Atheist - Elements (Rmst) (Dlx) (CD)

All Music Guide

Easily the most accessible of Atheist's three albums, 1993's Elements was recorded under duress from the band's record company, which forced them back into the studio after their initial break up in order to fulfill their contractual obligations. But, remarkably, the significantly retooled group (counting with a new drummer and guitarist) rose to the challenge, delivering another highly accomplished set, which illustrated both a natural evolution of their sound and served as a worthy final chapter to their all too brief and very troubled trajectory. Shedding most of the harsh dynamics of efforts past, Elements was the first Atheist L.P. to welcome melody with open arms, resulting in a far more immediate and organic listening experience throughout. Conceptually linked by lyrics focusing on the various earthly elements, songs like "Air," "Mineral" and "Fire" remain admirably true to the band's famously complicated arrangements, syncopated rhythms and ultraprecise attack, but also boast a cleaner musicality never before attempted by the group. The only challenge to the album's creative continuity then become the short instrumental mood pieces ("Samba Briza," "Fractal Point," etc.) interspersed among the actual songs, these proving a tad forced and oblique even for Atheist to pull off convincingly. Yet, with the final, old school aggression of the excellent title track, the band offers a fitting, allinclusive swan song summarizing their entire musical odyssey. [Elements' excellent CD reissue by Relapse Records rounds out a sterling trio of repackages with the same attention to detail, full lyrics, informative liner notes, revealing reminisces from vocalist/guitarist Kelly Shaefer, and, most important of all, six bonus tracks recorded during a live radio broadcast in 1992.]

- Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide