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THE METAL FORGE REVIEW - UNDER THE INFLUENCE (NOVEMBER 08) 7.5/10: "Quality songwriting makes for a good start. The cover shot of this band looks like Down. In fact, one of them is wearing a Down t-shirt. This is a band from Birmingham, England, but they are much more NWOAM than NWOBHM. In the liner notes, the band expresses the desire for a New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Maybe this is the place to start. Despite the name of this album being Under The Influence, it is not in fact a covers album, though you would be forgiven for thinking that. However, that confusion aside, it is a fitting title because Element wear their influences proudly on their sleeve. Opening track Downfall is like a bizarre crossover track between late Pantera and early Metallica. In fact, guitarist/vocalist Adam Calderbank sounds like a young James Hetfield, but with a guttural, whisky-soaked quality. Oh boy do these guys love American metal. Calderbank screams out 'Last fucking riff!' before the, yep, last fucking riff of the song in the same way that Phil Anselmo hollers 'The trend is dead' on The Great Southern Trendkill. In fact, after listening to this album, I'm rather enamoured of the title. Like what GlassJaw did by naming their sophomore album Worship And Tribute, Element are showing the world what the music they love is and provide glimpses of a future where they will shape those influences into something truly original. I have to give maximum respect to this band for something that might appear to be a small detail to casual observers. In the liner notes, it says 'All rhythm guitars, melodies and lyrics by Calderbank'. Crediting the vocal melody as a separate song element is a tip-off to me that these guys take care with their songwriting. They know that when you say 'music by (band name)' it makes the band sound like any of their good songs are sheer flukes. Element understand songwriting - and especially old school metal songwriting - and it shows. They have learnt from the influences well. It will be interesting so see where Element can go from here. " Daniel Hedger - www.themetalforge.com

ROUGHEDGE.COM REVIEW - UNDER THE INFLUENCE (SEPT 08) 3/4: "If you're a fan of Metallica, Pantera, Shango or maybe even a little Danzig, then Element's "Under the Influence" will have at least one or two tracks to your liking. If you're a fan of all or most of those bands, then you'll find all of "Under the Influence" highly entertaining. Combining galloping fast tracks with groove-heavy slower paced tracks and featuring crisp, straight-forward guitar and vocals that don't have to depend on raw anger to make them aggressive, the eight tracks on "Under the Influence," at one point or another, feature the technical expertise of Metallica, the raw power of Pantera, the funky sound of Shango and, once in a while, the haunting vocal style of Glenn Danzig. Yeah, I know. I hate reviews that just drop names, too. And Element are deserving of more than that. The band has taken their love of this style of music and combined the influence of the above-named, well-known bands and built upon it, creating a sound of their own that may not be particularly original but still kicks major ass. Although they may not stray far from their co-conspirators in the genre, "Under the Influence" maintains enough edge and charisma to warrant a good solid listen. Or two. Or more. Strangely, my favorite track was the instrumental "Lucidia," not because it was a non-vocal track (in fact, I rather like vocalist Adam Calderbank's no-bullshit style) but rather because it has real atmosphere and depth, something you may not expect from what's basically a thrash band. Most importantly, "Under the Influence" piqued my interest about Element, and I'll definitely be looking forward to their future material. One more quick comment: The CD, though self-produced, not only sounds great but the packaging was first rate. Always a rare pleasure to discover that in a self-produced CD." R.Scott Bolton - www.roughedge.com

UNBOUNDZINE REVIEW - UNDER THE INFLUENCE (AUGUST 08) 4/5: "In this day and age it is rare to hear a band just playing heavy metal but that is the easiest way to describe Element."

"regardless of what the band tries with their sound they are usually successful. A few songs are a bit more mellow while a few others bring in a slight sludge feel with much heavier riffs. The title track is downright epic reaching the ten minute mark. The band manages to keep it interesting though with different riff ideas and a number of guitar leads."

"for fans of Metallica, Down and possibly even Machine Head this is an album that is packed full of riffs, leads and choruses sure to induce manic head banging fits." Mike Hochins - www.unboundzine.com

DEVOLUTION MAG REVIEW ISSUE 18 - UNDER THE INFLUENCE (AUGUST 08): "Around this time last year I managed to catch Element tearing things up at Dime-fest, they were spiked with sound problems but still their Pantera/Lynrd Skynrd crossover prevailed. Now they are back on the pages of Devolution once again, as their debut album Under The Influence has forced its way into the spotlight. Opener "Downfall" establishes that this band love their solos, stomping guitars and clean but heavy vocals. "Mind Inside" shows that Element are much more than a one trick pony, as it incorporates helpings of Iron Maiden, Diamond Head, Black Sabbath, Metallica even Machine Head. The epic, ten minute long, "Bleed On My Own", sees the band breaking out the dynamics Nirvana style with extensive use of both heavy and soft to give the song a true ambience. "Forged Existence" and "Fusion" give that heavy edge to the material whereas "Lucidia" and "Untold" have more of a Soundgarden and Karl Sanders feel to them, as they go for the mellower approach. This is an excellent debut from a great Northern band." Reviewed By John Consterdine - DEVOLUTION MAGAZINE www.devolutionmagazine.co.uk

NOISEMATTERS REVIEW - UNDER THE INFLUENCE (JULY 08) 5.5/5: "What we have this time around from Element massively ups the bar in terms of quality, performance, melody and sheer musical power. I'm not even gonna compare the new stuff to the old, 'cos frankly it's like these guys have completely reinvented themselves.."

"Hugely powerful performances that thunder through your speakers and threaten to give you whiplash that'll hospitalize you for a week."

"Taking their musical influences from, amongst others, Metallica, Machine Head, Pantera, Sepultura, Alice In Chains, Megadeth, ACDC, and Lynard Skynard, they pay homage to all yet emlulate none, instead forging a sound that's pure modern and purely original." NOISEMATTERS - www.noisematters.com

HARDROCKHOUSE REVIEW - UNDER THE INFLUENCE (JULY 08): "their overall sound is highly pleasing and Under the Influence is probably exactly the album I’d like Metallica to make in 2008."

"their next effort may well be the one." Simon Bray - Hardrockhouse

GUITAR & BASS MAGAZINE REVIEW - UNDER THE INFLUENCE (JULY 08): "Quality metal mayhem and a great studio production from a Wigan based outfit." Guitar & Bass Magazine

ROCK3MUSIC REVIEW - UNDER THE INFLUENCE (JUNE 08) 85%: "Element have actually got some better ingredients then any Metallica album has, and that is consistently quality riffs throughout and solo's that last more then 12 seconds long."

"Don’t be surprised that when you check this band out, you might find that this band has something you want to own." Rock3 - rock3music.com

METAL-MAYHEM REVIEW - UNDER THE INFLUENCE (MAY 08) 8/10: "If Metallica had released this album instead of 'St.Anger', they may not have put themselves in the controversial position they now find themselves in. It really is that good...trust me." Lewis Klein - metal-mayhem.co.uk

LIVE4METAL REVIEW - UNDER THE INFLUENCE (MAY 08): It thrashes, it crushes and it shows just how good a band Element are, and also why one of the bigger underground labels should snap these guys up straight away. If I had the money, I'd do just that myself."

"Element are a band that I'm backing to go all the way and I'll be giving them plenty of coverage on Live 4 Metal in their pursuit of greatness, because I really believe in their music and I hope this album serves as a statement of intent for them." Steve Green - Live4metal.com

METALSTORM REVIEW - UNDER THE INFLUENCE (MAY 08): "Element could have the potential to be one of the big names of the contemporary thrash revival movement." jupitreas - www.metalstorm.ee

ME MUSIC - DOWNFALL (TRACK REVIEW - MAY 08): "from start to finish, over 5 minutes of tight riffage, rip-roaring soloing and crushing bass in front of a backdrop of super-tight drumming virtuoso, Downfall is an assault of the ears that will have you skipping back to the same track for weeks for another hit!"

METALREVIEW.COM - DEMO (DEC 07): "They should strike while the iron is hot. Element’s brand of ‘80s leaning classic thrash is attracting the attention of the labels and cash of the buying public."

“Downfall” is a rip-roaring crunch fest in the spirit of “Battery,” while the nearly ten-minute “Bleed on My Own” injects stretches of the swaggering groove of Cowboys From Hell."

"I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if they hammer out a worthwhile full debut in the next year or so. The materials are there; with a bit more time, individuality, and a little more studio polish, Element could do some damage." Matt Mooring - www.metalreview.com

LIVE4METAL.COM DEMO REVIEW (SEPT 9th 07): "I have to say Element have all the energy and passion of say, Burn My Eyes era Machine Head and Ride The Lightning and Master of Puppets eras of Metallica." ..

ROCKEYEZ.COM DEMO REVIEW (JULY 07): "You know that Adam Calderbank is a pain in my ass, we fall a little behind on reviews and there goes the e-mails blasting away like a machine gunner. But to tell you the truth I like it, because without someone pushing you might as well fade with the wind. You need a guy to step up and take control and I would guess Adam’s the man. Last year ELEMENT released a 4 track demo called “Just Desires” and with a line-up change re-released the demo “Bleed On My Own” in 07 with a couple new track. I can feel the “Ride the Lightning” METALLICA essence on “Downfall” pure in your face thrash metal still holding a melodic key to the song as it bellows the right mold to reek havoc on your membranes. Chow’s fucking riveting the key notes slashing the strings as blood drips from his fingers, I’m sure turning to Adam saying hey I’m not bad am I. Killer tune to start things off. “Forged Existence” has the altar ego of PANTERA, METALLICA letting loose as full reverb has hit home. The song is a bit slower then I would like at times but it does pick up the pace later in the song. The lead guitar work is the key as the shredding takes over. Calderbank’s vocals have comparisons to James Hetfield and Philip Anselmo and you do get the feel of the once great METALLICA. “Inner Strength” another good song that keeps the neck snapping strong as the last song “Untold” (Outro) sounds which is one of my favorites on the demo beside “Downfall”, I could only imagine what these guys would sound like with some top notch production. I like the direction of the band and look forward to future releases." Brian Rademacher - www.rockeyez.com

ELEMENT ASKED TO PLAY DATES IN ITALY (MAY 07): The band currently in talks with a promoter linked with Diamond Head planning a stint of European gigs on Italian soil for late 07 early 08. Will keep you posted.

ELEMENT AIRPLAY (MAY 07): Element receive airplay on local staion Chorley FM on 102.8FM. Also receiving airplay back on the Audio Aggression radio show based in New York USA debuting the new track "Downfall".

ELEMENT SUPPORT DIAMOND HEAD (MAY 07): Element have been offered a support slot for legendary NWOBHM band Diamond Head who inspired the likes of Metallica and Megadeth to name but a few. Metallica over the years have covered a number of Diamond Heads songs such as "Am I Evil", "Its Electric", "Helpless" and have played live with Diamond Head a number of times at venues such as Milton Keynes Bowl and Wembley. Element are very honoured to play with these true legends of the metal genre.

ELEMENT SUPPORT SPEED THEORY (MARCH 07): The band went up to Glasgow in March to support newly signed act Speed Theory at the Rockers as part of their UK tour.

ELEMENT RECEIVE RADIO AIRPLAY IN NEW YORK (USA) (AUG 06): Element have been approached by New York metal radio station Audio Aggression to have a track featured on there broadcasted playlist on Wednesday August 30th at 7pm New York time. The broadcast can be listened to online through http://www.myspace.com/aawebcastsite

METAL-I.CO.UK DEMO REVIEW (AUGUST 06): "Taking their musical direction from sources as diverse as Metallica to Lynard Skynard. Early-Pantera influences show through here musically... There's some tight and crunchy riffs here and that propels Element just ahead of others competing in the same game. It's head-nodding stuff... There's a determination and a potential to take this up a level. From what we've heard, Element ain't bad, so go judge for yourself... We'd like to see Element achieve that next level, and look forward to hearing the results."

EMPTY PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE COVER CD: Element to feature on cover CD for EMPTY PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE the up and coming UK based rock/metal magazine. Available August 06. For more details go to www.emptyplayground.co.uk

EMPTY PLAYGOUND MAGAZINE REVIEW (AUGUST 06) "Element are a thrash metal 4-piece whose fast rhythms, catchy vocals and riffs are sure to entertain even the most sceptical. They have been into the studio and recorded their first five track demo "Just Desires" from which Forged Existence features. The band are going from stength to strength and are looking to gig more over the coming months"

GLASSWERK DEMO REVIEW BY MARK COOPER (JULY 06) "Imagine if you will that Metallica never got signed and continued to release demos. Imagine further that Pantera guested on several of the tracks, okay, maybe that’s asking too much-but with Element’s latest demo ‘Just desires’ you get a good idea of what that output might sound like. With a strict code of solid big riffs, wild solo’s and rough vocals Element stay close to metals staple diet."

ATAKAT SUNRISE PROMOTIONS - DEMO REVIEW (JULY 06) "We have an enjoyable little trip back to when Prong and Pantera (Cowboys From Hell) were just starting to break through as important metal acts in the early 90's. You can hear the taste and the passion for this metal-defining period as a collective new twist. Throw in a little influence from Metallica's "...And Justice For All" and you will get the idea. With tight as nats chuff riffing and precise razor-like drumming. This first offering is an allround well produced demo for what should be an up and coming act in the U.K. underground in the near future, we'll be looking forward to seeing them progress and saying we heard them first."

Atakat Sunrise Promotions award Element "Metalhead Of The Moment" July 06. For full review click below link