Metal goes green.
Strong political subjects are something of a grey area in metal, usually covered by already heavily established bands and focusing on world governments and war more then any other subject. It is rare that a band entering the scene would be so keen to voice their views in such a strong, defensive and proactive manner through their music. However, Montreal's new black metal act The Agonist are exactly that and what is perhaps even more surprising, they have a female singer!
The band tackle environmental issues and the lead singer plunges into a sea of emotional catharsis through vocals that can both bark and croon at will a versatile skill that further enhances the raw quality that the instrumentalists of the band enslave. The Agonist are a band that envelope many styles of metal, having an overall sound echoing that of Arch Enemy but with the soloing skill of Sonata Arctica and clean vocal movements that would not sound out of place on an Epica record. Each member brings their own rich musical backgrounds, influences and beliefs to the table creating a strong and all round perfect expression of melody and madness. Vocalist Alissa White Gluz also uses her roots in veganism and animal rights to fuel her desire to promote the protection of the planet through the outlet of the band which gives it a dark and more meaningful edge. The result is a straight up metal band that holds nothing back with one goal in mind: to make music that is catchy as it is heavy, sweet as it is loud and angry as it is melancholy.
'Rise and Fall' starts off with a sharp and repeated riff assault from the rhythm and lead guitar that breaks into an energetic and fast paced outburst of aggression, Alissa's vocals tearing through the music like a ravenous wolf into a lamb - clean vocals occasionally break through and add a strange kind of harmony that has odd charm. Then to the chorus as the beautifully played solo on guitar that clearly displays the influence of such acts as Sonata Arctica and Rage on the band. The track has pure edge and attitude that screams rage and distaste for the treatment of the environment we live in and is a breeding ground for real musical potential and skill, the balance between clarity and catharsis perfectly achieved.
'Born Dead, Buried Alive' packs a powerful punch with rising riffs that converse with each other via varying solos and improvisations on scales as the vocalist reflects this conversation using both qualities of her voice. The gruff and clean vocals mirror each other like dark and light, almost like the devil and the guardian angel of the world are arguing with each other and create a real sense of dynamics and atmosphere, making for a relentless and powerful chorus that has great live performance potential. The music has a sense of straight up honesty about it, the musicianship is genuine and the musicians do not hold back in any way of expressing their opinion as the drums kick out vicious double time fills.
'Void of Sympathy' kicks off with a distinctively In Flames guitar style introduction, driving through with fiercely overdriven guitars and a chasing melody line of beautiful and haunting clean vocals driving on provocative messages home of human destruction of the Earth. The song is refreshing in that it is dominated by the clean side of Alissa's voice and the true strength and ethereal beauty of its mood can really be heard to its best and strongest potential, its only fault is that you wish it would be used more throughout the whole record, and because the raucous vocals are fewer it makes their impact all the more significant and potent when they do make an appearance. The band are very tight with the song, all riffs and beats are rhythmically timed in perfect precision with each other and displaying high levels of musical competence and invention. All this packed together with a highly singable appeal adds up to make this easily the strongest track on the album and will no doubt be a popular track live.
The band's ability to work with many styles will give them the opportunity to win over fans from any side of metal spectrum and the partnership they have gained with Century Media will allow them the gateway to promoting their causes and incredible talent. The Agonist prove time and time again that up and coming bands have just as much backbone and influence in the performance of political music as more established bands, and can get away with it should they have the musical skill and the courage to accept the challenge because there are those, like The Agonist', who can.