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Unquestionable Presence

djero44

djero44

Mar 3, 2009
484
118
Hotchkiss, Colorado
#1
Ok, i'm going fishing for some conversation again.

Has anyone else heard this album by the prog-metal band Athiest? It was released in 1991, I believe. I just googled it and was quite pleased to see it is regarded as one of the most influential technical metal albums ever, but i've mentioned it to dozens of people over the years and noone i've met is familiar with it.

This recording is AMAZING. Not only is it some of the most technical music i've ever heard, with tight, well written three part guitar harmonies, intensive odd time synchopated riffs, powerful changes and some really impressive bass playing, it also has much more thoughtful lyricism than most of what i've heard from any comparable genre. It's been a long time since I have listened to much metal, but i've never lost my appreciation for it. It also features some of the most innovative and over-the-top drumming i've ever heard, which is insanely complex yet somehow perfect. I wonder what happened to that guy... (guess i'll have to google that.)

Ok you bass players, I know there are many of you here interested in progressive and metal music, if you are not familiar with this stuff you absolutely should check it out. The albums title track is astounding, but so are many of the other tunes. The bass goes from thumping speed metal to serious slapping, something i've rarely heard in this context.

Check it out!
 
#2
I've had this album for a long time and it never ceases to amaze me. Unfortunately, Roger Patterson perished in a car accident which really made the band lose much of its creativity. He was a major influence to the music, and most of the songs were created by him and the drummer.

If anyone hasn't already heard of the band Cynic, they are also in the same boat as these guys and are WELL worth a listen.
 
#3
Nice, i've not heard of Cynic (though it rings a slight bell...) i'll have to check that out for sure.

If this thread turns even one person to this album then i'm super happy to have posted it. I agree Griff, i've been listening to it off and on since it was released and it's continually amazing!

It's a sad story of Roger Patterson's death. Too many creative musical souls seem lost so early. I personally really appreciate that we have recordings and songs to remember them by. I read that Unquestionable Presence was dedicated to him, and I think Tony Choy did a great job on his parts, how would that be to try and fill shoes like that? I'm not sure i've actually heard their first album (definately not since i've been a bass fanatic), i'll have to check that out to see where this inspiration really came from.
 
#5
(b)Assman said:
Maybe you could post a sample next time?
Click to expand...


They're on Myspace ;) Link Removed

I'd like to hear that Unquestionable Presence live track. I'm on dial up atm, perhaps i'll let it load for awhile. Mother Man is one of my favorites from that album, as are Your Life's Retribution and Brains. I bought the album Elements when it came out, but it didn't compare for me, perhaps because no Roger Patterson?

It's funny I was thinking about this band but had no idea they had recently rejoined and were touring. My ears must have been buzzing! That's a bad*ss touring schedule too.
 

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