By: AvNatten

Posted: Nov 4, 2005

New York's Life Of Agony is an often overlooked but gifted group. After an eight year hiatus original members vocalist Keith Caputo, guitarist Joey Z, bassist Alan Robert, and drummer Sal Abruscato have reunited and brought forth a new album entitled "Broken Valley". The band have been through a lot of personal struggles in the last few years, death, rehab, etc., and these things have helped to shape what lies within "Broken Valley". They recorded this album entirely on their own and then took it around to different labels so they could stay true to themselves and make the album they wanted to make instead of letting someone else decide for them. This is their most accessible and versatile album to date. Although they are not as murky and sludgy as they were in the 90ties, those qualities do still remain.

The disc kicks off with 'Love To Let You Down', it is catchy and upbeat but also has some sludge thrown into the mix. It’s also one of the heaviest tracks on the album and became an easy favorite upon many listenings. 'Last Cigarette' is another favorite with its catchy chorus and memorable riffs. On the track they also run the bass through a wah pedal on one section, the first thing that popped into my head while hearing this was the legendary Cliff Burton who had a penchant for using such effects as well. 'The Day He Died' is an emotional song that deals with the death of Caputo's father due to a drug overdose. The piano driven ballad 'No One Survives' showcases Caputo delivering his vocals with a lot of emotion. The track also serves as an intro that flows into 'Justified' with its slower but steady pace.

Older fans of the band may have a hard time accepting this release. But if you examine closer no two Life Of Agony albums have been the same although there is a thread that runs through each release that is recognizable. Life Of Agony have changed and evolved a lot over their 16 year career but still have kept their music honest, blunt, and pure.

Rating: 8,5/10

Life Of Agony website

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