Metal Anarchy

The Agonist’s Vicky Psarakis recently made headlines after claiming that former vocalist Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy) “has been trying to kill [the] band ever since she was fired.” Now, White-Gluz has issued a statement through Angela Gossow‘s Kult Management, denying all of the allegations that were leveled against her.

White-Gluz said the following:

“I do not and have not talked about [The Agonist] or even thought about them in years. I am more than happy to talk to Vicky and put her concerns to rest because I know for a fact they are completely untrue. I have nothing but good luck to give her since I know I really enjoyed the music I made in that band and I’m sure she is making great music now too. She is welcome to contact me and always has been welcome to do so, but never has.”

She continued:

“I want to give her the benefit of the doubt that she is just confused or misinformed. I don’t know anything about her and as such, don’t have any ill will towards her.”

She also added:

“The only contact I’ve had with them in any way was when I encountered the bass player at a metal show in Montreal a few years back and had nothing but a handshake with him. That was the ONLY contact I have had with that band in any way shape or form since we parted ways. I cannot stress enough that I am extremely happy and extremely busy with my current projects and don’t have time to dwell on the activities of others.”

She later continued:

“I do not have any time, energy or interest to invest in trying to control someone else. Women in metal ALL stick together, no matter what. She and I are both just trying to have our music heard and I know firsthand how emotional and difficult it can be because I’ve been through it all, working my way from the ground up for years.

I have no negative feelings towards her. I think she just misspoke and got emotionally carried away.

She is welcome to contact me at any time. I am happy to help her in any way she needs and I sincerely wish her the best.

I am proud of my fans for taking the high road and not engaging in harassing others. Please do NOT harass Vicky or her band. People make mistakes and we can forgive them. Thank you.”

Kult Management also commented:

“Alissa does not work for a record label, agency, management, promoter or any other position in the music industry. The only role she has is that of a freelance singer and she has no power over what paths other bands take in their careers.”

The company went on to say that the accusations are “completely false” before adding:

“For decades now, we have championed the unity between women in metal and within the metal scene in general and we will continue to do so, here.

It seems Vicky has gotten quite emotional over things she either believes to be true or has invented for some reason. We are not angry at her; we are here to help her and clarify anything she needs. We are happy to jump on a phone call with her to set her mind at ease and we are sorry she is dealing with a lot of stress at the moment. So far she has not responded, but the offer still stands.”

Kult Management also got statements from The Agonist‘s current and former labels:

Napalm Records:

“Alissa has never interfered, commented nor was she involved in or was the reason for any business decision. The Agonist‘s current album has been licenced to Rodeostar Records, a company that is a completely separated and independent entity from Napalm Records.”

Century Media Records:

“The Agonist were signed to Century Media for four albums, all of which have been delivered by the band and released by the label. With the delivery of the fourth contractual album, ‘Eye Of Providence‘, the deal was fulfilled. The decision not to renew the contract was not in any way influenced by Arch Enemy, the band’s management or their singer Alissa White-Gluz.”

[via Blabbermouth]