Photo Credit: Marissa Ann/Scryer
Life of Agony has always had a knack for weaving their love of iconic films into their music, creating a unique blend of rock and cinematic homage. This tradition dates back to 1995 when they covered Simple Minds’ 'Don’t You (Forget About Me)' on their album Ugly. This track, famously featured in the movie The Breakfast Club, was a nod to the band’s teenage years and the films that shaped them. Fast forward to 1997, and their album Soul Searching Sun featured a music video for the song 'Desire' that was heavily inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining.
Continuing this tradition, Life of Agony has released a brand-new track titled 'The Crow (In Memory of B.L.)'. This song is a heartfelt tribute to Brandon Lee, the star of the cult-classic film The Crow, who tragically lost his life during its filming 30 years ago.
The recording of 'The Crow (In Memory of B.L.)' took place in New York City at the legendary Sear Sound studio, a place renowned for producing hit albums by legends like David Bowie and John Lennon. Additional recording was done at The Nest Studio in Long Island, NY. The track was recorded, produced, and mixed by Life of Agony’s guitarist Joey Zampella, who also co-produced the band’s previous album The Sound of Scars. The final mastering touch was given by Grammy-award winner Howie Weinberg, known for his work with Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of The Crow film, and amidst the buzz and controversy surrounding the new Bill Skarsgård remake, Life of Agony felt it was the perfect time to pay homage to the original film that had such a profound impact on them during their formative years.
“There’s something very special about the original Crow that made it timeless, and there’s a reason that it resonated with us as kids,” explained LOA bassist Alan Robert. “It was an absolute tragedy… Brandon Lee was killed the year we did our first album River Runs Red, and by the time The Crow came out in '94, he was already a legend. Brandon completely embodied the role, made it iconic, and lost his life in the process. It was just so incredibly sad and affected us deeply. He was such a charismatic character and in the very beginning stages of his career. Director Alex Proyas captured lightning in a bottle.”
The music video for 'The Crow (In Memory of B.L.)' was directed by Derek Soto of Sinestra Studios, with motion graphics by The Dor Brothers. Chris White produced the video in collaboration with Life of Agony, ensuring that the visual representation of the song matched the emotional depth and tribute intended by the band.
Life of Agony’s ability to blend their musical talents with their love for film continues to set them apart, creating a rich tapestry of sound and visual storytelling that resonates deeply with their fans.
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