Relationship Of Command
by At the Drive-In
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

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  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 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 phenomenalArguably 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.… Expand
  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 is incredible. "Pattern Against User" is one of my favorite songs of all time. All In All, One of my favorite albums. A
  3. DaveM
    Sep 23, 2004
    7
    A good enough album, but somehow it pales in comparison to the musical masterpiece that is De-Loused In The Comatorium by The Mars Volta. However, you can certainly hear some of Cedric and Omar's brilliance in this album, and it is an album I quite happily play on a regular basis.
  4. SonyaH.
    Jan 1, 2002
    10
    This is one of the best albums I've gotten my hands on! It's emotional, raw, and haunting at times. That's good music!
  5. ZackZ
    Mar 5, 2005
    10
    Give it a couple listens, but eventually you will appreciate this amazing album. Intense abrasive vocals and atypical riffs scare away most, but if you give this album a chance you will fall in love with it. Full of great themes and compelling, superb music. Why did they break up???????????
  6. samt
    Sep 3, 2005
    10
    GREATEST emocore cd off alltime? Ohhhhhh i think so
  7. TonyL
    Oct 7, 2002
    10
    This album has changed the way I look at music, it has changed the way I play the bass, and it has changed the way I write. Everysong on this album is just as good as the next, if not better.
  8. GregL.
    Apr 18, 2002
    10
    In a time when most punk is pop ripoff, these guys are indeed the cheese who stand alone. Get this and their other CD in/casio/out (ALSO A 10) for a reason to love music again.
  9. hinkymano
    Aug 31, 2002
    10
    Truly stunning, a brilliant mixture of unpredicatability and vocal chord strain. Greta Afros too
  10. Tomm
    Nov 20, 2003
    10
    Abosoluty the best cd of all time and the greatest band that will ever form.
  11. Chris
    Mar 2, 2003
    10
    This cd is absolutley captivating, unlike many cd's these days. It has contrast from start to finish. I didn't find myself listening to the single the whole time because the whole rest of the cd was there. I became addicted the "Cosmonaut". Too bad they're not around anymore, but the good new's is that theres 2 new bands. The Mars Volta, and Sparta. I wouldn't This cd is absolutley captivating, unlike many cd's these days. It has contrast from start to finish. I didn't find myself listening to the single the whole time because the whole rest of the cd was there. I became addicted the "Cosmonaut". Too bad they're not around anymore, but the good new's is that theres 2 new bands. The Mars Volta, and Sparta. I wouldn't call At the Drive-In "emo" just good music… Expand
  12. JorgeB
    Sep 6, 2003
    10
    bad ass cd!
  13. DaveR
    Oct 15, 2004
    10
    Top marks dude! Omar & Cedric just make this album totally special, one of my fave albums!
  14. PaulH
    Jan 10, 2004
    10
    From the very opening track 'arcarsenal' you just know this album is different to all the others in its genre. The anger merged with beauty combo from 'arcarsenal' continues throughout the album, with the fantasic 'one armed scissor' and the quite unbelieveable 'cosmonaut'. Unlike Cedric's new band, The Mars Volta, there's less emotional From the very opening track 'arcarsenal' you just know this album is different to all the others in its genre. The anger merged with beauty combo from 'arcarsenal' continues throughout the album, with the fantasic 'one armed scissor' and the quite unbelieveable 'cosmonaut'. Unlike Cedric's new band, The Mars Volta, there's less emotional drive to the album, but it still comes up with the very moving 'Invalid Litter Dept.' - a song written about the treatment of mexican women and how the police and media don't really care. I'd say my personal favourite track is 'Pattern Against User' a strange choice but its a song i find myself singing to myself most of the time. If ever an album deserved 10/10, this one gets it. A marvellous record, and it gives an insight into the genius that was, At The Drive-In.… Expand
  15. MattB
    Jun 2, 2004
    10
    Truly fantastic album...band reminds me of Disaster Strikes, probably the greatest anarcho-punk band.
  16. seanm
    Jul 10, 2004
    10
    this is truly a remarkable album. These guys are really just an amazing band. PLEASE if you haven't heard atdi you must, must, must get this cd. If you have heard them then i already know you have this cd.
  17. John
    Aug 18, 2004
    10
    a perfect album
  18. JR
    Sep 10, 2004
    10
    This is my favorite CD. Ever. At the Drive-In is amazing.
  19. ChrisR
    Sep 23, 2004
    10
    Fantastic!! pattern against user is one of the best songs ive ever herd that hasn't been released!!
  20. ChrisD
    Feb 10, 2005
    9
    Maybe a little more variety would perfect the album, but it's undoubtedly irreplacable in style and sound. In a way, the forced restriction of Omar/Cedric's meandering impulses makes it work; TMV are fantastic in their own right, but here the restriction makes the songs' seams burst with fury and ideas. A one-off classic, effortlessly surpassing the worthless Maybe a little more variety would perfect the album, but it's undoubtedly irreplacable in style and sound. In a way, the forced restriction of Omar/Cedric's meandering impulses makes it work; TMV are fantastic in their own right, but here the restriction makes the songs' seams burst with fury and ideas. A one-off classic, effortlessly surpassing the worthless post-genre-core-wave movements since.… Expand
  21. Matt
    Mar 3, 2005
    8
    Excellent album; a little uneven and certainly overshadowed by TMV, but a little rawer and more punkish.
  22. DeezerD
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    Probably one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded, in my opinion.
  23. TashaP
    Jul 2, 2006
    10
    Definatelyone of the greatest almbums. a shame they had to break-up. Sparta just doesn't have the passion that they did.
  24. DavidF.
    Dec 5, 2007
    9
    Surprised the Metacritic score isn't higher.
  25. nrvs
    Feb 20, 2007
    10
    Superb, utterly flawless album. One of the most important steps in the evolution of rock music. Probably one of the biggest dissapointments of my life that they couldn't put together another two albums before breaking up. Pity Mars Volta sucks so much ass.
  26. fionnk
    Apr 27, 2009
    10
    One of the last bands that had something to say and the music was un-edged as if fighting for it life to be played
  27. eEric
    Sep 27, 2002
    10
    Walking out of the dark woods...i see a light in the distance...that light is my guide...that light is my hope...that light is my future...that light is...AT THE DRIVE IN!
  28. JahcelG
    Sep 24, 2003
    10
    This album makes me proud to be a native of the state of Texas (Since the band came from El Paso). It's pretty refreshing to hear a different vibe of music with unbelieve creativity and futuristic visions of what rock can be if you follow you're own pathway in the music business. I've learned so much form "Relationship Of Command". I don't like the fact that the band This album makes me proud to be a native of the state of Texas (Since the band came from El Paso). It's pretty refreshing to hear a different vibe of music with unbelieve creativity and futuristic visions of what rock can be if you follow you're own pathway in the music business. I've learned so much form "Relationship Of Command". I don't like the fact that the band split in to 2 groups but that's just more room for them to create great music. Hopefully there will be another at the drive-in down the road in our future. At the Drive-In are my favorite group of all-time!!!!… Expand
  29. plukkfisk
    Sep 25, 2003
    10
    This is probably the most intense album in the history of music. It's fucking excellent.
  30. BrokenL
    Nov 1, 2004
    10
    It really is just too good. Honestly, I'm suprised it ever caught on, this just seems like a band that should go over everybody's head.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. 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.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. Neumu.net
    80
    The music roars along, occasionally slowing to build tension, then letting loose with a corrosive guitar assault.
    Read full review
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