Relationship Of Command
by At the Drive-In
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Drowned In Sound
    100
    The new album, Relationship of Command, is one of the most amazing collections of music I have ever heard.
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    100
    RELATIONSHIP OF COMMAND IS THE GREATEST ROCK ALBUM I HAVE HEARD IN THE LAST TEN YEARS.
  3. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    In a bad time for young guitar bands, including many barely forgettable ones lumped under the trade name "emo," these ambitious yowlers are reason for hope.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    90
    ATDI's latest album has its amps cranked to the hilt from start to finish. Far from being another in a long line of sanitised American punk rock albums, 'Relationship Of Command' sounds REAL.
  6. Neumu.net
    80
    The music roars along, occasionally slowing to build tension, then letting loose with a corrosive guitar assault.
  7. AllMusic
    80
    On this 11-track masterpiece, so full of adrenaline and swarming moods, ATDI has created one of the most infecting and mind-blowing rock albums in a long time. While most of the tracks are of the more aggressive edge, this is undeniably the band's most focused and well put together and, therefore, best all-around album yet.
  8. PopMatters
    70
    The album's only weakness is its awful track sequence. At times it can be uncomfortable to listen to. The songs don't seem to fit together in the order they have been laid out for the listener.
  9. Mojo
    70
    They deliver breathless, urgent rifferama, elements of which can be traced to RATM, The Stooges and Placebo.
  10. CDNow
    70
    When a band amasses most of its fan base from constant touring, as ATDI has, creating an album that captures the rawness of live shows is paramount. This natural ingredient in its sound is captured beautifully on Relationship of Command.
  11. L.A. Weekly
    70
    Producer Ross Robinson (Korn, Deftones, Slipknot, etc.) brings a degree of alt-rock punch to the proceedings, but there's more than enough garage grit left in the grooves to keep the indie kids smirking. There's certainly some downtime on Relationship of Command, but when it hits you'll be smarting, and smiling.
  12. Pitchfork
    61
    While Relationship of Command doesn't quite compare to seeing this group live, you'll surely want to mosh-dance in your bedroom when you listen to this recording.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best Album of 2000
8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2000
19
#19 Most Shared Album of 2000

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 138 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 122 out of 138
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 138
  3. Negative: 12 out of 138
  1. prytania
    Aug 21, 2012
    10
    Arguably one of the most important post-hardcore albums in the history of the genre. What Bixler, Rodriguez and Co accomplished here is a trueArguably one of the most important post-hardcore albums in the history of the genre. What Bixler, Rodriguez and Co accomplished here is a true triumph. They managed to make an album that was accessible enough to bring people into the fold of post-hardcore, while still maintaining credibility among the stalwart fans of the genre through urgency, songwriting prowess and phenomenal instrumentation. Even Bixler's voice, that initially might take some getting used to, quickly becomes one of the best parts of this breathtaking album after a few listens.… Full Review »
  2. Vampire25
    Dec 15, 2010
    10
    This is one of my favorite rock albums. It's utterly amazing. The vocals are some of the best I've ever heard and the musicianship isThis is one of my favorite rock albums. It's utterly amazing. The vocals are some of the best I've ever heard and the musicianship is incredible. "Pattern Against User" is one of my favorite songs of all time. All In All, One of my favorite albums. A… Full Review »
  3. NightVisions
    Jan 31, 2023
    6
    A very dynamic album that has some truly well executed ideas. Probably one of the bands that tests the limits of how to sing and using theA very dynamic album that has some truly well executed ideas. Probably one of the bands that tests the limits of how to sing and using the voice as an instrument. Overall The album doesn't really speak to me and The Mars Volta don't really try to capture and refine this sound, but they instead decided to move on it seems. Which I can completely respect as an artist, but I'm a little disappointed as a fan.… Full Review »
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