Ugly[2] is the second album released by American alternative metal band Life of Agony. The album signalled a considerable shift from the hardcore and groove metal sounds that defined their 1993 debut River Runs Red; though it still features the band's trademark heavy riffing (see: 'I Regret', 'Damned If I Do', 'Fears'), the gang vocals and double-kick drumming have been completely omitted. Caputo also opted for a much cleaner and natural vocal delivery, eschewing his baritone howl from the previous record. It was released in 1995 through Roadrunner Records (see 1995 in music). Sal Abruscato left the band after the album's tour in 1996, but later rejoined for their first reunion in 2002.
Reception
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic praised the album writing in his review "For listeners unaccustomed to blistering, noisy metal, Life of Agony will be agonizing. However, fans of the genre will find the band to be among the best of the mid-'90s, capable of spitting out razor-sharp riffs. What makes Ugly work is the band's grasp of sonic texture -- they can make even their quiet moments menacing."[3] Critically, the album performed well, but did not repeat the sales of River Runs Red - this can most likely be attributed to the album's considerable change in sound.
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