Band Line Up 2018
Aonia is a 7-headed, 14-legged creature, wielding two 'sopranos with balls' as vocalists, shredding twin axes, symphonic keys, and driving drums and bass. An operatic/progressive metal band, Aonia has been compared to artists such as Therion, Avantasia, Nightwish, Epica, and ReVamp.
Having released a single, “Violet Hours,” on 18/11/17, the band is charging ahead, recording their debut album, which is set for release in 2018. An ambitious work, the ten tracks will feature up to five vocalists - including some exciting guest appearances from Blaze Bayley (Blaze Bayley, Wolfsbane, Ex-Iron Maiden) and Iliana Basileios Tsakiraki (Enemy of Reality). There will also be intricate interplay between guitars and keyboards, and a more fully realised dynamic counterpoint between the lead vocals than the 2014 “Sunchaser” EP.
In addition to their recent endorsement by Vocalzone, vocalists Joanne Kay Robinson and Melissa Adams – who have been trained by the internationally-renowned Victorian opera expert Martin Yates – have recently featured on the current Blaze Bayley album, “The Redemption of William Black.” The duo also featured on Bayley’s previous releases “Infinite Entanglement” and “Endure and Survive.” Furthermore, in October of 2016, Joanne and Melissa were invited to perform live with Bayley at the Huskvarna Rock and Art festival in Sweden.
Having reached the Bloodstock Metal to the Masses finals three times – and WINNING the competition in 2018 – Aonia is climbing the heavy metal ladder, supporting touring acts such as Leaves’ Eyes, Xandria, Blaze Bayley, Kobra and the Lotus, Warrior Soul, Skyclad, Dakesis, Azylya, and Forever Never. The band has also played the acclaimed ‘Dames of Darkness’ festival, headlined by gothic metal giants Sirenia and Leaves’ Eyes, and ‘SOS Festival,’ headlined by Absolva, Attica Rage and Knock Out Kaine. Aonia is also planning the second “AoniaFest” all-dayer, scheduled for 6/10/18 at the Corporation in Sheffield.
Alongside these achievements, guitarist Przemek ‘Slick’ Druzkowski is driving forward with his luthier work, handcrafting his “Druzkowski Guitars,” and James ‘Carrot’ Brough is busy with his new recording business, “Black Carrot Studios.”
The band itself began in 2010, rising, phoenix-like, from the ashes of Melissa’s previous band, Cathexis. From that line-up, Melissa and James remain today.
In 2011, the band released their first EP, ‘City of Shadows,’ a collection of six tracks more in the NWOBHM / power metal vein than the band’s current compositions.
Between 2011 and 2013, the band’s size grew from 4 members to 7.
In 2013, Przemek joined on guitar, shortly followed by Tim ‘The Machine’ Hall on keyboards. Joanne then appeared with Aonia for a one-off performance on backing vocals. She was so well-received that the band invited her to become a full-time, permanent member, officially making Aonia joint-fronted.
On 25/7/14, Aonia released their second EP, 'Sunchaser', to critical acclaim – among other praise, most notably, the EP was nominated for the TBFM ‘Best EP of 2014’ award, along with reaching #9 on Aii Radio’s Symphonic show.
In 2015, the band completed their first headline UK tour with the melodic Alwaid (F). They also organised their own festival, (the first) AoniaFest, at The Roadhouse in Birmingham.
In 2016, after the departure of the band’s drummer and bassist, David Byrne joined on drums and Matt Black joined on bass, bringing Aonia back up to its full strength.
As they press forward, the band continues to develop their songwriting and their live shows, adding more theatrical elements as they go.
“We are thrilled to play Bloodstock – we can’t believe it’s actually happening! It’s been a dream of ours for years. We are so proud to have been a part of the Metal 2 the Masses Competition and are incredibly grateful to Bloodstock for everything they do to support the underground metal scene. Massive thanks as well to Rob for giving us this amazing opportunity. We’ve spent years as fans at the festival and are ecstatic to be joining in from the other side! Thank you, Bloodstock – you’re the best!”
