Playboy’s Regan Leah sat down with musician and illustrator Alan Robert to chat about the making of his new hit Beetlejuice coloring book! Head over to Playboy for the scoop >
Life of Agony Pays Homage to The Crow’s Brandon Lee with New Song and Video
Life of Agony has a long history of paying homage to the films that helped shape their teenage years. Back in 1995, the band covered Simple Minds’ Don’t You (Forget About Me) on the group’s Ugly album; the song was made famous by the movie The Breakfast Club. In 1997, on their album Soul Searching Sun, a music video for the song Desire incorporated visuals reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. That tradition continues with a brand-new original track titled The Crow (In Memory of B.L.), which pays tribute to the fallen star Brandon Lee, who tragically lost his life during the filming of the cult-classic, released 30 years ago.
Life of Agony’s The Crow (In Memory of B.L.) was recorded in New York City at the legendary Sear Sound studio, best known for hit albums by David Bowie and John Lennon, as well as at The Nest Studio, in Long Island, NY. The song was recorded, produced, and mixed by LOA’s guitarist Joey Zampella (who also co-produced the group’s last album The Sound of Scars). The song was mastered by Grammy-award winner Howie Weinberg (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers).
With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of Brandon Lee’s Crow film, and all of the controversy surrounding the new Bill Skarsgård remake, Life of Agony felt inspired to go back and give respect to the ‘94 film that made such a huge impact on them during their early 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.”
A music video for Life of Agony’s The Crow (In Memory of B.L.) was filmed and edited in New York by Derek Soto of Sinestra Studios with motion graphics created by The Dor Brothers. The clip was produced by Chris White (Doors, Portals, V/H/S Viral) and Life of Agony.
"We thought that creating a song and a sound that would seamlessly fit on the original film's soundtrack would be a perfect way to honor Brandon and his legacy," said LOA guitarist Joey Zampella.
Photo credit: Marissa Ann / Scryer Photo
Alan Robert Joins Bowling For Soup's Jaret Reddick & Gary Wiseman on The Rockstar Dad Show!
Bowling For Soup's Jaret Reddick & Gary Wiseman host The Rockstar Dad Show! Life of Agony bassist and Beauty of Horror creator Alan Robert joined the podcast as a guest. Check out the full interview up on YouTube! https://youtu.be/Ffw4qnuBg5Q?t=1925
Alan Robert's Best Seller "The Beauty of Horror" Coloring Book Gets A Sequel
Life of Agony’s Alan Robert Announces Sequel to His Best-Selling Horror Coloring Book
The Beauty of Horror 2: Ghouliana’s Creepatorium – Another GOREgeous Coloring Book Coming This September From IDW Publishing
Pre-order is up for "The Beauty of Horror 2: Ghouliana's Creepatorium - Another GOREgeous Coloring Book"! http://amzn.to/2l3iDT6
The color-crazed carnage continues with Alan Robert's The Beauty of Horror 2: Ghouliana's Creepatorium, Another GOREgeous Coloring Book!
Nerdist hailed Robert's debut as being "The World's Creepiest Adult Coloring Book" and it received critical acclaim in The Wall Street Journal, GQ, and BuzzFeed. The Life of Agony bassist/songwriter follows up his Amazon #1 Best Seller The Beauty of Horror with everyone's favorite undead girl Ghouliana, as she mischievously attempts to trick budding colorists into unleashing a deadly spell. Try and find the ingredients she's sprinkled throughout Robert's intricate pen and ink illustrations before it's too late!
This ghastly follow up to the Beauty of Horror features over 80 pages of original artwork depicting a variety of increasingly terrifying scenes and patterns. Featuring a beautifully chilling red foiled cover and high-quality paper that will ensure the pools of blood you color don't leak through the pages, Robert and IDW have come together to present a deluxe coloring experience.
“I was completely blown away by the overwhelming response to the first book,” Robert says, “the amazing color work fans have been posting online inspired me to get crackin’ on volume two right away! And this time, Ghouliana’s got even more tricks up her sleeve.”
"Alan gave colorists around the world the creeps with his coloring book debut," says IDW VP of New Product Development, Jerry Bennington. “If you’re not still shaking from the first go round, there’s more gruesome images from his brain splattered onto the page for fans to color until their hair stands on end!"
The Beauty of Horror 2: Ghouliana's Creepatorium, Another GOREgeous Coloring Book by Alan Robert arrives in stores this September from IDW Publishing. http://www.thebeautyofhorror.com
TP • BW • $17.99 • 88 Pages • 9.8” x 9.8”• ISBN: 978-1-68405-070-3
About Alan Robert
Over the last two decades, Alan Robert's band Life of Agony has built a die-hard cult following, selling over one million albums worldwide. Life of Agony is set to release their 5th studio album A Place Where There's No More Pain through Napalm Records on April 28, 2017. Rolling Stone hailed it as “One of the Most Anticipated Albums of the Year.” Robert is also the critically acclaimed author/artist of several IDW creator-owned comic book series. Titles include Crawl to Me, Killogy and Wire Hangers. Crawl to Me is currently in development to become a live-action feature film.
Billboard Premieres Life of Agony's First Song in Over Twelve Years! New Album "A Place Where There's No More Pain" Drops April 28th!
Life of Agony Presented Megadeth's Dave Mustaine with the Dimebag Darrell Best Guitarist Award at Revolver Music Awards
Life of Agony 's Alan Robert, Mina Caputo, and Joey Z. presented the Dimebag Darrell Best Guitarist Award to Megadeth's Dave Mustaine at the Revolver Music Awards in New York City on December 13th, 2016. The Walking Dead's Norman Reedus (pictured) was also on hand as a presenter. Watch the award show, here: https://youtu.be/aWDRs2sujpI (skip to 1:43 to see Life of Agony presenting the award).
Life of Agony Embark on 2016 European Headline Tour
The Beauty of Horror Coloring Book is "PHENOMENAL" says Metallica's Kirk Hammett
It is no secret that Metallica's Kirk Hammett is obsessed with everything horror. He has a huge horror collection on display in his fantastic book "Too Much Horror Business": https://youtu.be/_gMUtYWo6Tg . Well, his kids got a hold of "The Beauty of Horror: A GOREgeous Coloring Book" and he had just one word to describe it: "PHENOMENAL." Thanks, Kirk!! http://bit.ly/2eOw09t
Meet Life of Agony's Alan Robert at Chiller Theatre October 28-30 in New Jersey
Meet Life of Agony's Alan Robert at Chiller Theatre (Sheraton Parsippany, NJ) in THE MORRIS ROOM!
GET ZOMBIFIED! Alan will be drawing personalized zombie portraits all weekend long! FREE AUTOGRAPHS & FREE PHOTOS! Fri. 6 - 11pm, Sat. 10am - 7pm, Sun. 11am - 4pm http://chillertheatre.com http://getzombifiednow.com
Rolling Stone Video Premiere: Life of Agony's "A Place Where There's No More Pain" Album Teaser
Alan Robert's The Beauty of Horror Coloring Book Featured in The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal interviewed The Beauty of Horror creator Alan Robert about his best-selling adult coloring book. http://on.wsj.com/2dH7YhV
ALAN ROBERT OCTOBER SIGNING EVENTS
Alan Robert Announces NYC Book Release Party and More October Appearances at New York Comic Con, Rock & Shock, and Chiller Theatre
LIFE OF AGONY'S ALAN ROBERT ANNOUNCES NYC BOOK RELEASE PARTY AND MORE OCTOBER APPEARANCES
Life of Agony is currently wrapping up production on its highly anticipated new studio album "A Place Where There's No More Pain" (Napalm Records), due in early 2017. This November and December, the group heads over to Europe for a full headlining tour, but before they do, LOA bassist/songwriter Alan Robert sets out to support the release of his best-selling, horror-themed adult coloring book at several events this October.
"The Beauty of Horror: A GOREgeous Coloring Book" (IDW Publishing) hits stores on October 4th and is already in its 2nd printing. Nerdist called it "The World's Creepiest Adult Coloring Book" and Pure Grain Audio hailed it as "a masterpiece." Alan Robert will appear at New York Comic Con, Rock and Shock, Chiller Theatre, and Thursday, October 13th at a very special New York City book release party at Dr. Martens' SoHo location: 148 Spring Street, NYC. The event will be held from 5 - 9pm, with food, drinks, and free giveaways while supplies last. Alan Robert will provide free customization with any footwear purchase! http://bit.ly/2d763hg
Alan Robert's October schedule is below. Find out more at TheBeautyOfHorror.com and AlanRobert.com, or follow Alan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arobert
Sunday, Oct 2nd: The Rock Carnival
Life of Agony performs with Halestorm, The Used and many more. LOA on stage at 6:30pm. First Energy Park, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Tuesday, October 4th: The Beauty of Horror: A GOREgeous Coloring Book hits stores in the USA!
Friday, October 7th: New York Comic Con
Jacob Javits Center, NYC
Panel: Keeping Control of Your Comic, Part 1: Contracts for the Comic Book Creator
11:15am - 12:15pm, Room #1A05
Signing: 5 -6pm, IDW Publishing booth #1844
Thursday, October 13th: The Beauty of Horror Book Release Party at Dr. Martens store, 148 Spring Street, SoHo, NYC
5 - 9pm, Food, Drinks, Music + Free Customization with any footwear purchase
Friday, October 14th - Sunday, October 16th: Rock and Shock, DCU Center, Worcester, MA. (50 Foster Street, Worcester, MA 01608)
Signing all weekend + performing with The Rocking Dead on Saturday night, featuring Max & Iggor Cavalera of Sepultura/Soulfly
Friday, October 28th - Sunday, October 30th: Chiller Theatre, Sheraton, Parsippany Hotel, 199 Smith Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054
Signing all weekend! Fri. 6-11pm, Sat. 10am-7pm, Sun. 11am-4pm
Alan Robert's "The Beauty of Horror" Coloring Book is "FREAKY & FANTASTIC!"
Alan Robert Featured in The Huffington Post for Hit Horror Coloring Book
“The Beauty of Horror” was called by The Nerdist “delightfully macabre.” His video teaser, “Inside the Beauty of Horror,” continues to generate more and more attention for the book. “I wanted to make the ultimate horror coloring book. If there was a book that I, as a horror fan, wanted to buy, this would be it,” he said.
Rolling Stone: The Most Anticipated Metal Albums of 2016 - Life of Agony's "A Place Where There's No More Pain"
Life of Agony have surprised fans by revealing plans to release their first new album in over a decade, A Place Where There's No More Pain (Napalm Records). "I think our fans know that our music comes from a very real place of suffering, from all of us in the band," says bassist and songwriter Alan Robert, addressing the record's title. "Many of our fans have told us over the years that sharing our personal struggles has been cathartic for them in healing the pain in their own lives. That uplifting energy we share at the shows, gives us hope that there's light at the end of the tunnel. And for us and hopefully our fans, that short time when we're all together is a place where there's no more pain."—Alan Robert, Life of Agony
Exclusive Line of "Killogy" Collectables Launches at Boston Comic Con from Skelton Crew Studio & Creator Alan Robert
Skelton Crew Studio, the sculpting house responsible for creating an array of high-end, limited edition replicas based on award-winning comics properties such as Locke &Key, Hellboy and CHEW, is excited to announce a new partnership with acclaimed comics creator Alan Robert to produce an exclusive line of collectables based on his hit comic Killogy (IDW Publishing).
The first products from the collection will make their debut at Boston Comic Con, July 31 - August 2, 2015. Two 16 oz. etched Killogy Pint Glasses will be available for purchase at Skelton Crew Studio's booth (D517), retailing at $10.99 each. One design features the voodoo artwork found in the comic, circled by an ominous warning of the impending apocalypse, and the other displays a bold Killogy skull logo. Each glass comes complete with a full-color, double-sided "Voodoo Brew" Drink Recipe Card, designed by Robert, using his signature artwork. So have a drink before the dead begin to rise from their graves — it just may be your last!
Product Specs:
Killogy “Logo Skull” 16oz. Pint Glass:
http://skeltoncrewstudio.bigcartel.com/product/killogy-logo-skull-pint-glass-new
Killogy “Voodoo Skull” 16oz Pint Glass:
http://skeltoncrewstudio.bigcartel.com/product/killogy-voodoo-skull-pint-glass-new
More products are already in the pipeline and are expected for an early 2016 release, including a plush severed head based on the sarcastic, wisecracking Killogy character One-Eye Tessio. Fans of the comic will not be surprised to discover that One-Eye comes packaged inside his trusty Italian Ices container, just like in the books.
“Killogy is such an original concept and an amazing read,” said Skelton Crew Studio head Israel Skelton. “Alan is a huge talent and clearly an idea machine. We couldn’t be more stoked to be working with him.”
Robert adds, "With a roster filled with comics greats like Mignola, Templesmith, Hill & Rodriguez, and Layman & Guillory, I am extremely humbled and flattered to be welcomed into the Skelton Crew family! They produce some of the best replicas I've seen around and they are completely dedicated to bringing each creator's vision to life."
Killogy received critical acclaim and was named one of Bloody Disgusting's Top 5 Best Mini-Series of 2013. It received two Ghastly Awards nominations and picked up a Horror Comic Award from The Horror News Network. The apocalyptic dark comedy is now in development to become an animated series starring Frank Vincent (Goodfellas, The Sopranos), Marky Ramone (the Ramones), Brea Grant (Heroes) and Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein (of the Misfits fame). The celebrities all appeared inside the pages of the comic as well. In May, Rolling Stone posted a six-minute animated teaser. The animation was produced by Robert's Wasted Talent Entertainment, in association with Squeeze Studio Animation and Rodney Barnes, the producer of The Boondocks. Check it out at http://www.killogyanimated.com
Alan Robert's Killogy: Gets Animated!
[embed]https://vimeo.com/126460719[/embed] Killogy is a high-energy, animated dark comedy from creator Alan Robert (Life Of Agony) based on his hit IDW Publishing comic series, in association with Squeeze Studio Animation and award-winning producer Rodney Barnes (The Boondocks, Everybody Hates Chris). Stars Frank Vincent (Goodfellas, The Sopranos), Marky Ramone (the Ramones), Brea Grant (Heroes, Dexter), and Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein (the Misfits) battle it out in apocalyptic-Brooklyn when an ancient voodoo curse wakes the dead and floods the city with blood. This outrageous premise and bizarre mash-up of punk rock royalty, wiseguy sarcasm, and over-the-top gore makes for one hilarious rollercoaster ride.
Killogy is being produced and developed under Robert’s Wasted Talent Entertainment banner, consisting of Robert, Chris White (V/H/S Viral) and Jeff Mazzola (Descent).
Killogy was nominated for Best Mini-Series (2013) and Best One-Shot (2014) at the Ghastly Awards and picked up a Horror Comic Award for Best Scene from ComicMonsters.com. Bloody Disgusting listed Killogy at #4 on their Top 10 Best Mini-Series of 2013. The Killogy: Halloween Special sold out within its first week of distribution and IDW immediately issued a second printing. The critically acclaimed Killogy graphic novel was recently translated in Portuguese for a Brazilian release through NFL Zine.
Killogy Animated Series website: killogyanimated.com
Killogy Comic Book Series website: killogycomic.com
Killogy Wins Best One-Shot of 2014!
IDW Publishing's Killogy Halloween Special, starring Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein of The Misfits and created by Life of Agony's Alan Robert, won Best One-Shot of 2014 horror comic award on ComicMonsters.com! Click here for more >
