Aggravator is a thrash metal band from San Antonio TX, formed in 2008 by vocalist/rhythm guitarist Derek Jones and drummer Mike Cortes. After playing the local circuit for a while the band was joined by bassist Tristan Hernandez and lead guitarist Jesse Lopez. The band released their first demo Seven Swords in 2010, which was followed by their full length album Age of Combat, released by Dead Center Productions in 2012. On the strength of this release, Aggravator was asked to play the 2012 edition of Inferno Metal Festival in Oslo, Norway. After returning from overseas, the band embarked on a three week West Coast tour, further promoting Age of Combat. In 2013 the band inked a deal with Canadian label Mulligore Productions and began working on their second album. Aggravator released their sophomore effort entitled Populace Destructor in the summer of 2014. Populace Destructor has received nothing but praise from the press with the album being included in several best of the year lists, including Revolver Magazine putting the album in the top five releases for the month of May. After the re-release of Populace Destructor in 2015 through Dead Center Productions and a new album pressing, Aggravator returned overseas for a Scandinavian tour which included an appearance at the well renowned Muskelrock Festival 2016 in Sweden. Upon their return to the U.S. Aggravator followed up with an appearance at Full Terror Assault II Festival 2016 in Cave In Rock, IL. Reuniting with Dead Center Productions, Aggravator released their third full length album Sterile Existence October, 2016. The metal community has taken well to the album receiving solid, credible reviews throughout the world. After the closing of Dead Center Productions, the band has moved on to work with Dark Descent/ Unspeakable Axe Records. While in the process of recording their fourth full length album, the band was struck with the devastating news that Jesse Lopez passed away. Taking some time to gather their thoughts and recover from their loss, the band was determined to honor the last works of Jesse Lopez. Aggravator went on to release their self titled EP in September 2019 through Unspeakable Axe Records featuring the last works of Jesse Lopez and closing the chapter of the original four piece line-up. In 2021, Aggravator would then release Unseen Repulsions through Empire Records of belgium, an EP that would be their first effort without Jesse Lopez. Unseen Repulsions was recorded by the remaining original three members, featuring bass and lead guitar performed by Tristan Hernandez. Unseen Repulsions has been well received by the metal community and is a testament to the determination for Aggravator to continue on. With a new album approaching release in early 2023, Body Trench would be the outfits second release with Empire Records and first release with lead guitarist Austin Zettner. With this new line-up . Aggravator looks forward to continue writing music and performing throughout the world.
