Athel
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Music
Press
Athel are an alt-rock power trio from Chicago, Illinois that have just dropped their full-length album debut full of hooks and vocal melodies that run the line between rock, pop, alternative, punk, and Metal. The new album is called "Open Your Eyes To Society".
The group is comprised of singer and guitarist Justin King, bass player Comron Fouladi, and drummer Christian Navarro. Although the band members are barely out of their teens, you get the feeling that the band are veterans of the music scene.
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Songs are well written and the performances are vocally and musically solid. The package is mastered by CKY's Chad Ginsburg and the production reflects the songs strengths.
This album covers a lot of ground, from the straight up rockers like 'Radio' and 'These Are The Times' to the alt pounding of 'All That I Am' and 'Paranormal Of The Abstract'.
'Their Shoes' and 'Me, Myself & I' ride the wave of pop punk.
The track that sums up what Athel is about and what Athel can deliver is 'Kara's Carousel'. It's a song that has universal appeal. With a strong melodic line, unforgettable hook in the chorus, and a rocking guitar riff, you've got something special.
The final result of this album is a superb blend of styles that cover many rock genres but always maintain melodic sensibilities and hooks.
Check out Athel and the new album 'Open Your Eyes To Society'.
29.5.12 - Jeff Kunze
Athel are an alt-rock power trio from Chicago, Illinois that have just dropped their full-length album debut full of hooks and vocal melodies that run the line between rock, pop, alternative, punk, and Metal. The new album is called "Open Your Eyes To Society".
The group is comprised of singer and guitarist Justin King, bass player Comron Fouladi, and drummer Christian Navarro. Although the band members are barely out of their teens, you get the feeling that the band are veterans of the music scene.
Article continues below...
Songs are well written and the performances are vocally and musically solid. The package is mastered by CKY's Chad Ginsburg and the production reflects the songs strengths.
This album covers a lot of ground, from the straight up rockers like 'Radio' and 'These Are The Times' to the alt pounding of 'All That I Am' and 'Paranormal Of The Abstract'.
'Their Shoes' and 'Me, Myself & I' ride the wave of pop punk.
The track that sums up what Athel is about and what Athel can deliver is 'Kara's Carousel'. It's a song that has universal appeal. With a strong melodic line, unforgettable hook in the chorus, and a rocking guitar riff, you've got something special.
The final result of this album is a superb blend of styles that cover many rock genres but always maintain melodic sensibilities and hooks.
Check out Athel and the new album 'Open Your Eyes To Society'.
29.5.12 - Jeff Kunze
In the fickle American music scene we're expected to get all lathered up about the next trendy band. What will pique the interest of the youngster, the Clark Kent bespectacled hipster, today? Then something refreshing comes along, familiar but a bit different, keen to trends but not so hip to be a clone. Better: something different enough to persuade a jaded mature rocker, such as myself, who easily dismisses American music chic.
Athel: after all, he needed a new drum kit.
I dig Chicago's Athel, an engaging power trio on the alt/indie scene, and their first full-length Open Your Eyes to Society (the title an integration of two previous EPs). There music has some obvious references, not the least of which is punk and post punk. Though you might hear echoes of Green Day, these guys are far more creative and far better musicians than those punk posers. It's the energy and urgency, which made punk so glorious, that burns in Athel's belly.
After that Athel has a keen sense of melody and hook, from lyric to song composition, that suggests classic melodic hard rock, although they can be heavier at times. And like any good power trio, they can offer a huge amount of depth of sound; you think their should be a fourth, even fifth member, since the sound is equally lush, epic, and extravagant. The tunes are short but packed and bristling, immensely accessible and entertaining.
And there's not a single bad song, or filler, here. Top pick for this listener: Radio, Oceans, Keep Me Awake (a very Green Day-ish sound, but not), and the wonderful and eccentric tunes, Paranormal Abstract of Everyday Living and Wake Up Sleepyhead. Bravo to guitarist Justin King, who can play well and offer consistently interesting leads. While not quite as prog or eclectic as King's X, Athel reminds of a modern pop version of them, and certainly with their talent they could easily explore a more technical side. Ultimately, in the end, I think all Athel wants to be is a very good rock and roll band. There could be nothing to stopping them in that pursuit. Very recommended. - Danger Dog Music Review
In the fickle American music scene we're expected to get all lathered up about the next trendy band. What will pique the interest of the youngster, the Clark Kent bespectacled hipster, today? Then something refreshing comes along, familiar but a bit different, keen to trends but not so hip to be a clone. Better: something different enough to persuade a jaded mature rocker, such as myself, who easily dismisses American music chic.
Athel: after all, he needed a new drum kit.
I dig Chicago's Athel, an engaging power trio on the alt/indie scene, and their first full-length Open Your Eyes to Society (the title an integration of two previous EPs). There music has some obvious references, not the least of which is punk and post punk. Though you might hear echoes of Green Day, these guys are far more creative and far better musicians than those punk posers. It's the energy and urgency, which made punk so glorious, that burns in Athel's belly.
After that Athel has a keen sense of melody and hook, from lyric to song composition, that suggests classic melodic hard rock, although they can be heavier at times. And like any good power trio, they can offer a huge amount of depth of sound; you think their should be a fourth, even fifth member, since the sound is equally lush, epic, and extravagant. The tunes are short but packed and bristling, immensely accessible and entertaining.
And there's not a single bad song, or filler, here. Top pick for this listener: Radio, Oceans, Keep Me Awake (a very Green Day-ish sound, but not), and the wonderful and eccentric tunes, Paranormal Abstract of Everyday Living and Wake Up Sleepyhead. Bravo to guitarist Justin King, who can play well and offer consistently interesting leads. While not quite as prog or eclectic as King's X, Athel reminds of a modern pop version of them, and certainly with their talent they could easily explore a more technical side. Ultimately, in the end, I think all Athel wants to be is a very good rock and roll band. There could be nothing to stopping them in that pursuit. Very recommended. - Danger Dog Music Review
Discography
Open Your Eyes to Society (LP) - Mortal Music, Inc
Photos
Bio
The work you put into a band can often outweigh the benefits and rewards of the work itself but when all else fails there are always the few strong bands that pull through and end staying the course. Such is true of Chicago's power rock trio Athel. The band continues to meet that standard and raise the bar. The group is comprised of singer and guitarist Justin King, bass player Comron Fouladi, and drummer Christian Navarro. With the release of two eps, coast to coast self booked tours, sold out hometown crowds, and a work ethic like no other, Athel continues to show their unmatched level of commitment and poise within this dog eat dog music business. "In 2011 we stayed on the road for a total of 310 out of 365 days driving from town to town to town and playing for anyone who would listen to us" states bassist Comron. "We lived off McDonalds and sleeping in a car for a year to promote this band."
Returning to the midwest after this grueling schedule and the release of two EP's entitled Open Your Eyes and To Society respectively , Athel soon began rehearsals and recording sessions for their upcoming LP. Their hard work and self promotion caught the eye of industry veteran and SOiL bassist Tim King. Tim and his label partner Rob Such quickly signed the band to their co-owned label Mortal Music, distributed worldwide by MVD Distribution "I've been in this business a long time" states Tim "It is very rare to see a band with such passion and self motivated determination. I knew we had to give them a shot and bring them to the next level."
The band finished recording their debut full length album titled Open Your Eyes to Society in January 2012 and prepare for its May 8, 2012 worldwide release. Songs like the opening track "Radio" have become a new stamp of the bands sound. The song delves into the uncharted territory of the common person's mind. It has a strong hook and melody line that begs the question of the afterlife's mysteries. "I had a dream that I died and went to heaven and the melody I heard in the dream stuck with me until I woke up," Justin says. "It was so interesting and had a feeling to it that I hadn't heard before so what you hear essentially is the song from my dream."
The group is planning it's biggest statement to date with the release of Open Your Eyes to Society. It promises to be the strongest piece of music the band has ever written. Having Chad Ginsburg of popular rock band CKY master the tracks was the final finishing touch the record needed. Athel will continue to tour constantly in support of the new album and build upon the strong foundation they have already built with music consisting of a better message and an inspired tomorrow.
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