Athens, rooted in Modesto, California is delivering hardcore fans their new favorite band. The quintet formed in 2002 under an alternate name, but a shift in members and musical direction found them playing a more heavier metal influenced brand of hardcore. Athens shows promise in the music scene offering fans their laid-back California attitudes combined with hard-hitting breakdowns, off the wall thrashy guitar riffs, and an intensely mesmerizing live show. The result is music matchless to that of their peers. Indeed the band’s raw talent for performing live, alongside their newly recorded EP "The Morning Sacrament", has allowed them to develop their devout and geographically diverse fan base. Athens’ strength lies in the seamless combination of vocals and musical arrangement. Singer, Ray Quintero‘s voice carries new enthusiasm much like that of Botch, The Dillenger Escape Plan, and Scarlet. The carry over from the band’s original project has been minimal. Athens’ has quite out shadowed its former self, proving that the new entity isn’t going anywhere and neither are their fans. Plain and simple, Athens is a band to get excited about.