ATHENS

ATHENS is a Chicago group associated with chaotic metalcore, hardcore, experimental, heavy metal and chaotic hardcore. The band forms in 2002 under an alternate name before a change in personnel and musical direction leads it toward a heavier, metal-influenced form of hardcore.

The group is a quintet and centres on a combination of vocals and tightly arranged instrumentation. Its live performances are a notable part of its profile, with a sound built around breakdowns, thrashy guitar riffs and an intense stage presence. The band’s line-up keeps only minimal continuity with its original project.

Style and recording

ATHENS develops a sound that blends hardcore with heavier metal elements. Its material is described as drawing on laid-back California attitudes alongside aggressive riffing and breakdowns, while the vocals and arrangement work together closely. Singer Ray Quintero provides the main vocal presence, with a delivery compared to Botch, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Scarlet.

Release

The band records the EP The Morning Sacrament, which helps extend its audience beyond its local scene and contributes to a fan base described as both loyal and geographically wide-ranging.