Athena XIX

Contact: athenaofficialband@gmail.com Founded in 1991, after the release of their first demo in 1993 some members (including the future Labÿrinth and Rhapsody of Fire singer Fabio Lione ) left and the band underwent its first line-up change. Dracma Records included their latest song recorded, "Crystal Eyes", in their "Night Pieces III" compilation and Athena started to work on "Inside, the Moon" album with guitarist Alessio Mosti who also took up vocal duties. Lione re-joined the band in 1996 while Mosti left, and Athena went on with Simone Pellegrini as the only guitarist; they released their sophomore album "A New Religion?" in 1998 with the new line-up. They embarked on their first European tour supporting Axel Rudi Pell since Rhapsody had yet to play their first live shows and Lione could dedicate himself to Athena only; when Lione's main band started to rise in popularity though he left again, along with the bassist and the drummer. Pellegrini remained the only founding member active in the band, and along with keyboardist/songwriter Gabriele Guidi they chose to start again with a new line-up focusing more on heavy/progressive elements rather than the power metal of the first records. Francesco Neretti was chosen as the new vocalist and, after recording a 4-song demo sent to various labels, Noise Records contacted them and their third album, "Twilight of Days", came out in 2001. Athena split-up one year later due to internal problems and poor market answers, although some of the members kept on talking about reuniting in the next years. After various trials, especially in 2007 with the full 1998 line-up, the band was finally reactivated with a new singer in 2019, Giacomo Boschetto , a new guitarist, Donatello Menna , and some other members that played in the band in the '90s. Lione returned to the band again in 2022. Athena is the goddess of war and wisdom in Greek mythology. Compilation appearances: - "Until the End" on Metal Hammer - Soundcheck 1/2001 (Metal Hammer, 2001) (as Athena) - "Falling Ghosts" on Hard Rock #48 (Hard Rock, 2001) (as Athena)