THE AGONIST Signs With CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS

It is extremely rare to find an up-and-coming metal band taking strong political stands, much less one that's led by a dominating, beautiful, edgy female. But it is exactly this unique dynamic that led Century Media Records to sign Montreal's THE AGONIST (formerly THE TEMPEST) to a worldwide deal. This quartet delivers introspective, scathing lyrics, and their debut album "Once Only Imagined", which is set for a summer release, will definitely catch people's attention.

Vocalist Alissa White-Gluz's vegan roots fuel her need to promote the protection of the planet and its inhabitants, and she does so through this outlet. Along with guitarist Danny Marino, bassist Chris Kells and drummer Simon McKay, each member brings their own rich musical backgrounds to the table, creating the perfect expression of melody and madness. Make no mistake, this is a straight-up metal band that holds nothing back with one goal in mind: to make music that is as catchy as it is heavy; as sweet as it is loud; and as angry as it is melancholy. Be sure to visit www.myspace.com/theagonist for new photos and new tracks. A new song, "Rise and Fall", also appears on Century Media's free spring sampler.

Alissa states: "We were definitely intrigued when Century Media took notice, simply by chance, after hearing a few unmastered tracks of ours. This partnership with Century gives us the platform to say what we need to say and do what we need to do, and that is promote and educate the public on some fundamental causes that are quickly being forgotten, voiced through provoking music that carries the message home."

THE AGONIST kicks off their first run of the U.S. with dates supporting labelmates GOD FORBID this spring. They will then join EPICA and VISIONS OF ATLANTIS for select dates in September, leading them immediately into a month-long North American tour with SONATA ARCTICA. They will cap off the fall with shows alongside OVERKILL, further proving their ability to appeal to multiple genres while winning over any crowd they face. See below for their complete touring itinerary.

THE AGONIST tour dates:

With GOD FORBID:

May 17 - The Silo – Reading, PA

With DORO:

June 13 - The Funhaus – Toronto, ON

With GOD FORBID:

June 15 The Station – Portland, ME
June 16 Mark's Place – Bedford, NH
June 17 Webster Theatre – Hartford, CT

With EPICA, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS:

Sep. 06 Webster Theatre – Hartford, CT
Sep. 08 Mark's Place – Bedford, NH
Sep. 09 Highline Ballroom – New York, NY

With SONATA ARCTICA:

Sep. 12 - Palladium – Dallas, TX
Sep. 14 - The Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM
Sep. 15 The Clubhouse – Tempe, AZ
Sep. 16 - The Key Club – Hollywood, CA
Sep. 17 - The Galaxy Theatre – Santa Ana, CA
Sep. 19 - Bluebird Theatre – Denver, CO
Sep. 21 - Metro/Smart Bar – Chicago, IL
Sep. 22 - Harpo's Concert Theatre – Detroit, MI
Sep. 23 - Peabody's Down Under – Cleveland, OH
Sep. 24 - The Opera House – Toronto, ON
Sep. 26 - Salle Albert Rousseau – Quebec City, QC
Sep. 27 - Medley – Montreal, QC
Sep. 28 - Chance Theater – Poughkeepsie, NY
Sep. 29 - The Palladium – Worcester, MA
Sep. 30 - B.B. Kings Blues Club – New York City, NY
Oct. 02 - The Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA
Oct. 03 - Jaxx – Springfield, VA
Oct. 06 - Culture Room – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Oct. 07 - The Haven – Winter Park, FL
Oct. 09 - Meridian – Houston, TX

With OVERKILL:

Oct. 11 - The Mad Hatter – Covington, KY
Oct. 12 - Alrosa Villa – Columbus, OH
Oct. 13 - Harpo's – Detroit, MI
Oct. 14 - The Pearl Room – Mokena, IL
Oct. 15 - The Rock – Maplewood, MN