Feature by Andrew - November, 2003
The Agony Scene bursted into the metalcore scene with force and vigor, exciting fans of metal and hardcore alike with a strong crossover between the styles. The band's "Self-Titled" debut full-length, released in June of 2003, put them on the map, and also continued a lengthy winning streak of strong releases for Solid State Records. There isn't too much more that needs to be said about The Agony Scene; they are a ferocious, American metal band that will undoubtedly continue to attract attention in the future. For more on the band, read our interview with guitarist Johnny and take a listen to the band.
Andrew: I hadn't heard of The Agony Scene until an mp3 from the "Self-Titled" album made its way onto the internet -- it seems like the name just exploded out of nowhere last spring. So, with that being the case for some of us, can we get a little history lesson on the band's past, and how you got hooked up with Solid State Records?
Johnny: Well, the Agony Scene has been around for about 2 1/2 yrs now. We just played locally and regionally for about a year before we sent a demo off to Solid State for consideration, and they liked it and offered us a contract, and we went with it.
Andrew: I also understand that you guys just adopted a new bass player into the ranks. What happened that caused you to replace or fill in the vacant bass position?
Johnny: Well, turns out our old bass player was just in the band for attention and glory. He actually hated metal, and when being in a full-time touring band got boring and difficult he decided to quit.
Andrew: Have you guys recorded and/or released any other material? How does it compare to what is now available on Solid State?
Johnny: Our old demos are much, much different than our debut Solid State release. I don't really now how to explain them, they're less structured, more of a hardcore, chaotic feel. We had a different singer back in those days, so it basically sounded like a whole different band.
Andrew: Your "Self-Titled" record came out early in June of 2003, and was recorded with none other than Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz. His work tends to help bands sound, well, huge. How was it to work with Adam, and are you happy with the outcome of the recording session?
Johnny: I'm very happy with what Adam did with our record. He's really a pro. We'd never recorded with a real producer in a real studio before, so we weren't real sure what to make of it, but he helped us through a lot and we all learned a lot.
Andrew: Did you go into the studio with a certain sound quality in mind? The album is really clean, really thick, and the drums and vocals have some of the more stellar sounds that I've heard in some time. Was that a goal?
Johnny: Well, actually weren't sure what the vocals would be like. Michael had been in the band only a couple months and we'd only heard his voice through the crappy PA in out rehearsal place. So, it was going to be a surprise, but I think we were all very pleased with the outcome. Our drummer, Brent, had a good idea of what he liked and didn't like in drum tones, so he had a lot to say when it came time to work those out.
Andrew: I noticed right away that the album wasn't packaged with any lyrics. Sure, some of the lyrics are pretty easy to decipher, but are there any specific messages that the band conveys through its lyrics or is there a theme running through the album?
Johnny: There isn't any specific message we were going for. Most of the songs are clouded metaphors surrounding a relationship that Michael had some time before he joined the band. There are also songs about personal experiences expressed through a lot of dark imagery. The meanings of the songs are masked.
Andrew: Was there a reason for not including the lyrics in the booklet?
Johnny: Just something we didn't want to do, no specific reason.
Andrew: The "Self-Titled" record definitely leans toward the metallic end of the music spectrum. Did any specific bands compel you to play this style of music?
Johnny: We take a lot of influence from the European melodic metal, a la At the Gates, In Flames, Soilwork, etc.
Andrew: How do you feel about the quality of American metal bands compared to European metal bands? With a lot of countries across the ocean producing a huge amount of metal bands, do you feel that any of them have influenced your sound?
Johnny: I'd say American metal and European metal are very different, so it's tough to compare the quality of the two. American metal being more brutal and European metal being more melodic and graceful. I think both have their pros and cons and would say both versions have really good bands spearheading their movements.
Andrew: Was there any reason behind including a cover of "Paint It Black," or does the band just like that song?
Johnny: We really wanted to do a cover. 'Paint it Black' was a perfect choice because the dark lyrics matched ours and the songs converted very well into melodic metal. Yeah, tons of people have covered it, blah blah. we did it and I think we've done it better than anyone else.
Andrew: I also like how The Agony Scene didn't fail to recognize the metalcore sound on the album. The breakdown at the end of "Judas" is monstrous, and a lot of other songs have similarly heavy, chugging parts. In the future, if you feel like you can answer this, do you see the band continuing to recognize its hardcore roots, or would you say that the band will head in new directions?
Johnny: Um, I think being heavy will always be a part of the Agony Scene, however we will branch out a lot. We look to add a lot more melody, and even singing (perhaps catchy and/or anthem-esque choruses). But I think that being heavy will be an integral part in the future.
Andrew: How has touring, in support of the "Self-Titled" CD, gone so far?
Johnny: Good and bad suppose, like anything else. We've done some really big, excellent tours, and little, shitty ones as well. All in all it's been a great experience, though.
Andrew: Any interesting memories or stories to share from the road?
Johnny: Man, just too many to share. All the guys we've met, all the great fans, it's just been a great time.
Andrew: Is there one place that the band as a whole enjoys stopping for food at while you're out on tour?
Johnny: Well, if you didn't know this, McDonald's double cheeseburgers are only a dollar(!). So we stop there quite often. In and Outs at 2am seem to be pretty popular, too.
Andrew: If, while out on tour, The Agony Scene has a day off, how do you usually spend that time?
Johnny: Sittin around and doing as little as possible. Or we'll hit up a local mall or Border's or catch a flick or something.
Andrew: So, Solid State always gets its bands these elaborate photo shoots and awesome album art. Is it strange to see such flashy photos of yourself and the band plastered on the internet?
Johnny: Ha, I don't think they're all that flashy, but I suppose seeing my picture random places on the internet is something I've gotten used to. And you can thank Mr. Don Clark of Demon Hunter fame for our awesome Album artwork, he did a great job and we love him for it.
Andrew: Well, that's about all I have to ask. If you want to say anything else, or mention something that could have been the answer to a good question, go ahead and do it. Otherwise, thanks for taking the time to respond to a rather lengthy set of questions!
Johnny: Hey, it was fun, thanks for sending them, you asked a lot of questions I've never been asked before.
Thanks!Johnny - TAS
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