The band was originally formed in 2012 in Rochester, New York, by Jim Tasikas. Jim then enlisted his friend Ed Paulsen for bass duties, Brian Mason as lead guitar and George Kollias of Nile for drums. Contrarian roots came from the progressive and technical metal scene birthed in Rochester, NY in the mid-1990s which also brought to light bands such as Lethargy, Mastodon, Psyopus and Sulaco.[5][6][7][8] Contrarian recorded their first EP "Predestined" in 2014. This EP caught the attention of Jason Tipton at Willowtip Records and within one year the band released their first full-length album Polemic on November 20, 2015.[9][10][11]
The band's two latest album Only Time Will Tell and Sage of Shekhinah were also released via Willowtip Records, with mixing by producer Neil Kernon.[12][13][14] Contrarian has had guest appearances from Paul Masvidal of Cynic and Leon Macey of Mithras UK.
As of 2020, guitarists Jim Tasikas and Brian Mason are endorsed by ESP guitars.[15] Contrarian are known for their detailed album art covers and concept albums dealing with themes of philosophy and theology. Contrarian are also known for reviving an organic approach to recording technical metal in studio settings.[16][17][14][18][19]
