Viza

Viza is a Los Angeles-based group active from 2000 and formerly known as Visa. The band plays alternative metal, experimental rock, gypsy punk and hard rock, and its sound combines rock with instruments and styles drawn from Armenian, Arabic, Greek, Eastern European and Middle Eastern traditions.

Background and style

The group describes itself as a nine-piece international line-up, with duduk, percussion and oud alongside electric guitars, bass, keyboards and drums. Its music also includes elements of folk rock, folk and dance, with a strong emphasis on cultural and regional influences. The band’s work is linked to a blend of old-world nostalgia, modern experimentation and social themes.

Recordings and releases

As Visa, the group releases two EPs and two full-length albums, and it also has an award-winning music video. The albums De Facto and Eros feature sonorities from Arabic, Armenian and Greek traditions. Made in Chernobyl shifts attention to Russian and Eastern European styles and themes.

Members

The group’s line-up includes K’noup on vocals and 12-string guitar; Jivan Gasparyan Jr. on duduk and zurna; Orbel Babayan on electric guitar, tar, saz and vocals; Shant Bismejian on electric guitar; Andrew Kzirian on oud; Alex Khatcherian on bass; Suguru Onaka on keyboards and accordion; Chris Daniel on percussion; and Hiram Rosario on drums. K’noup leads the band and fronts its live performances.

Live activity and management

Viza plays sold-out shows in the US and Canada and develops an international audience. In August 2010, the band tours Europe as support for Serj Tankian’s Imperfect Harmonies tour, with dates in Yerevan, Athens, Hamburg, Cologne, Paris, Zurich and Bologna. The group is managed by Serjical Strike Management, headed by Serj Tankian of System of a Down.