Canadian melodic death metal band The Agonist have called it quits after nearly 20 years in existence.
The band announced their disbandment earlier on Wednesday (May 10) via a social media statement, citing personal, financial and industry-related reasons. Loyal fans will be happy to know that certain members still plan to make music together, though it won’t be under the name The Agonist.
Part of the statement reads as follows:
“Dear friends, it is time to make a very difficult but necessary announcement. We have decided that The Agonist as a band is over. This decision has been taken with great deliberation and care, and unfortunately, given the circumstances at the time, This is the most meaningful conclusion for the band and us personally.
There are many factors that contributed to this decision. It was a mix of personal, financial and industry related issues, but in the end the 5 of us couldn’t agree on a way forward that would benefit the entire Agonist business while respecting each member’s personal life and wishes.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to our fans for coming to the show, purchasing our merchandise and supporting us over the years. There is nothing more satisfying than connecting with our fellow human beings through musical talent. That’s the number one thing that’s always driven us—to make you, the listener, feel something. Finally, we know we’ve done it all together.
Some members of the band will continue to work on music in various ways, while others will focus on personal projects and family. We kindly ask you to respect their privacy in this matter and encourage you to support their future endeavors by following them on their personal social media accounts. “
Singer Vicky Psarakis will continue with her band, Sicksense, which will release an EP this summer, according to a statement from the band. Meanwhile, guitarist Danny Marino is planning two new projects; guitarist and bassist Pascal “Paco” Jobin will release music on his project Leading the Betrayed; bassist Chris Kells plans to focus on his career as a videographer; drummer Simon McKay will provide sessions and live work while searching for a new full-time band.
The Agonist formed in Montreal in 2004 with original singer Alissa White-Gluz, who recorded three full-length albums with the band, including the critically acclaimed 2009 album Lullaby of the dormant soul. White-Gluz was hired as Arch Enemy’s new vocalist in 2014 and was immediately replaced by Psarakis, though she clearly wanted to stay on The Agonist.in a 2017 interview Along with Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta, White-Gluz called her dismissal from the band “the worst betrayal I’ve ever felt in my life”.
With Psarakis on vocals, The Agonist has recorded three full-length albums and a 2021 EP the days before the world criedwhich is the final version of the panel.
You can read The Agonist’s full statement below.