Aonia

Aonia is a metal group from Worksop and Sheffield, active since 2010. Formed from the remains of Cathexis, the band is built around drummer Tony Gaskell and vocalist Melissa Adams, with James on guitar joining soon after. Gary joins on bass in January 2012, Przemek “Slick” Druzkowski joins on guitar in February 2013, Joanne Robinson adds a second operatically trained soprano voice in mid-April 2013, and Tim “The Machine” Hall joins on keyboards in May 2013. The line-up gives the group a wider, more orchestral and technically detailed sound.

Style and sound

The band’s music combines driving, sometimes thrashy guitar riffs with melodic and operatic vocals, alongside full keyboards and layered arrangements. Its sound is described through contrasts between heavy, urgent playing and a more elegant, theatrical vocal style. The group is associated with gothic metal and power metal as well as heavier rock and metal styles.

Releases

Aonia releases its debut EP, City of Shadows, in December 2011. The band follows it with a debut video, Gift of the Curse, released in March 2012. Its second EP, Sunchaser, arrives in 2014 and reflects the expanded line-up, especially the addition of the second vocalist and more elaborate keyboards.

Live work and recognition

Aonia builds its reputation through regular gigs, support slots, and festival appearances. The group performs at Metal Rites Festival, Martin Walkyier’s Viking Funeral, Whitby Goth Weekend, Metieval Summerfest and Warhorns Winter Festival. It also provides main support at Dovestock and headlines the Fringe stage at Doncaster Live Festival. Other live appearances include support with The Shiver, Skyclad, Warrior Soul, Northern Oak, Skarlett Riot, Kobra and the Lotus, Ravenage and Stormborn, including a Sheffield show with Kobra and the Lotus at Corporation.

The band appears in Metalhammer, Terrorizer, Alternative Female Voice, Dominator Magazine and Bitchslap Alternative Fanzine. It is also named band of the month by Valkyrian Music, The Moshville Times and Alternative Voice, band of the day by Lizard King Music and Ginger Squirrel Music, and reaches number 9 on John’s Rock Show on Birmingham City Radio. Aonia is also a finalist in the 2012 Bloodstock Metal to the Masses competition.

Name

The name Aonia refers to a place near Mount Helicon where the muses dwell.