Band Bombards Way to Finals
Local band in Finals of Competition
Local melodic metal band Aonia (Retford/Worksop/Doncaster based) are through to the final stage of the nationwide “Metal to the Masses” competition in the Birmingham region.
From hundreds of applicants, 32 bands were selected to compete. After successfully completing the initial heats and semifinal stages, Aonia are now one of six bands competing for a slot to play the prestigious Bloodstock festival at Catton Hall in August.
On the 1st of July, the band take the stage at Roadhouse in Birmingham to play for a panel of the festival’s organisers.
If Aonia are successful, they will play a festival attended by 10,000 people and will share an arena with the likes of Machinehead and Alice Cooper.
Aonia are known for their operatic vocals juxtaposed with heavy, driving guitars and fantasy-esque lyrics.
Front woman Mel is drawing critical acclaim for her theatrical interpretations of different personas in Aonia’s songs.
“We are amazed and overwhelmed to have made it this far,” Mel gushed. “The other bands in the finals are fantastic and there’s a huge variety-I don’t envy the judges! We would love to play Bloodstock. I’ve been going since 2007. It would be the most amazing experience.”
Drummer Tony Gaskell, known for his metronome-like timekeeping and skilful orchestration of time signature and tempo changes, remarked, “This is the best – and only – true metal festival in the UK. Playing Bloodstock would be a great experience because I’ve been going since it started in 2001.”
Guitarists Paul Frith and James Brough are equally thrilled. “Bloodstock does so much for unsigned bands,” said Frith. “and supporting the local, underground scene is so important.”
Bassist Gary Solomon simply stated, “It would be awesome.”
Entry is £5.00 and the band are providing free transport from Doncaster and Retford/Worksop to and from the venue. Other pick-up/drop off points can be organised based on demand. The event starts at 6pm and finishes at 11pm. Persons interested in booking transport should email [email protected] to reserve a space.
More information about the band and links to their pages on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter can be found at www.aonia.co.uk