Review & photos by Rachel Jablonski
I had been anticipating this for weeks, but the day started out dreadful. I had the day off from work in order to entertain some friends coming up from Kansas City and to conduct an interview with Life of Agony. At the last minute, for unavoidable reasons, Josh and Damon bailed and the interview could not be conducted. I was frustrated. I left for the show in hopes that a wonderful performance might elevate my mood.
It was absolutely freezing outside. As I waited in line, shivering, my only thought was, “great… I forgot to bring my camera.” After awhile, practically frostbitten, I entered the building and obtained a photo pass, which was actually a smooth encounter for once at the Royal Grove. Too bad it was to be of little use since I was minus a camera. I went to a table, sat down, and waited.
First up, Apartment 26. I was not real excited about seeing Geezer Butler’s son’s band. I had not been very impressed with much of the work I had heard from them overtime. However, a week prior, I happened to hear an Apartment 26 song while listening to WSOU online which didn’t seem too bad. With an open mind I watched and listened. Disappointment hit immediately. The set was dry, unmoving, and, in fact, boring. I watched as the Butler vocalist bounced around, not at all in synch with any of the music, looking very awkward. After four songs I decided to try and locate a camera. Fortunately, security allowed me to leave the building and I went to the gas station across the street and bought a disposable. Better than nothing! I returned just in time for the end of the Apartment 26 set. It did not appear that I had missed much. I approached the stage and began to get psyched for Flaw.
The crowd had started to increase by the time Flaw went on. I was excited to see Flaw myself with appreciation for their “Through the Eyes” album. The energy in the room exploded as the set began. I was surprised to see so many Flaw fans. From the beginning fans were singing every word. Once “Payback” was played the audience really started getting into the set. The band fed off of this and the result was a really good segment featuring “Only the Strong,” “Get Up Again,” “Whole,” “Amendment,” “Reliance,” and a brand new song (not in that order). It was an excellent performance in and of itself, but in addition it most definitely prepared the crowd for the feature band of the night.
LIFE OF AGONY! “LOA! LOA! LOA!” the crowd began to chant prior to the band taking the stage. Overhead a voice said to be patient, there was still 15 minutes until show time. “LOA! LOA! LOA!” This would be my first time seeing Life of Agony and I was delighted. As the band took the stage LOA guitarist Joey Z came out and shook my hand along with various other hands in the audience in a very appreciative greeting. The band broke into “River Runs Red” with furious intensity. The captivating riffs, memorable solos, intriguing tempo changes, and haunting vocals that distinguish Life of Agony were exemplified beautifully in the live setting. When not singing or moving along with the music most of the audience was seen with gigantic smiles on their faces many having waited a long, long time to see this band live again. The guy next to me yelled as much in fact between songs. He was freaking out in excitement. And he was not alone. I realized that my foul mood from earlier in the day had uplifted.
“I used to think music was better than sex. What was I thinking?” vocalist Keith Caputo proclaimed between songs providing comic relief one of many times. The interaction between the band and the audience heightened the show and presented an amazingly intimate atmosphere. “Keep playing! ALL NIGHT!” a fan screamed half way through the set. “NO!” exclaimed drummer Sal Abruscato, “I’m going home!” The crowd laughed and screamed for more, which they thankfully received. A show I had been anticipating for weeks, Life of Agony was an uplifting live experience that should not be missed!