Atheist

Artist

Atheist

11

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About

Atheist are a US technical death metal band from Sarasota, Florida. The band is known for its highly complex playing and for incorporating jazz and Latin elements into their sound. They were initially founded in 1984 under then name Oblivion, which was soon changed to R.A.V.A.G.E. (Raging Atheist Vowing A Gory End). The band issued several demos under this name before shortening their moniker to just Atheist. The band released their first album, "Piece Of Time" in 1989. The line-up was Kelly Shaefer (vocals, guitar), Rand Burkey (guitar), Roger Patterson (bass), and Steve Flynn (drums). In 1991, as the band was preparing their follow up, Patterson was killed in a car accident. He was replaced by Tony Choy (Pestilence). Atheist broke up the following year but in 1993, Kelly Shaefer put together a new line-up featuring Choy, Jason Greenbaum (drums), and Frank Emmi (guitar). Growing problems with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome forced Shaefer to limit his guitar playing to just rhythm guitar. Just prior to recording their new album, Rand Burkey rejoined the group. The album, "Elements" toned down the metal influences and increased the jazz and Latin elements. Atheist split again after its release.

In 2005, Relapse Records reissued Atheist's 3 albums with bonus tracks that included demos and live tracks. In 2006, it was announced the Atheist was reuniting with Shaefer, Flynn, Choy, and Burkey along with guitarist Sonny Carson, as tendonitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome prevented Shaefer from playing guitar. However, personal legal problems forced Burkey to exit and he was replaced by Chris Baker. In 2010, it was announced the Choy had left the band for other projects. Later that year, Shaefer, Flynn, Baker and guitarist Jonathan Thompson recorded the album "Jupiter", with Thompson recording all the bass parts.

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Top Tracks

Most popular songs on Last.fm

1

Mother Man

Atheist

2

Unquestionable Presence

Atheist

3

Enthralled in Essence

Atheist

4

An Incarnation's Dream

Atheist

5

The Formative Years

Atheist

6

Piece of Time

Atheist

7

Brains

Atheist

8

And the Psychic Saw

Atheist

9

Unholy War

Atheist

10

On They Slay

Atheist

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Atheist has released 11+ albums. Some of their notable releases include Jupiter, Jupiter, Unquestionable Presence: Live At Wacken. Explore their complete discography on this page.

Some of Atheist's most popular tracks include Mother Man, Unquestionable Presence, Enthralled in Essence, An Incarnation's Dream, The Formative Years. Listen to these songs and discover more from their extensive catalog.

Atheist are a US technical death metal band from Sarasota, Florida. The band is known for its highly complex playing and for incorporating jazz and Latin elements into their sound. They were initial... Read the full biography on this page.

You can find Atheist vinyl records and merchandise on eBay. We feature a curated selection of vinyl releases and collectibles available for purchase.

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