Brooklyn, New York’s Life of Agony formed in 1989. Singer Keith Caputo, guitarist Joey Z., and bassist Alan Robert played the New York underground scene with several different drummers. They perfected their angst-filled hardcore/heavy metal hybrid along the way, obtaining a devoted audience in the process and will be appearing at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan.
On the eve of signing with Roadrunner Records, the band enlisted former Type O Negative drummer Sal Abruscato as a permanent member. The resulting album, River Runs Red, was similar to their stage show at the time — straight-up energy and aggression in a hardcore/thrash format, with shards of heavy metal cutting through at times, and the group toured extensively upon its release.
Once the tour was completed, L.O.A. went directly back into the studio to work on their next album, 1995’s Ugly, which signaled a complete overhauling of the band’s signature heavy-duty sound.
The album resembled the sounds of the alternative stars of the day, especially Stone Temple Pilots, and it wasn’t greeted favorably by the record-buying public.
L.O.A. was still able to retain their audience, and the resulting tour was a success, as they opened for the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Korn, Type O Negative, and Anthrax. Drummer Abruscato exited the band after the tour, and was replaced by ex-Pro Pain/Crumbsuckers drummer Dan Richardson.
The Highline Ballroom
431 West 16th Street (btwn 9th and 10th Aves)
Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 7:00pm
$18 adv, $20 at door
TICKETS:
By Phone: 866-468-7619
On the Web: https://www.ticketweb.com
In Person: At Highline box office from noon till doors close every night