Search - Agonist :: Once Only Imagined

"The Agonist" is worth your time and money

D-Man | Your Bathroom | 03/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a pretty decent debut album from Montreal's "The Agonist." It's your standard metalcore a la Killswitch Engage, only instead of Howard Jones, you have Alissa White-Gluz behind the microphone. Which is stellar. I have to say that "The Agonist" isn't a total "rip off" of Killswitch Engage (or other metalcore bands). They do their own thing and (I think) make their place well defined within the metalcore genre. I do enjoy their sound, and I really enjoy listening to Alissa's performance vocally. She's awesome! Hopefully they will be around for quite a while, and overtime become more widely known and respected for their talents and musicianship. However, I do feel that they have great potential for growth as artists on their next release (which they are currently writing new material for).



Overall, if you're really into metalcore music, this album is MOST DEFINITELY worth purchasing, especially for the price it's being sold for. I listen to it quite frequently. They are up and coming, trying to further the genre, and I support them for it. 5 stars for their effort."

Not your typical metalcore record ...

S. Deciantis | SC | 08/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The primary component that sets The Agonist's debut record apart from other metalcore recordings is the vocals of Alissa White-Gluz. They are incredibly varied, and while some listeners might not appreciate some of her vocal parts, I love the contrast between piercing screams and rumbling growls, which at times are spat out with terrific pace, and melodic parts. Even her screams and growls are varied - check out the sweet death-metal growls at the end of Momento Mori - gives me chills.



Another aspect that appeals to me is the lyrical content, which often centers around criticism of popular culture, government, materialism and greed, and the ignorant behavior of humans. I'm not a vegan or animal rights advocate like she is, but I respect her opinions, and her ability to deliver them in such an artistic way. Business Suits and Combat Boots includes some incredibly fast screaming rants against materialistic obsession.



Alissa is the real deal - one of few women to front a metal band that is capable of melting my face! The guitar parts are solid, and varied enough, with the occasional dischordant components to provide a good platform for the vocals and lyrics. I recommend that anybody open to hearing female leads in heavy music give this record a listen.



And the exciting part is that The Agonist is recording a new record, and Alissa has said that she is experimenting more with different vocal styles on the new record. I'll be first in line to listen, and I'm seeing them live as soon as they tour.

"

Sick Cd

J. De Rose | 04/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Very heavy stuff! wasen't sure at first how the rest of the cd would sound after only hearing one song, but was not dissapointed! Great vocal work!"