I don’t normally do album reviews, but, this EP, this BAND, THE AGONIST, has delivered one of the best musical epics in a long time!
A concept album in the truest sense, each song is a chapter in a dark, yet still hopeful theme that cuts an emphatic swath along with the variegated tapestry of both melodic, yet complex, death metal and epically soaring operatic sensibilities (even quoting Sister Jude to emphasize the inner conflict of a world going to seed).
Sonically, this album is as close to perfection as any I’ve heard in quite a while. It’s clear that each musician is giving his all, not a note or blast-beat “phoned in”… with a crisp and exacting production that sounds at once massive and flawless. The drums are pummelling, yet meticulously executed; the dual guitar tandem, unrelenting in their technical prowess, while each delivering some of the most beautifully shredtastic solo set-pieces this side of John Petrucci! And, above it all, is the chameleon stylings of the amazing Vicky Psarakis, who’s vocal gymnastics in each song runs the full gamut of range, intensity, and angst with a brutally precise, but utterly heartfelt, delivery!! Not one “filler” song here. Just a nonpareil example of what a true-hearted metal band can and SHOULD be!!
Although, one would be hard-pressed to choose any song over another as the proverbial ‘standout song/song’, the opening track, “Remnants of Time” is a soaring epic masterpiece, with a haunting discordant piano intro (and outro, featuring the ethereal lullaby of Ms. Psarskis’ voice), as well as a choral arrangement that elevates the song to unearthly heights! EP closer, and title track “Days Before the World Wept” is a blistering melodic-technical-death metal that proclaims unapologetically that the bar has been raised and set. It is both brutal and beautiful; a testament to the incredible musical and songwriting talents of each member! Bring on any worthy competitors!
You can get “Days Before the World Wept” and other official THE AGONIST Merchandise on the official shop.
Written by Ramin Kimiavi
