BEYOND

"Beyond" is the second demo recording by US, Florida based technical death/thrash metal act Atheist. The demo was independently released in April 1988 and it was recorded at Morrisound Studios, Tampa, Florida, USA, in April 1988. Atheist formed in 1984 under the Oblivion monicker but didn´t release anything under that name before changing their name to R.A.V.A.G.E. in 1985 and releasing the two demos "Rotting in Hell" (1985) and "On We Slay" (1987). In late 1987 they once again changed their name to Atheist and soon after released the November 1987 "Hell Hath No Mercy" demo. Since the release of the "Hell Hath No Mercy" demo lead guitarist Rand Burkey has joined completing the quartet lineup, who would subsequently record and release Atheist´s debut full-length studio album "Piece of Time" (Active Records, May 1990).

Stylistically the five tracks on the 17:34 minutes long demo is technical death/thrash metal delivered with great technical skill, speed, and a furious intensity and aggression. The demo features three tracks ("No Truth", "On They Slay", and "Beyond") which would make it unto "Piece of Time" in re-recorded versions, but also the tracks "Choose Your Death" and "Brain Damage", which didn´t. "Brain Damage" had already appeared in early versions on the two R.A.V.A.G.E. demos while "Choose Your Death" is exclusive to this release, although parts of the song would be re-arranged into "Life", which does appear on "Piece of Time".

"Beyond" features a raw, aggressive, and savage soundind production job, but it´s still detailed enough for all instruments and vocals to stand out in the mix. Atheist´s unique way of playing and their original sound are both audible here, and it´s no wonder that Active Records signed the band on the grounds of this demo. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)

There are demos and then there are ATHEIST demos! BEYOND is one of those rare demos that shows how proficient this band was from the start. The material on here is so strong and of album quality that three out of the five tracks made it onto the debut album "Piece Of Time." "Brain Damage" also appeared on the "On They Slay" demo leaving "Choose Your Death" the only track to never go any further. The music on here is just superb! I just love the raw and unfiltered sound that this demo exhibits. I find that this raw sound works so well with a naturally talented metal act like ATHEIST with their passion burners turned up full blast. This demo has been remastered and is available as bonus tracks on the remastered version of "Piece Of Time." This is so excellent I actually prefer these versions to the better produced album versions!