The Agonist

In the metallic deathcore movement that arose toward the end of the 2000s, Montreal-based the Agonist achieved worldwide recognition through their 2009 album Lullabies for the Dormant Mind along with 2012's Prisoners. These works showcased their blend of ambitious melodic progressive metal, intricate guitar arrangements, and the commanding clean and growled vocals from founding singer Alissa White-Gluz. After White-Gluz exited in 2014, Vicky Psarakis took over vocal duties with comparable vocal prowess, allowing the Agonist to sustain momentum via acclaimed efforts such as 2015's Eye of Providence and 2019's Orphans.

The group came together at the start of 2007, consisting of White-Gluz on vocals, guitarists Danny Marino and Pascal "Paco" Jobin, bassist Chris Kells, and drummer Simon McKay. Initially called the Tempest, they changed their name during the recording of their first album, Once Only Imagined, which Century Media issued. Following the release, Century Media arranged tours alongside their roster mates God Forbid and the operatic power metal act Epica.

Their next record, the ambitious and classically influenced Lullabies for the Dormant Mind from 2009, broadened their reach around the world, leading to initial shows in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Prisoners in 2012 performed strongly, appearing prominently on Billboard's Heatseekers chart and also registering on Japanese listings. This proved to be White-Gluz's final album with the band before her 2014 move to Swedish death metal group Arch Enemy. American vocalist Vicky Psarakis joined and first appeared with the Agonist on Eye of Providence in 2015, earning positive critical response. Departing Century Media, they signed with Napalm Records and delivered Five in 2016. The band came back in 2019 with Orphans, among their most intense recordings.