Atheist

Born in Sarasota, Florida, Atheist formed in the mid-1980s under the names Oblivion and then R.A.V.A.G.E., before adopting its definitive identity in 1987. The band situates itself in the Floridian death metal scene, but with a more technical and progressive approach, where thrash speed, shifting structures and highly developed bass lines occupy a central place. Around Kelly Shaefer, Roger Patterson, Rand Burkey, and Steve Flynn, Atheist records Piece of Time in 1989, followed by Unquestionable Presence in 1991, a record that marks this aesthetic with its very precise playing and its complex writing. The death of Roger Patterson in 1991, shortly before recording, remains a decisive episode in the band's history; Tony Choy subsequently participates in this period and then on Elements in 1993, an album that further broadens the band's spectrum with more visible jazz and progressive accents. After an initial breakup in the 1990s, Atheist reforms in 2006 to return to the scene, notably at international metal festivals, then returns to the studio with Jupiter in 2010. Since then, Atheist has continued to evolve around Kelly Shaefer with several lineup changes, while preserving this combination of technical death metal, progressive and thrash heritage that runs through its entire discography.