|
|
|
|
Athena is finally back again after the release
of their last album "A New Religion" in 1998. A lot of things has happened
since then. Vocalist Fabio Lione (Labyrinth, Rhapsody, Vision Divine) had to
leave the band and has been replaced by the young singer Francesco Neretti and
there is also an additional guitar player named Graziano Poggetti. On top of
this the band has been discovered and signed by a major label namely Noise
Records. Athena is one of the leading acts of the Italian power metal style
that is more emotional and passionate than the more straight-forward style of
most other European bands. The music is very similar to that of Rhapsody but
without most of the classical influences and the soundtrack atmosphere. There
are also some progressive elements like on "Take My Life Again", a little
reminiscent of Dream Theater. The strongest songs on this album - "Till The
End" and "The Way To Heaven's Gate" are really great with heavy guitar
harmonies, beautiful keyboards and excellent catchy vocal lines. In some of
the songs the choruses tend to be a little too catchy and close to being
nothing but silly. Even though Fabio Lione does a short guest appearance on
this album you kind of miss his voice. The production is the weak spot of this
album and therefore the vocals tend to sound a little muffled. Perhaps I have
been a little spoiled with Fabio's voice because this is still a strong power
metal release that most fans would surely love. Uplifting, melodic and, most
important, varied music is what you will find on this Athena album. It was
recorded and mixed at Euphonic Studio, Pisa, Italy, in September and November
2000 by Giampaolo Antoni and Gabriele Guidi, produced by the
band.
| Tracklist |
1. Twilight Of Days 2. Till |
|
The End 3. The Way To Heaven's Gates 4. Hymn 5. Your |
|
Fear 6. Falling Ghosts 7. The Highest Tide 8. Touch My |
|
Heart 9. Lord Of Evil 10. Take My Life Again 11. End Of A |
|
Life Bonus track: 12. Making The History |
| /> |
: 53.52
| Buy other Athena albums |
