The Classic Metal Album Reviews:
Title: Piece of Time
Artist: Atheist
Label: Death Records
Release Date: 1990

Rating: 3 Skulls
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    • Reviewed by Behemoth (7/26/01):
    Atheist is an entity that denies the existence of God or, in this case, the forsaken name of a south Florida metal act. Atheist began in early 1987 and managed to build a heavy local metal following in their native land. The original line up featured Kelly Schaeffer (vocals, guitars), Randy Burke (guitar), Roger Patterson (bass-RIP), and Steve Flyn (drums-RIP), hey they don,t call it death metal for nothing! Their debut album Piece of Time is a masterpiece for this period, the musicianship is superb. Trying to classify the band's sound is rather difficult, described by some critics as a progressive death metal. In my opinion they are not a death metal band by today's standards, more in the vein of a heavy thrash act with guttural vocals.

    Piece of Time features malefic jackhammer guitar riffs coupled with Schaeffer's raspy vocal style. Atheist recorded their debut album in 1988, with the infamous Scott Burns at Morrisound Studios. Burns has produced some of the greatest death metal acts ever recorded. From the mind melting opening track to the epilogue ("No Truth") the listener marvels at the brilliant musicianship. This well orchestrated record features instrumentation, which weaves a path of crunchy riffs through multiple time changes that are smoothed over by an exquisite rhythm section. Atheist is a band that arrived and departed before its time, this record would be a fine addition to your library if you enjoy early death metal with a thrash edge.
    3 out of 5

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