Agonanist Returns: A Deep Dive into “The Spirit of Gravity”

Experimental black metal project Agonanist, led by multi-instrumentalist Tyler Henthorn, breaks a six-year silence with their upcoming album, The Spirit of Gravity, set to release in August. This new record continues the musical journey started with Agonanist’s debut, The Cynicism of Solitude, showcasing Henthorn’s use of microtonal guitars to craft dissonant, immersive tracks, particularly evident in the single “Effacement.”

Musical Exploration in “Effacement”

“Effacement” opens with a relentless barrage of sound, immersing the listener in a chaotic atmosphere filled with screams and an atonal wall of noise. Amidst this chaos, a dissonant riff emerges, guiding the listener through the sonic landscape. Halfway through, Henthorn introduces bright guitar tones, shifting the song’s trajectory in an unexpected yet captivating direction. The album features contributions from a talented ensemble, including Andrew Lee on vocals, Kevin Paradis on drums, and Colin Marston handling mixing and mastering duties.

Interview Highlights with Tyler Henthorn

In conjunction with the premiere of “Effacement,” Decibel had the opportunity to speak with Henthorn about the creative process behind The Spirit of Gravity and the influences that shaped the album.

Creative Roots in Vietnam

Parts of this record were written or produced in Vietnam, right? Were you living there at the time or was it a conscious decision to visit and work on the record there?

In 2017, I modified a guitar and a bass to 17EDO using a jeweler’s saw and lived a nomadic life with just those two instruments. My goal was to eliminate distractions and challenge myself to find solutions within this specific tuning. The previous album, The Cynicism of Solitude, was crafted during my time in London and Ho Chi Minh City. I ended up enjoying my time in Vietnam so much that I stayed for eight years. During that period, I composed enough material to fill multiple albums.

Evolving Composition Techniques

It’s been six years since your debut, The Cynicism of Solitude. How has your approach to writing and recording for Agonanist changed?

My writing process for this album mirrored the approach I took for the first. I connected with a local instrument builder in Saigon who created various instruments in different tunings for me. I experimented with 12EDO, 15EDO, 17EDO, and 22EDO until I gathered enough fascinating pieces to compile an album.

Songwriting Philosophy

The way that you write songs and the instruments you use often results in very dense, atonal compositions. What’s your approach to songwriting and how do you determine what’s not enough, too much or just right?

My songwriting process is guided by my ears. I strive to engage with the listening experience actively, often removing elements to achieve the desired sound.

Collaborative Dynamics

Andrew Lee (Ripped to Shreds), Colin Marston (Krallice, Gorguts) and Kevin Paradis (ex-Benighted) are on this record with special features. What did their involvement provide that you couldn’t do yourself?

I approached Andrew, Kevin, and Colin with recorded demos and granted them the creative freedom to infuse their own artistry into the tracks. The resulting collaboration is far more intricate and engaging than if I had attempted to do everything alone.

Conclusion

With The Spirit of Gravity, Agonanist not only marks a return but also showcases significant artistic growth and experimentation from Tyler Henthorn. The album promises to be a rich exploration of sound, pushing the boundaries of black metal while maintaining the project’s unique identity. Fans eagerly await its release on August 28 through Transylvanian Recordings.

FAQs

When will Agonanist’s new album “The Spirit of Gravity” be released?

The album is set to be released on August 28 through Transylvanian Recordings.

Who are the featured musicians on the album?

The album features Andrew Lee on vocals, Kevin Paradis on drums, and Colin Marston on mixing and mastering.

What is the significance of microtonal guitars in Agonanist’s music?

Microtonal guitars allow for a unique exploration of tunings that create dissonant and enveloping soundscapes, enhancing the experimental nature of Agonanist’s black metal style.

How long did Tyler Henthorn live in Vietnam?

Tyler Henthorn lived in Vietnam for eight years, during which he created a substantial amount of music.