Athena XIX Rises From the Ashes: A Prog-Power Phoenix
After a two-decade slumber, the once-overlooked Italian prog-power outfit Athena XIX has reemerged, its formidable lineup intact. Back in 1998, their debut album A New Religion, showcasing the distinctive vocals of Fabio Lione (future Rhapsody/Angra vocalist), showed promise but didn’t quite crack the mainstream. Now, after over two decades, Athena XIX returns with Everflow Part 1: Frames of Humanity, a headfirst dive into a seemingly forgotten era of prog-power majesty.
"Everflow Part 1" is a throwback to the late ’90s and early 2000s, brimming with the low-end groove reminiscent of Symphony X. Lione, with his unmatched vocal power, drives the album, evoking the gutural beauty of Jørn Lande’s Beyond Twilight project or the soaring theatricality of Sunburst’s Vasilis Georgiou.
While Athena XIX firmly roots itself in the sounds of yore, it’s not entirely devoid of modern touches. Keyboardist Gabriele Guidi adds pulsing synths and airy melodies, reminiscent of the electronic flourishes found in Voyager’s work, creating a dynamic contrast within the instrumental tapestry.
The strength of Everflow Part 1 lies firmly in its musicianship. Lione’s captivating delivery effortlessly moves from operatic highs to smooth croons to haunting lows, crisscrossing his impressive range with remarkable control. His versatility shines through on tracks like "Legacy of the World," "The Conscience of Everything," and "Where Innocence Disappears." Lione bursts forth with raw emotion, revealing the depth and breadth of his vocal prowess.
Guitarists Alessio Sabella and Simone Pellegrini weave intricate melodies and driving riffs through each track, anchoring the music with a powerful foundation. Sabella’s vibrant leads, particularly apparent in "The Day We Obscured the Sun" and "The Conscience of Everything," showcase technical brilliance while maintaining a captivating melodic sensibility.
While Everflow Part 1 delights with its sonic prowess, the album as a whole lacks a narrative thread to tie it together. Despite moments of thematic connection like the transition from "The Day We Obscured the Sun" into "The Seed," or the shifting soundscape between "Where Innocence Disappears" and "Idle Mind," the album’s overall flow feels somewhat disjointed. With repeated reliance on massive choruses to drive engagement, listeners may experience a sense of crescendo fatigue before the album reaches its melodramatic conclusion.
Even with its structural shortcomings, Everflow Part 1: Frames of Humanity is a welcome return for Athena XIX. Their passion for a musical era past is evident, and their commitment to high-quality musicianship is undeniable. Whether "Everflow Part 2" will deliver a more cohesive and narratively captivating experience remains to be seen. For now, Everflow Part 1 serves as a testament to the band’s enduring talent and a reminder of a bygone era of ambitious, technically-driven prog-power metal.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Reigning Phoenix Music
Website: facebook.com/Athena.Band.Italy
Releases Worldwide: December 6th, 2024
