The Agony Scene

The Agony Scene

Company type	Private
Industry	Music
Founded	2000 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
Headquarters	Tulsa , United States
Products	Heavy metal music, studio albums

The Agony Scene is a heavy metal group originating from Tulsa, Oklahoma, established in 2000. The current roster features Chris Emmons on lead guitar, Mike Williams handling both lead vocals and bass duties, along with Brian Hodges performing rhythm guitar and bass.

Their discography comprises four studio albums, each released through different labels: Solid State Records, Roadrunner Records, Century Media Records, and Outerloop Records. Previously, they were affiliated with Abacus Records until the label ceased operations.

History

The Agony Scene was founded in 2000 by Tulsa-based musicians Johnny Lloyd, Rod Burguiere, and Daniel Hickman with the initial goal of forming a Christian metal band. After several lineup adjustments, Mike Williams joined on bass and Brent Masters on drums, alongside guitarist Chris Emmons, completing the ensemble.

They quickly built a reputation within the Tulsa hardcore scene and expanded their presence across Midwest venues, sharing stages with bands such as Enlow and Plan B. In late 2001, Williams departed and was succeeded by Garrett Grover. Their demo released in January 2002 captured the attention of Seattle's Solid State Records, who signed them shortly thereafter. Following their performance at the Cornerstone Festival that year, Burguiere stepped down from vocal duties and was replaced by Mike Williams.

Despite being signed to Solid State Records, a label known for Christian artists, The Agony Scene made it clear that they do not identify as a religious band.

Drummer Brent Masters exited the band in late 2006 and was replaced by Ryan Folden from Spokane. In early 2008, the band withdrew from an ongoing tour citing personal difficulties, which sparked rumors about their potential breakup. Vocalist Mike Williams later provided clarification regarding the band's status.

On August 10, 2016, they announced plans to produce a new EP but eventually shifted focus toward creating a full-length album accompanied by extensive touring. The band signed with Outerloop Records on April 25, 2018, releasing their fourth album, Tormentor, on July 20 of the same year.

The band publicly mourned the passing of former bassist Jay White on September 1, 2020. On October 17, 2025, they disclosed that work had commenced on a fifth studio album and introduced BJ Sampson (previously with Enterprise Earth) as their new guitarist and songwriter.

Members

Current members

• Chris Emmons – lead guitar (2001–2008, 2013–present)
• Mike Williams – lead vocals (2002–2008, 2013–present), bass (2001, 2003–2004, 2015–2016, 2020–present)
• Brian Hodges – rhythm guitar (2005–2008, 2013–present), bass (2004–2005, 2015–2016, 2020–present)
• BJ Sampson – guitar (2025–present)

Former members

• Daniel Hickman – rhythm guitar (2001)
• Rod Burguiere – lead vocals (2001–2002)
• Brent Masters – drums (2001–2006, 2013–2015)
• Garrett Grover – bass (2001–2002)
• Johnny Lloyd – rhythm guitar (2001–2004)
• Matt Shannon – bass (2002–2003)
• Stephen Kaye – rhythm guitar (2004–2005)
• Brian Stewart – bass (2005–2006)
• Ryan Folden – drums (2006–2008)
• Chris Rye – bass (2006–2008, 2013–2015)
• Jay White – bass, backing vocals (2016–2020; died 2020)

Touring members

• Brandon Park – drums (2018–present)

Timeline

Discography

Release Date	Album Title	Highest Chart Rankings				Record Label
		US	US Heatseekers	US Independent	US Rock
June 10, 2003	The Agony Scene	—	—	—	—	Solid State Records
May 24, 2005	The Darkest Red	—	17	—	—	Roadrunner Records
October 23, 2007	Get Damned	—	26	—	—	Century Media Records
July 20, 2018	Tormentor	57	—	9	14	Outerloop Records

Music videos

• "We Bury Our Dead at Dawn" (2003)
• "Prey" (2005)
• "Barnburner" (2007)
• "Hand of the Divine" (2018)

External links

• The Agony Scene at Roadrunner Records
• Allen, David (October 5, 2003) . HxC.com.