Formed in Savannah, Georgia from the remains of metallic hardcore band Vatican, AGONIZE represents a return to rawness that hardcore demands. Their latest EP, Highest Form releasing through Closed Casket Activities, eschews the over-production dominating modern metal in favor of capturing the visceral energy of a band wanting to tear a room apart performing right in front of your eyes.
Produced by Jeremy Martin (Vein.fm), AGONIZE tracked their latest offering with an emphasis on preserving the human9 element, deliberately avoiding click tracks and excessive editing to maintain the natural grit that defines their sound. Highest Form showcases the band's ability to craft memorable metal-influenced hardcore while maintaining a deliberately ugly, unrefined aesthetic that harkens back to the genre's roots.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of Meshuggah, Pantera, and Terror, AGONIZE crafts songs that balance technical prowess with deliberate restraint, avoiding the trap of overcomplicated riffs that lose sight of their core impact. Songs like opener “STRANGE REFLECTION” incorporates big metal riffing with rhythm that undeniably belongs to hardcore. Closing track “IN THE VACANT LOT” hints at future creative directions, incorporating atmospheric elements that expand their sonic palette without compromising their fundamental heaviness.
Beyond the music, AGONIZE extends their creative vision through DIY-filmed music videos shot on vintage equipment, producing horror-influenced visuals that feel like something the viewer shouldn’t be watching. Each member brings creative influences from outside the music world into Agonize's visual aesthetic, incorporating elements from horror films, video games, and graphic art, while vocalist Spencer Guerrero's work as a tattoo artist directly shapes the band's distinctive imagery and album artwork. This holistic approach to their art reflects the band's commitment to crafting an authentic representation of their hometown Savannah, showcasing the Southern Darkness that lives beneath its picturesque surface.
AGONIZE’s vision is squarely set on making hardcore musically and visually as dangerous as possible. With a heavy slate of shows already announced, AGONIZE’s 2025 is just beginning.
