Hard copy from our good friends at Paradise Pretty: http://www.paradisepretty.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=2369

Download from CDBaby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/aonia

Download from iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/aonia/id492845388

About Aonia:

“Aonia” is the place near Helicon mountain where the muses dwell. While this image sounds serene, the band’s sound is the polar opposite. Driving, almost thrashy riffs juxtapose against melodic, almost operatic vocals from ‘a soprano with balls’ for a sound that is a blending of the very old and the very new, tempered steel in a velvet glove.

Building on their successes as Bloodstock Metal to the Masses finalists, Aonia are currently gigging regularly, securing support slots at more well-known venues (e.g. Corporation in Sheffield) and in more high profile festivals (e.g. 'Martin Walkyier's Viking Funeral' 'Whitby Goth Weekend' and 'Warhorns Winter Festival').

Rising phoenix-like from the ashes of the band 'Cathexis', Aonia was formed by drummer Tony Gaskell and vocalist Melissa Adams, along with guitarist James Brough. After changing members more often than underwear, the line-up has finally stabilised in January of 2012 with Paul on rhythm/harmonising guitar and Gary on bass.

The band has had numerous successes, appearing in Metalhammer magazine, Terrorizer magazine, Alternative Female Voice magazine, Dominator Magazine and Bitchslap Alternative Fanzine. Aonia has been band of the month for Valkyrian Music and Alternative Voice websites and band of the day for Lizard King Music and Ginger Squirell Music. They have also reached #9 on John's Rock Show on Birmingham City Radio.

In December 2011, Aonia released its debut EP 'City of Shadows' to critical acclaim. They quickly followed this success with the filming of their debut video 'Gift of the Curse', which was released in March, 2012. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bILmENLY0yg)

According to Ravenheart Music, Aonia’s music is ‘For fans of Tarja-era Nightwish…traditional operatic power metal that pounds along.’

CackBlabbath writes, "Mel also has an impressive stage presence and the whole band put enough power and passion into the performance to fill an arena...Aonia are a band that are all set to step up to a bigger stage, there’s just so much going on here. If you’re a fan of melodic metal and amazing vocals then they are something that you need to check out."

The Independent Voice’s review of ‘City of Shadows’ states: “Aonia have thrown a thunderbolt to earth in the form of their EP of power-charged operatic metal…the soaring vocals of frontwoman Mel makes the band’s peaks seem as high as Zeus’ mountain…At times Aonia break into Iron Maiden-ish musical territory and its clear there is a lot of talent in its ranks.”

We have been lucky enough to share the stage with some amazing bands, including The Shiver, Skyclad, Warrior Soul, Northern Oak, Skarlett Riot, Cryptic Age, Ravenage and Stormborn.

If you like bands and artists like Nightwish, Within Temptation, Epica, ReVamp, After Forever, Leaves Eyes, Delain or Tarja, Aonia is the band for you!