The Agonist is a Canadian metal band from Montreal, Quebec, formed in 2004. Originally known as the Tempest, the band adopted their current moniker upon their signing to Century Media in 2007. To date, the Agonist has released five studio albums; the latest, Five, was released in September 2016. Touring extensively since their first album, they have shared the stage with bands such as Arsonists Get All the Girls, Epica, the Faceless, Chelsea Grin, Kamelot, and Visions of Atlantis.

The current line up consists of guitarists Danny Marino and Pascal (Paco) Jobin, bassist Chris Kells, drummer Simon Mckay, and vocalist Vicky Psarakis, who joined in March 2014 following the departure of vocalist and founding member Alissa White-Gluz (currently singing with Arch Enemy).

The Agonist are known primarily for Vicky Psarakis ability to use both clean vocals and metal growls and Danny Marino’s use of two or more intersecting melodies and unorthodox chords often featuring wide intervals and octave displacements. Songs’ themes often revolve around moral concerns such as animal rights, societal dilemmas, and the state of the world. 

September 2019, The Agonist have released their new album “Orphans”, which is a true monster feeding on melodic death metal, metalcore and almost rocking moments.

Recorded at The Grid Studio (Beyond Creation, Shadow of Intent, Despised Icon) with longtime producer Christian Donaldson, Orphans sounds incomparable to albums previous. Donaldson captured The Agonist fresh, alive, and, most importantly, heavy. The brutality and chaos is center stage with every member firing on all cylinders.

As with many bands so to with The Agonist. They live and breathe on stage. In fact, if a song doesn’t pass the “live test” it doesn’t make it on the album. The music is only right when it can be translated from the stage to The Agonist’s rabid fanbase. So, expect to see The Agonist on tour. And be fully ready to hear the full brilliance of Orphans.