The Sound of Scars
Studio album by
ReleasedOctober 11, 2019
Genre
Length40:44
LabelNapalm
Producer
Life of Agony chronology
A Place Where There's No More Pain
(2017)
The Sound of Scars
(2019)
Record Store Day Special Edition Artwork
RSD Black Friday 2019 ▪︎ Special Edition ▪︎ Red/Black Splatter Vinyl (limited to 500 pieces)
RSD Black Friday 2019 ▪︎ Special Edition ▪︎ Red/Black Splatter Vinyl (limited to 500 pieces)
Singles from The Sound of Scars
  1. "Scars"
    Released: August 9, 2019
  2. "Lay Down"
    Released: September 6, 2019
  3. "Black Heart"
    Released: October 4, 2019

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 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

On 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

A 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

All tracks are written by Life of Agony

No.TitleLength
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

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Blabbermouth.net8/10[5]
Consequence of SoundPositive[1]
New Noise Magazine4/5[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

References

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Benitez-Eves, Tina (August 8, 2019). "Life of Agony's 'Scars Video: Exclusive Premiere". Billboard. Eldridge Industries. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  3. ^ RSDBF '19 Special Release: Life Of Agony - The Sound of Scars, retrieved December 4, 2023
  4. ^ Hatfield, Amanda (March 9, 2021). "Life of Agony screening new documentary 'The Sound of Scars'". Brooklyn Vegan. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  5. ^ a b Lawson, Dom (October 11, 2019). "CD Reviews - The Sound Of Scars Life Of Agony". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  6. ^ "Album Review: Life of Agony - The Sound of Scars". New Noise Magazine. October 12, 2019. Retrieved March 17, 2021.