M.S: Hi, thank you for answering our questions. How are you?
Good, thanks!
M.S: As you haven’t played in Spain yet, could you introduce yourselves to our readers? Tell us something about when and how the band was formed, your present situation and work…
We are a metal band from Montreal, Canada, formed in 2004. We have 2 albums so far, “Once Only Imagined” and “Lullabies for the Dormant Mind”, and we are working on a third. We have toured many different countries and continents and look forward to playing Spain!
M.S: If someone wants to gather info about you, where could they listen to you or buy your albums?
They can buy our album in store (if it’s not on the shelf, make them order it), from CMdistro.com or through our online store. They can hear us at www.myspace.com/theagonist, and they can gather info at www.facebook.com/alissawhitegluzfans. Don’t trust info from anywhere else (it’s not official and probably incorrect) and don’t buy the album or t-shirts off of Ebay (that’s bootlegged!)
M.S: How did the MFVF organization get in touch with you? Did you send them first your material? Or did they call you? I’m sure you’ll be more than proud participating in this festival which is held every year, right?
They actually got in touch with us many years ago and we are finally able to go play. We are very honored and thankful for the invitation and excited to play!
M.S: Nowadays, would you say that having women in a metal band leaves you in a second place concerning the rest of the bands in the metal scene? I mean, in the rest of the metal festivals you can find only 2 or 3 women fronted bands. Do you consider MFVF as a good way for bands like yours to have the chance to play in big venues?
I don’t think having a woman in the band works against us in that way, but I do think that it’s a good idea for women in metal to stick together and the MFVF is a great way to showcase us all. The same way some people like melodic guitars or don’t like blast beats or whatever it may be, some people really do enjoy female voices more than male voices, so this festival is a treat for them!
M.S: MFVF is characterized mainly in hiring bands from so many different countries to come and play in Belgium, how’s the metal scene in your country? Would you recommend any bands for our readers?
There are SO many great bands out of Montreal; Blackguard (which is female-drummed, not female-fronted); Despised Icon; Mythosis, etc. Montreal is very much a melting pot of different metal genres and more and more local bands are breaking out onto the international scene.
M.S: You’ll be at the eight edition of MFVF, which bands would you like to see?
All of them! I’m especially looking forward to seeing our friends Floor and Angela play though.
M.S: Concerning your show, what can the audience find on stage?
The Agonist’s live performance is like a more intense version of the album. Same songs, lots of visuals and lots of energy. We often get the feedback that the live show is even more enjoyable than the album because of the human aspect.
M.S: I guess you are playing tracks from your last album “Lullabies for the Dormant Mind”, what could you tell us about it?
We play some songs off of both albums live. “Lullabies” is a great album that really allowed us to grow as musicians and performers, mixing together lots of different aspects and strengths of The Agonist.
M.S: What would you say people to attend the festival?
I’m sure there will be a huge variety of music at the MFVF, so you could watch all day and never get bored!
M.S: After the festival, which are your more immediate projects?
Continuing to tour Europe and hopefully other areas as well, and working on our new album.
M.S: Thank you for your time! See you this October in the MFVF and good luck in your career!
Thanks!
David Aresté