Venia

Helsinki, Finland

February 16, 2005

1,752 plays
14,675 views

Venia is a Finnish band delivering a sophisticated fusion of riff-driven thrash and progressive metal. Rooted in the golden era of US metal, we trade European tropes for the intricate aggression of Tourniquet, Believer and Deliverance, combined with the melodic majesty of Jacobs Dream and Dream Theater. Driven by dual guitars and violin, we bridge the gap between 80s Metallica and Iron Maiden.

Band/artist history

Venia got its start in 2002 when guitarists Viktor and Jere started jamming together and seeking more band members. The lineup was finally completed in the spring of 2004 with vocalist/violinist Veronica, drummer Daniel and bassist Juhani. The summer was spent recording a first demo titled "Genesis", which was released at Venia's first concert that fall and sold out a year later.

In 2005 Venia recorded their first official studio album, a MCD titled "In Our Weakness" that was released via Bombworks Records. It was a step towards a heavier, more aggressive sound and included more thrash metal influences as well as some extreme vocals. By the end of 2006 Daniel decided to leave Venia, but the band nevertheless started recording their first full length album with Daniel agreeing to record the drums as his final band duty.

In 2009 Venia together with Open Grave Records / NePlusUltra Music released "Victory by Surrender" - a strong debut album that combined the best elements of the "Genesis" demo and "In Our Weakness" MCD while featuring more hooks, melody, violin and more diverse riffing. The same year Antti, who had earlier played a gig with the band as a session drummer, joined Venia.

In the fall of 2010 Venia participated in the Deliverance tribute album "Temporary Insanity - A Salute to Deliverance" with a cover version of the song Desperate Cries. This turned out to be a succesful choice and even Deliverance's front man Jimmy P. Brown II really enjoyed Venia's version.

The most recent lineup change happened in the spring of 2011 when Juhani left the band and Markus became the new bass player.

Have you performed in front of an audience?

Our most fond live memories are from Maata Näkyvissä 06 and Immortal Metal Fest 07. It was a honor and pleasure to be part of these amazing festivals. Both the audience and arrangers were great.

Your musical influences

Tourniquet, Iron Maiden, Deliverance, Rob Rock, Jacobs Dream, Saviour Machine, Dream Theater, Metallica, Terapia, Believer, Theocracy, Stryper, Mokoma etc...

What equipment do you use?

Marshall, Peavey, Boss, Charvel, ESP, ENGL, Ibanez

Anything else?

Check out our new Bandcamp page!