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.

The Sound of Scars

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.

The Sound of Scars

Track listing

Reception

The Sound of Scars has received positive critical reviews since its release.

The Sound of Scars

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

References

2019 albums

Life of Agony albums

Napalm Records albums

Concept albums