|
15 years of existence make Agressor one of the oldest and most experienced bands in European Death Metal history.
By evolving from their 87 trash debut (split CD with with Loudblast) to the technical, medieval orientated Death Metal of the previous album (95), and by touring in the past with bands like Messiah, Coroner or with recent success Cradle of Filth, Agressor draw respect from their peer in Europe and abroad.
Their last full-length "Medieval Rites" is a résumé of what Agressor stand and stood for. From fast, unrelenting songs (sounds just like their debut), to classical, medieval song which are the trademark of the band. "Medieval rites" is a diverse and mature album that only few experienced bands can offer.
The MCD "The Spirit of Evil" is an extension of that album, containing one new track, three songs from "Medieval Rites" featuring James Murphy (his appearance is absent on "Medieval Rites" itself!), three live recordings and two video tracks. "The Spirit of Evil" is limited to 1.000 albums only.
Agressor are widely acknowledged as the godfathers of French Death Metal. Founded in 1986 they were one of the first bands playing this style of music and setting the standards for all other bands in this style to follow, in France as well as in Europe.
Back in 1987, with the MCD "Satans Sodomy", Agressor recorded the first ever French Death Metal album. The MCD was released by Noise Records and re-released later on by Black Mark Prod. (1994). After their debut MCD came two full-length albums: "Neverending Destiny" (1990) and "Towards Beyond" (1992). Thanks to intensive touring (together with Loudblast, Wargasm, Sinister, festivals with Messiah, Coroner, etc) and a worldwide distribution, the band soon became popular.
At this point Alex (guitar/vocals) was the only one left of the original line-up. With a new line-up Alex started recording the third album, named "Symposium of Rebirth" (1994). With this release Agressor go forward in their style, being faithful to their roots, but also exploring new terrain working with the Lyon Philharmonic Classical Orchestra for the recording.
After their U.K. tour with Cradle Of Filth in June 96, Alex started working for Black Mark and also became an official endorsed Ibanez guitarist and the 1st "Masterclass Guitar School" metal teacher. Due to all these activities, Agressor were put on hold for a couple of years.
But the urge to play came back, and Alex started working on "Medieval Rites", together with long-time partner Joel (bass). Many different musicians were invited: a flutist, a violinist, trumpeters, an opera female singer, plus guest appearances by well-known figures from the Metal scene: Mortem Nielsen (ex Mercyful Fate), Kai Hahto (Rotten Sound, Enochian Crescent), Krell and Christina from Bloodthorn and James Murphy (whose tapes sadly arrived too late, his tribute will appear later on a MCD, the MCD "The Spirit of Evil").
|
|
|
