New Music Review: ATOMIS ‘The Void Box Set’

Rating: 8 / 10 Stars

ATOMIS is: Nathan Navetto (drums), Matthew McLaughlin (guitar/vocals/keys), Taylor Johnson (guitar), Bryan Buss (bass)

REVIEW – ‘The Void Box Set,’ released on August 30, 2024, marks a comprehensive exploration of ATOMIS‘ sonic journey. This three-album collection encapsulates the band’s evolution, from their self-titled debut recorded in 2014 to the experimental ‘Welcome to the Void’ and the raw ‘Live Demos’ performed between 2010 and 2014. Formed in 2010, ATOMIS has crafted an expansive soundscape that blends elements of post-rock, metal, and ambient noise, offering listeners an epic musical experience.

The first album, ‘ATOMIS,’ opens with “12 Chains,” featuring crunchy riffs and thundering drums, setting a dark and heavy tone. “Awakening,” a 14-minute epic, weaves through atmospheric landscapes and heavy downtuned riffs, guiding the listener through an emotional journey. “In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts” showcases hypnotic fretless bass slides and haunting guitar melodies, culminating in “Maelström,” a nine-minute track that delivers a powerful closing statement with its relentless energy and complex layers.

‘Welcome to the Void,’ the second album in the set, represents Nathan Navetto’s experimental vision. Tracks like “Genesis” and “Entropy” dive into ambient and synth-laden territory, presenting an otherworldly experience that contrasts with the debut album’s raw power. The reimagined tracks such as “In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts” are given new life through electronic soundscapes and atmospheric synths, creating a dream-like aura that encapsulates the album’s exploration of space and time.

The final album, ‘Live Demos,’ captures ATOMIS‘ live essence with raw, unpolished recordings. From the intense “Maelström” to the atmospheric “Lot Lizard,” this collection portrays the band’s dynamic stage presence. The live versions of these tracks, like “The Charmer and His King” and “Titus Andronicus,” offer a glimpse into the band’s earlier performances, showcasing their ability to balance ambient passages with crushing metal riffs. The album closes with the untitled “NEW SOG!,” a psychedelic musical journey that leaves the listener enveloped in its emotional depth.

‘The Void Box Set’ is a tribute to ATOMIS‘ legacy and the creative vision of drummer Nathan Navetto, who passed away in 2020. This collection captures the band’s willingness to push the boundaries of post-rock and metal, blending crushing riffs with serene ambient soundscapes. ‘The Void Box Set’ is a must-have for fans of experimental metal and those seeking a profound musical journey through the void.