Ophis666 - Atomizer 'Caustic Music...' review
Found this great review of the 'Caustic Music...' album. Read on...
Post mortem reference to an Australian band whose work came to my knowledge when they didn't exist anymore.
Atomizer was a thrash/black metal band that was active from 1998 untill 2008, recorded 3 LP's and several EP's. Personaly, although I was aware of their existence, I didn't show any interest to them because of my general dislike to the thrash/black metal idiom. It was only a couple of weeks ago that their swansong Caustic Music For The Spiritually Bankrupt came into my attention and left me stunned.
My first notice on the record would be that the thrash/black metal tag is very restrictive to their music and doesn't do them justice. Thrash metal is the base on which Atomizer build their sonicscsapes but the ingridients they use vary and are cleverly blent together to create a dark, thoughtful and esoteric result that is trully amazing. The weirdness of mid era Voivod, the darkness of early 80's new wave-post punk-gothic rock and an aura of Into the Pandemonium lead to an amazing result and form one of the best records I've listened for the last couple of years. I can't recomend this album enough.
It is always sad when worthy artists end their career, when on their creative peack and with such a promising work of art, but at least they choose to close the chapter with a really fitting and glorious epitaph. For me this a chance to dive into their previous works.
Glory to thee, mighty Atomizer.
Check out the original post
General site update
Not a lot to tell about a well defunct band, but as you can see I am in the process of rebuilding the site. Will make it a grand historical insight into the band. It's a work in progress, so please be patient.
Atomizer interview with Franang Zine, France
As Eric has long supported Atomizer I thought it only right that I grant him a posthumous interview.
Read the interview
'Caustic Music...' review at Blabbermouth
There is evolution in music and then there is revolution. ATOMIZER's 'Caustic Music for the Spiritually Bankrupt' is without a doubt of the revolutionary variety compared to previous albums of a more traditional black/thrash nature. I for one would have loved to hear what Melbourne's own Jason Healey (bass/guitar/vocals/damn-near-everything) did next. Alas, that's not going to happen, as the dream officially died with this final release. Not only is "Caustic Music…" a huge leap forward for ATOMIZER, it is also a welcome - and still somehow fitting - change of pace for Hells Headbangers, a label that most often proudly sticks to what it knows.
What the fuss is all about is an album from ATOMIZER that has largely shed its black metal skin and gone for an infectious, stripped down and propulsive sound that owes as much to JOY DIVISION as it does BESTIAL MOCKERY. Yet there is no loss of aggression or nefarious atmosphere. The venom still flows from the mouth of Healey; he just enunciates in a way that reminds of latter period classic British punk and it fits splendidly with the bass-driven compositions. Recorded with the tough 'n tight drumming of Sean Cummiskey, this final studio album is a real mover that features song after memorable song.
"A Song to Swing To" does in fact swing with its gothy post-punk chorus, strong rhythmic backbone and semi-thrashing riff. The aggressiveness is kicked up a notch on "Upon the Lamb of God They Suckle No More", another standout. "Hail Hail to the Hangman" and "Flowering Spores of Imagination" are supported by attention-grabbing backing shouts. "A Date with Eternity" even boasts the magnificent sounds of a trumpet! "Esoteria is Now in Command" is one of several tracks with lyrics that burn into the brain ("when you grind it all down it's nothing but pulp").
In fact, the lyrics throughout explore a range of dark tales. On 'All Disfigured and Blue' it is autoerotic asphyxiation ("His intention was not to kill himself") and on "As the Blackening Waves of Fear within me Rise" the subject is suicide ("the floor just inches from my feet, that chair I stepped off just out of reach"). It is glorious, it is tuneful, and it is frightful in its menacing approach.
'Caustic Music for the Spiritually Bankrupt' is just a great album and easily one of the best releases to come from the hallowed halls of Hells Headbangers. If you knew nothing of ATOMIZER prior to hearing this album, you'll soon be intrigued to the hilt, surely digging up as much information on Healey's work as possible and purchasing the rest of the catalogue.
- Scott Alisoglu
To the Blabbermouth site
'Caustic Music...' review at Lords Of Metal
Atomizer - Caustic Music For The Spiritually Bankrupt
This band from Melbourne consisting of wild dogs nearly did not survive the sudden passing of the band’s drummer Aaren Suds Suttil on the 27th December 2006. The songs were ready but understandably they were too shattered to record it. ‘Caustic Music For The Spiritually Bankrupt‘ was eventually recorded with the help of Sean Cummiskey, who also lends his service to bands like Astriaal and Urgrund.
Any how, this is the swan song of this Australian band, their last effort to destroy and baffle their audiences. And they did so effortlessly! Atomizer was always labeled black metal or thrash metal, but with this CD it’s obvious: they are neither! 'Caustic Music For The Spiritually Bankrupt' goes beyond these streams and maybe there are great thrash riffs incorporated, and maybe the vocals are sometimes really scary black metallish, but the sum is more than the components apart. Dark, twisted and untouchable they are with regular phenomenal melody lines and great low 'normal' vocals, draped over a steady punch of bass and drums. Just listen to the opening riff of 'Caustic Transmissions' or the innovative guitar thrash of the Sisters Of Mercy like, Darkthrone-ish 'A Song To Swing To'. They say you should stop at your peak. Atomzier does just that.
85/100 ( Clearly above average, you should check this one out.)
To the Lords Of Metal site
Atomizer OSCommerce online store now open!
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'Caustic Music...' Review from VOICES FROM THE DARKSIDE
The name, ATOMIZER, belies a music that constructs an atmosphere one would not expect simply by reading the name alone. Instead, while this is a Metal album, it is an unusual one. Thrash Metal spliced with "Angel Rat" era VOIVOD and sounds that hint at early 80s Goth results in something like this record. Unlike most musical experiments, this record should not prove a hit or miss affair. Instead, it should either impress or simply satisfy. ATOMIZER have had the Black / Thrash label stuck on them ever since they began recording, and while that is true, it is also restrictive. The latest record is not only a Thrash album, it's an esoteric album with a hearty assortment of light, but deeply penetrating melodies. Sadly, this is ATOMIZER's final record. They've left a healthy legacy. www.hellsheadbangers.com, www.atomizer.net, www.myspace.com/atomizer666
Nat Shapiro
We have just moved over to a new server, thus the hassles with the site being offline for a few days. That is all resolved now. We have also updated the Buy stuff PDF with some more suitable prices etc. Launch that by clicking here. Soon we will move over to an OsCommerce page for all our releases etc and this will factor in postage rates and stuff like that. Will probably post a bunch of non Atomizer releases that are 2nd hand and tucked away for trades etc.
As most will be aware the illustrious 'Caustic Music For The Spiritually Bankrupt' album is out now through Hells Headbangers. Available on a number of formats including standard jewel case CD, deluxe gatefold LP and deluxe 2CD edition, each edition is available directly from the band or through Hells Headbangers
A feature with Jason appears in the current issue of Metal Maniacs (with Napalm Death on the cover) and in the forthcoming edition of Zero Tolerance from the UK. Thanks to the noble Nathan T. Birk for all his great work!
Drakkar Productions also recently issued a new version of the 'Death Mutation...' album which comes with modified artwork, remastered sound, 6 bonus tracks and a slipcase. Once again this release is available from us, HH and Drakkar Productions direct.
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