The Agonist (formerly The Tempest) is a metalcore band from Canada, signed to Century Media Records. Hailing from Montreal, The Agonist comprises vocalist Vicky Psarakis, guitarist Danny Marino, bassist Chris Kells, and drummer Simon McKay. Previous members include founding member and former lead singer Alissa White-Gluz.
They released their first album Once Only Imagined on August 14, 2007. Released August 28, 2007, the video for Business Suits and Combat Boots was filmed by acclaimed director David Brodsky (Strapping Young Lad, Gwar, God Forbid)… The video was voted the number 6 video of the year 2007 on MTV2’s Headbanger’s Ball. The mini-video for … and Their Eulogies Sang Me to Sleep off the album Lullabies for the Dormant Mind, also filmed by director David Brodsky, was released April 18, 2009.
The Agonist was originally known primarily for White-Gluz’s ability to use both clean vocals and metal growls. Guitarist Danny Marino, nephew of guitar legend Frank Marino (of Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush), uses a melodic yet aggressive guitar style, making The Agonist’s music both catchy and heavy. The Agonist can also be identified by their creative basslines by Chris Kells, and Simon McKay’s intense and energetic drumming. Also known for their environmental consciousness, song’s themes often revolve around moral concerns such as animal rights, societal dilemmas, and the state of our world.
After releasing their first album (August 2007), The Agonist toured extensively, playing with bands such as God Forbid, Arsis, The Faceless, Sonata Arctica, Overkill, Epica, Chelsea Grin, Attila, Visions of Atlantis, Kamelot, and Enslaved.
One of the band’s tours was disrupted when its equipment trailer was damaged in a blizzard in the Rocky Mountains.
White-Gluz once appeared on Canadian Idol and was named one of “the hottest chicks in metal” in the July 2007 issue of Revolver. She also appeared as a “hottest chick in metal” in the May 2009 issue of Revolver.
The band released their second album, called Lullabies For The Dormant Mind, in March 2009.
According to Wikipedia, a 3rd album is currently being written and will be released in 2011.
White-Gluz has appeared as a guest vocalist for the band Kamelot’s 2012 album Silverthorn and tours with the band. In March of 2014, she announced that she would be the new lead vocalist of Arch Enemy, and that while she had wanted to record one last album with The Agonist, the band had decided to go in a different direction (recruiting Vicky Psarakis of E.v.e. as the new lead singer), and that the group as fans knew it was over.
