Yesterday, we learned the shocking news that longtime Arch Enemy vocalist Angela Gossow would be stepping down from vocal duties to work more behind the scenes with the band. Her successor, Alissa White-Gluz would be coming on board full-time from The Agonist.
There were some Agonist fans bummed that she had to leave the project, but in a new message, Alissa makes it clear that the decision was not hers:
"To all my fans, friends and supporters,
"I am very honoured and happy to announce a new chapter in my life and musical career beginning now; I have joined forces with one of my all-time favourite and globally respected bands, Arch Enemy. 'Wages Of Sin' was the first metal album I ever bought and it was love at first listen. It is not often that you get a phone call from your favourite band asking you to join! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such amazingly talented musicians whom I also consider great friends.
"But it is with great sadness that I must also announce that The Agonist as you have come to know it is now a thing of the past. I had every intention of (and had even started) writing and recording yet another killer album this year, but my former bandmates decided to choose a different path. I wish I could change the situation, but the unfortunate decision was made beyond my control so I can only wish them the very best of luck now that our time working together has concluded. I will always be proud of the three albums we created since 2005 and I would like to show my appreciation for the incredibly open-minded and loyal fans that I have come to know through my past decade of work in the metal scene. Thank you for accepting every bit of eccentricity I threw your way. Everything from the band name to the lyrics, the songs, the artwork and visuals, the photo shoots, harmonies, melodies, (etc); I created every bit of those with immense thought and passion. I can assure you that I will continue to pour my creativity into writing, singing and performing and look forward to your continued support with Arch Enemy. Thank you all so much for believing in me and allowing me to express myself in a completely boundless way.
"Very importantly, I have to thank Angela Gossow for being my mentor and guardian angel over the years — I can honestly say that without her love and support, I would not have been able to make it through as much as I have. Angela has been an inspiration, an invaluable friend and I am proud to now call her a partner. I am very humbled and grateful to her, Michael, Daniel, Sharlee and Nick for entrusting me with the Arch Enemy torch. I feel very privileged that they have welcomed me not only to take over as vocalist but also to contribute to the writing process, since lyrical integrity is important to me. Everything about this new relationship feels so right and I think our music is representative of how strong the creative chemistry is. I'm ecstatic about the music we are making! I would also like to extend my deepest and most sincere gratitude to all the members, crew and fans of KAMELOT for believing in me, encouraging me and showing me endless love and appreciation over the years. It really means the world to me.
Thank you, again, to all my fans, family, colleagues and friends who supported my work all along for your relentless loyalty. I look forward to being able to write and perform at a whole new level now with Arch Enemy!
"Music is forever, metal is limitless and this is only the beginning!"
It's absolutely understandable why the rest of The Agonist wanted to move on with a new vocalist. Being in Arch Enemy will be a full-time gig for Alissa, and The Agoinst would have to play second-fiddle to her schedule, something I'm sure they didn't want to do.
On the bright side, both bands are able to continue to exist and this seems to be the most drama-free lineup switch I've see in a while.
