The Agonist

The Agonist
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	2004
Defunct	May 10, 2023
Headquarters	Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Area served	International
Key people	Danny Marino, Chris Kells, Simon McKay, Pascal "Paco" Jobin, Vicky Psarakis
Products	Six studio albums including Once Only Imagined, Lullabies for the Dormant Mind, Prisoners, Eye of Providence, Five, Orphans

The Agonist was a metalcore and melodic death metal group originating from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, established in 2004. The band's final roster consisted of lead guitarist Danny Marino, bassist Chris Kells, drummer Simon McKay, rhythm guitarist Pascal "Paco" Jobin, and lead singer Vicky Psarakis, who joined the lineup in March 2014 following the departure of original vocalist Alissa White-Gluz.

Originally called the Tempest, the ensemble adopted the name The Agonist after signing with Century Media in 2007. Over their career, they produced six studio albums, with their most recent release being Orphans in September 2019. Throughout their active years, The Agonist shared stages with prominent bands such as Arsonists Get All the Girls, Epica, the Faceless, Chelsea Grin, Kamelot, and Visions of Atlantis. The band officially dissolved in May 2023.

Once Only Imagined (2004−2008)

Their debut album, Once Only Imagined, was released on August 14, 2007. Initially recorded as a demo, its success prompted the addition of metal drummer Simon McKay to the lineup. The music video for "Business Suits and Combat Boots," directed by David Brodsky, premiered on August 28, 2007, and achieved a ranking of number six on MTV2's Headbanger's Ball that year.

Following this release, The Agonist embarked on tours with bands like God Forbid, Arsis, Sonata Arctica, Overkill, Visions of Atlantis, and Enslaved. One tour was notably interrupted due to equipment damage caused by a blizzard in the Rocky Mountains. In July 2007, vocalist White-Gluz earned recognition as one of the "hottest chicks in metal" by Revolver.

Lullabies for the Dormant Mind (2008−2010)

Their sophomore album, Lullabies for the Dormant Mind, was released in March 2009. This record featured several music videos directed by David Brodsky for tracks including "...And Their Eulogies Sang Me To Sleep," "Birds Elope With The Sun," and the single "Thank You Pain," which played a significant role in increasing their fanbase. The album debuted at number 105 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.

During this period, Alissa White-Gluz also contributed vocals to Blackguard's album Profugus Mortis and was again named one of metal's "hottest chicks" by Revolver in May 2009. The band expanded their reach into new territories such as Mexico, Venezuela, Japan, China, Colombia, and various parts of Europe. In December 2010, they toured alongside Epica and Scar Symmetry.

Prisoners (2011–2013)

Towards the end of 2011, The Agonist participated in Kamelot's Pandemonium Over North America Tour alongside acts like Alestorm and Blackguard. During this tour, guitarist Justin Deguire stepped in for Danny Marino due to touring constraints. The band also released an EP titled The Escape, which included two songs intended for their upcoming third studio album. The mixing process for this album was handled by Tue Madsen, known for his work with bands such as the Haunted, Dark Tranquillity, and Suicide Silence.

Lead vocalist White-Gluz described the band's musical progression as more refined and mature, incorporating influences from classic acts like Pantera and Radiohead, rather than focusing solely on heavier or more melodic elements. She emphasized that the album would resonate with audiences possessing diverse musical preferences. Production duties were managed by long-time collaborator Christian Donaldson following the conclusion of the Kamelot tour.

Prisoners was officially released on June 4, 2012 through Century Media Records. The album’s lead single was "Ideomotor," while a video for "Panophobia" debuted on October 24, 2012; it showcased live performances and behind-the-scenes footage from Montreal's Heavy Montréal Festival. To support Prisoners, The Agonist conducted tours across North America with bands such as Danzig and Corrosion of Conformity, as well as touring Japan alongside Aldious.

White-Gluz's exit, Eye of Providence and Five (2014–2016)

In March 2014, Alissa White-Gluz was announced as the new lead vocalist for the Swedish melodic death metal group Arch Enemy, signaling the conclusion of her tenure with The Agonist. Vicky Psarakis succeeded her as the band's frontwoman. By April 2017, White-Gluz referred to her departure as the "worst betrayal" she had endured, while The Agonist responded by accusing her of unprofessional conduct and disrespect. Their fourth full-length record, Eye of Providence, was launched on February 23, followed by the release of the EP Disconnect Me in April. Subsequently, the album Five came out on September 30, 2016.

Orphans, Days Before the World Wept and disbandment (2019–2023)

On June 7, 2019, The Agonist unveiled the single "In Vertigo". Their album Orphans was released on September 20, 2019 through Rodeostar Records and garnered a nomination for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2020.

Between January 7 and 11, 2020, the band took part in the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise event, which featured 37 metal acts aboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas. Due to a five-year U.S. entry prohibition, bassist Chris Kells was unable to join; Pavlo Haikalis stepped in as his replacement. A scheduled western U.S. tour supporting Fleshgod Apocalypse was cancelled because of Covid-related restrictions; however, they did perform at Laurus Nobilis Music Famalicão 2020 in Portugal.

On September 9, 2021, The Agonist released the track "Remnants in Time", followed by their EP Days Before the World Wept on October 15.

The band officially disbanded on May 10, 2023, citing "a combination of personal, financial and industry-related challenges".

Musical style

The Agonist are distinguished by both White-Gluz’s and Psarakis’s integration of death growls alongside clean vocals, complemented by Marino’s intricate guitar arrangements featuring interwoven melodies and unconventional chord structures with broad intervals. Their lyrical content often explores ethical topics such as animal rights, societal issues, and worldwide concerns.

Band members

Final lineup

Danny Marino – lead guitar (2004–2023), rhythm guitar (2004–2007)
Chris Kells – bass guitar, backing vocals (2004–2023)
Simon McKay – drums (2007–2023)
Pascal "Paco" Jobin – rhythm guitar (2010–2023)
Vicky Psarakis – lead vocals (2014–2023)

Former members

Derek Nadon – drums (2004–2007)
Andrew Tapley – rhythm guitar (2007–2008)
Chris Adolph – rhythm guitar (2008–2010)
Alissa White-Gluz – lead vocals (2004–2014)

Live musicians

Justin Deguire – rhythm guitar (2011)
Pavlo Haikalis – bass guitar, backing vocals (2020, 2022)

Timeline

Studio albums

Year	Title
2007	Once Only Imagined
2009	Lullabies for the Dormant Mind
2012	Prisoners
2015	Eye of Providence
2016	Five
2019	Orphans

EPs

Year	Title
2011	The Escape
2014	Disconnect Me
2021	Days Before the World Wept

Singles

Year	Title	Album
2007	"Business Suits and Combat Boots"	Once Only Imagined
2009	"...and Their Eulogies Sang Me to Sleep"	Lullabies for the Dormant Mind
	"Birds Elope with the Sun"
	"Thank You Pain"
2011	"The Escape"	Prisoners
2012	"Ideomotor"
2012	"Panophobia"
2014	"Disconnect Me"	Eye of Providence
2015	"Gates of Horn and Ivory"
	"My Witness, Your Victim"
	"Danse Macabre"
2016	"The Chain"	Five
	"The Moment"
	"Take Me to Church"
2019	"In Vertigo"	Orphans
	"Burn It All Down"
	"As One We Survive"
	"The Gift of Silence"
"Orphans"
2021	"Remnants in Time"	"Days Before the World Wept"
	"Feast On the Living"

Music videos

Year	Title	Album
2007	"Business Suits and Combat Boots"	"Once Only Imagined"
	"…and Their Eulogies Sang Me to Sleep"	"Lullabies for the Dormant Mind"
"Thank You Pain"
"Birds Elope with the Sun"
"Panophobia"	"Prisoners"
"Gates of Horn and Ivory"	"Eye of Providence"
"My Witness, Your Victim"
"A Gentle Disease"
"Danse Macabre"
"Follow the Crossed Line"
"The Moment"	"Five"
"The Hunt"
"The Man Who Fell to Earth"
"Take Me to Church"
"The Raven Eyes"
"In Vertigo"	"Orphans"
"Burn It All Down"
"As One We Survive"
"The Gift of Silence"
"Orphans"
"Remnants in Time"	"Days Before the World Wept"

Juno Award

Year	Album	Category	Result	Reference
2020	Orphans	Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year	Nominated
2022	Days Before the World Wept	Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year	Nominated

External links

Century Media Profile Page (no longer active)
Official Facebook Page