The Sound of Scars

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.

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.

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.

Reception
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." 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.

Personnel

 * Life of Agony
 * Mina Caputo – lead vocals
 * Joey Z – guitar, backing vocals, engineer, producer
 * Alan Robert – bass, backing vocals, creative director
 * Veronica Bellino – drums


 * Additional musicians
 * Morgan O. Shaughnessey – strings


 * Production
 * Sylvia Massy – mixing, producer
 * Howie Weinberg – mastering
 * Gino Depinto – photography


 * Voices
 * Toni Caputo
 * Nelson Faro Decastro
 * Giana Goldstein
 * Brian Hyland
 * Elias Mansourati
 * Kyle Nichols
 * Dori Ann Scagnelli
 * Frank Sileo
 * Christine Zagami
 * Mia Zampella
 * Sofia Zampella