Pagan Athletes

**Pagan Athletes** were a math-rock band hailing from Norman, Oklahoma, active in the 1990s. Known for their jagged guitar riffs, frenetic rhythms, and off-kilter song structures, they carved out a niche in the post-hardcore and indie rock scenes alongside peers like *Chavez* and *Polvo*. The trio—featuring members Chad, Jeff, and a rotating lineup of drummers—gained a cult following for releases like their 1996 *Burner* EP, which showcased their knack for merging dissonant melodies with raw energy. While largely under the radar nationally, their DIY ethos and ties to the Oklahoma music community (including their connection to indie label Big Money Inc.) cemented their legacy as underground innovators. The band called it quits in the late ’90s, but their chaotic, riff-driven sound still resonates with fans of gritty, experimental rock.