Atheist are without any doubts pioneers of technical, jazz-influenced death metal. Their previous album- “The Unquestionable Presence” was a death metal milestone, which dived fans into two groups. Now Atheist went even further.
Jazz is no longer only an influence for Kelly Shaefer’s crew, right now it goes along with death metal on the equal rights. Amazing, almost unbelievable technical skill goes with astonishing feeling. From the first to the last note album goes really natural. Let’s put it straight- it’s no longer death metal blast in the face- album has a lot of metal elements, some awesome thrashy moments, but Kelly’s vocals on “Elements” are softer- and so does music. But it didn’t affected quality. Every part, every note here is exactly on the place, where it should be. What’s more- in my opinion this album was one of the bravest experiments in history of metal- and it’s even more impressive, that Atheist made it on such high level. Guitar onslaught combined with jazz druming, samba feeling and flamenco solos? Why not- it worked for them. 
But I realize that for the most orthodox DM fans this album may be unlistenable. Atheist went miles away from there debut album, exploring unknown paths. It’s a matter of personal opinion if you like that experiment and find it visoneer or you’ll just bury that band after first two albums. Personally- I’ve always been an Atheist fan, and even if my favourite album is “The Unqestionable Presence”, “Elements” is the CD that I listen to more often. Unusual, brave yet perfect.

Wojciech Michalak