Antagonist A.D.
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Antagonist A.D. | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Genres | Metalcore |
| Labels | Trial & Error Elevenfiftyseven |
| Members | Sam Crocker Kris 'Boozey' Bosman Israel McDean Matthew Livingstone |
| Past members | Sean O'Kane Connelly Brendan Wishnowsky Joshua Moffitt |
| Website | Antagonist A.D. |
Antagonist A.D. are a New Zealand metalcore band.
History
Formation and S/T Demo' (2005)
Antagonist A.D started in 2005 by vocalist Sam Crocker and bassist Joshua Moffitt. The intention was to create a fast heavy metallic hardcore band - in the vein of unrelenting American acts such as Martyr A.D. and Until The End combined with 'euro' breaks similar to European bands Arkangel and Maroon.
Known then as simply 'Antagonist' - feeling the bands shared similar ideals and ethos the name was taken from Maroons debut full length.
The original line up also comprised drummer Brendon Wishnowsky and Sean Connolly. The band quickly recorded a well received 4 song demo with Ulcerate's Jamie Saint Merat. Some releases of this Demo following the main pressing featured a fifth song entitled 'Some Glory'.
These Cities, Our Graves (2005–2008)
The end of 2005 saw the band lose original guitarist Sean and drummer Brendon, but gain guitarists Kris Bosman, Ross Mcdougall and drummer Israel Mcdean. The line-up at this point boasted a remarkable and promising pedigree composed of former members of notable New Zealand hardcore/metalcore bands The Warpath, 21 Guns, Kill Me Quickly, Evil Priest and Promise of Bloodshed.
The bands debut full length These Cities, Our Graves was recorded in early 2006 by Avalanche City frontman David Baxter (then guitarist in metalcore band One Must Fall). The album was released on 1157 records (previously a home to NZ hardcore greats such as DSM, Balance and The Bleeders).[1]
Lyrically, the band stood apart from others in there genre as well as local acts with their subject matter. Covering topics widely left alone in Australasia like Animal & Women's rights - tracks such as Show Some Heart, Suicide Girls & R.E.S.P.E.C.T became signatures for the band.
It was at this point when the band made their first trip to Australia with the help of Washed Up Records label owner Tommy Dollars. Playing in Victoria and South Australia with well-known local bands Stronghold, Her Nightmare and, then, relatively 'new' band, The Red Shore the band as well as various Queensland dates supporting US hardcore band Most Precious Blood. It was the first time in years that a New Zealand hardcore band had made the trip across the Tasman.
Gaining momentum and a solid fan base throughout Australia the band was quickly picked up by Melbourne based label Trial & Error Records.[2] An Australian version of These Cities, Our Graves was released through Trial & Error Records in 2008. Featuring two brand new tracks, 'Distance' and 'Stranger'.
The band then toured Australia nationally with Parkway Drive, Have Heart (USA) and Break Even in support of the release.[3]
Following the tour the band continued to play throughout both New Zealand and Australia for the next year and built a reputation as New Zealand's most hard-working band as well as being known for their energetic and engaging live show.
We Are The Dead (2008–2010)
Antagonist A.D. released its Second Studio album in Australia and New Zealand in October, 2008. Recorded at various studios around Auckland and Hamilton New Zealand it was sent off shore to be mixed and mastered by Zack Ohren - the man responsible for The Ghost Inside's album Fury and the Fallen Ones[4]
With international tours looming on the horizon the band released 'We Are The Dead' under the name 'Antagonist A.D.' adding the suffix to avoid confusion with an American band using the name Antagonist already.[5]
This same year the band played New Zealand's biggest music festival Big Day Out sharing the main stage with notable act Rage Against The Machine.[6]
2009 saw the band undertake a successful headline tour throughout South East Asia (Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia & Indonesia) & Japan. Returning mid-2009 to tour with Earth Crisis and Day of Contempt through Australia.
Shortly after the Earth Crisis tour towards the end of 2009 the band decided to part ways with guitarist Ross McDougall.
In August, 2010 they made their first trip to Europe with friends 50 Lions (Australia) & Gravemaker (Canada), returning to New Zealand mid-September to tour with Parkway Drive on their 'Deep Blue' album release tour alongside The Devil Wears Prada and The Ghost Inside.
"Old Bones Make New Blooms" (2010–Present)
'Old Bones Make New Blooms' was recorded in 2010 at Red Dog Studios by Nate Sowter. Following a series of delays from record label Trial & Error the five song 7" saw the light in February 2011.
In the space of the 7"s recording and release the band found a replacement for Ross in Matthew Livingstone.
Founding member and bassist Joshua Moffitt left the band in July 2010 to move to Japan. Where he is working with other scientists on a new sustainable and environmentally sound power source for Japan.
The band is currently writing for their third studio album as four piece. The yet to be titled full length is to be recorded at Red Dog Studios with Nate Sowter in December 2011.
From its inception, the band have shared the stage with countless high profile overseas acts (Madball, Converge, Parkway Drive, The Ghost Inside, Darkest Hour, Unearth, Bleeding Through, Comeback Kid, Throwdown, First Blood to name but a few) - and continue to tour between New Zealand and Australia frequently.
Members
Current:
Sam Crocker- vocals
Matthew Livingstone - guitar
Kris 'Boozey' Bosman - guitar
Israel McDean- drums
Discography
| Date of Release | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | These Cities, Our Graves | Elevenfiftyseven Records |
| 2007 | Distance EP | Elevenfiftyseven Records |
| 2008 | We Are the Dead | Trial & Error Records |
| 2011 | Old Bones Make New Blooms | Trial & Error Records |