Artist: Life of Agony
Label: SPV Records
Release Date: 10/14/03
Rating: 2 Skulls
Reviewed by Requiem (4/16/04):
Life of Agony is a band that should need no introduction. While once well known in the metal and hardcore circles of NYC, they reached the masses with the help of their Roadrunner Records deal. After three albums and a break-up, news of a reunion in 2003 was no secret in the music world. While this is the same recording captured on the DVD, minus the interviews and bonus footage, this double CD comes with a few bonus tracks of some of the members' projects after LOA.I'll admit I was never the biggest Life of Agony fan, but I didn't hate 'em either. The first album was very solid. I could take or leave the rest. Regardless of that remark, I think they maybe should have thought twice before releasing this double live disc. Musically the band seems on the money, cranking out tracks pretty much equally from all three albums. The guitars, bass and drums could not sound tighter and they really rip it up. The problem here lies with vocalist Keith Caputo. I understand it's a live recording, and if I were at the show it probably wouldn't have bothered me one bit, but our boy Keith hits some pretty sour notes on more than one occasion that just make me cringe. Maybe they should have recorded a bunch of shows and seen which one was best, because this NYC performance could have used some improvement. The fact of the matter is that they were catching a special event, a reunion in their hometown. [Ed. - At the time, this was to be a one-time only reunion, they subsequently reformed.] I understand that, but Keith man, I hope all that recent touring has helped out a bit. I just don't think it's a very live worthy recording.
I have the DVD as well and I really don't think very highly of that either. Of course any of the bonus footage is cool to have. In this case we have a track from Among Thieves, Keith Caputo solo, and Supermassiv. I could take or leave that as well. It's reasonable that for fans of the band, Life of Agony live is a special thing and they will overlook the vocals much like us diehard Vio-lence fans have grown to love Sean Killian's piercing rants. But for LOA first timers, start with River Runs Red, and work your way chronologically forward as your bravery increases, then you'll be ready for this.
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