Athena

The original band was founded in 1991 and the original line-up was sounding more like Dream Theater. Athena was playing at that time progressive metal. On Twilight Of Days, Athena is much heavier, much faster and less progressive. Actually, their power metal reminds me Angra, Labyrinth or Stratovarius (early records). A metal record full of guitar solos, epic chorus, fast rhythm and has absolutely nothing to do with New Religion? (their previous record).

Exit Fabio Lione (Rhapsody & Vision Divine), here comes Francesco Neretti, the new vocalist for Athena. His vocals are not different from Fabio, but he seems to have less power compared to Fabio Lione.

Overall it is fast, melodic and very Italian. For sure, Italia has become very productive in the metal scene and starts to be as big as the Scandinavian scene. But where Scandinavian bands (which includes Norway, Sweden & Finland) play all kind of metal style, Italian bands seems "trapped" in the raw of Rhapsody or Labyrinth. Something that should not continue eternally or the response of metal fans out there could be terrible.

If you like Rhapsody, Labyrinth, Sky Lark, Stratovarius or Angra, check Athena. Songs like Twilight Of Days & The Way To Heaven's Gates are fantastic songs, melodic, catchy, fast and stay in your mind for a long time. Helloween & Iron Maiden guitar solos have not been forgotten of course and the whole CD is embraced quickly.

Athena is playing a more epic power metal compare to their "brothers of blood".