Very interesting debut. If they manage to evolve their identity around songs like Atoma, Hole In The Sky or Bermuda Riviera and skip the dispensable harsh vocals, Atoma will be one of the finest bands of the decade.
I have gone back to this album many more times than I expected to. This is truly something different. They very much accomplish the journey through time and space they set out to deliver.
Am I overrating this? Maybe just a little... but the atmosphere on this record is really quite unique and refreshing, the songs are brilliantly constructed and well executed, and I find the whole thing very exciting. Listen to Highway to see what kind of range and scope this band has. From the eponymous title track, which is a tribal dance beat with Blade Runner dystopian vibes, to the blissful soaring heights of Cloud Nine, the album leaves me breathless and wanting more, in spite of its 50 minute runtime. Even in the face of the Ne Obliviscaris record, which is also fantastic, this is my favorite metal release from 2012 so far.
