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7.5
- Bands:
ATHENA - Duration: 00:54:09
- Available from: 10/25/2024
- Label:
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Reigning Phoenix Music
Streaming not yet available
There is little that can be done: when Fabio Lione has been able, over the years, to give vent to his art and inspiration without limits or limits, great records have always come out. This time he's back on track with Athena XIX, a band remembered for that progressive and elegant power metal album that remained in the hearts of many and entitled “A New Religion?”: we were there way back in 1998, today the group returns with the original lineup, adding to the moniker that 'XIX' which is none other than the year of the reunion, to differentiate themselves from the various bands that use the name Athena today.
As can be seen from the title, “Everflow Part 1: Frames Of Humanity” is the first part of a concept album that deals with some current themes such as ecological awareness, mass control and unbridled technological progress, also taking inspiration from sci-fi themes. fi and films such as “The Matrix”, “Transcendence” and “Sunshine”. Compared to its great predecessor – which, it must be said, had a sequel in 2001 with the more powerful “Twilight Of Days” and a renewed line-up – this time the sounds are dark and obscure, the singing dark, melancholic and theatrical. The songs are complex and modern, showing off progressive sounds imbued with electronic arrangements, thrash and jazz passages, obtaining a sonic meeting between Symphony X, Eldritch and Kamelot.
The start with “Frames Of Humanity” immediately showcases all this and owes a lot to Youngblood's band, particularly in its latest productions; powerful and distorted guitars go hand in hand with anthemic keyboards, creating a lethal mix that continues on the powerful riffs of the cinematic “Legacy Of The World”, where electronic arrangements go well with robust guitars and the expressive uvula, which we know well, of Lyon .
Athena XIX prove to be inspired and manage to create elaborate songs without spending too much time but, on the contrary, often focusing on four or five minute compositions, with essential instrumental parts and a greater focus on arrangements, vocal lines and atmospheres. A further example of this is the melodic “The Day We Obscured The Sun” which immediately captures thanks to a catchy refrain supported by solid foundations, built on pillars of robust and stable riffs.
The rhythmic session is enhanced during the dynamic “The Seed”, which travels decisively on the notes of the bass played by Alessio Sabella, while Fabio shows his entire vocal range at the microphone, between aggressive passages and soft moments. “The Calm Before The Storm” moves in perfect balance between catchy melodies and modern arrangements, recalling something from the older Eldritch (“El Niño” period) before diving back into the progressive notes of “The Conscience Of Everything”, where they appear – through the various changes of atmosphere – also evocative choirs and a beautiful guitar solo by Simone Pellegrini.
The robust “Synchrolife” manages in its short duration to show many different faces within a dynamic sound: Lyon's lyrical singing together with choirs, piano, strong riffs and in the end even extreme music influences; finally, it remains to point out the presence of Roy Khan (Conception, ex Kamelot) duetting with the Tuscan singer during the modern and restless notes of “I Wish”.
“Everflow Part 1: Frames Of Humanity” is a complex, original and courageous album, which showcases the talent of five excellent musicians for whom the desire to get back into the game has never died, guided by the warrior Goddess, Athena!
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM