bare and simple. Just Great. I loved it when it came out and I love it now; I think this is only starting to prove to be an influential album. It's got some wicked lasting power.
Buy this.
Ozzy has got nothing on these guys.
I would have given the CD 4 stars but this masterpiece stands out way too far above your standard heavy metal album to give it anything less then the highest rating. Some of the other reviews that I read make references to "perfection" I guess I would have to agree. I cant think of another CD that I have bought that hit me this hard. There is a lot of passion in the music and it comes together really well (Kicks Ass). The 4 stars would not have been for the music but for the obnoxious references to suicide that I probably could have done without. The originality and drive in the core of the music more than makes up for it. "Life of Agony" has been around for a while I just wish I would have discovered them sooner.....Better late than never.
