Female fronted Metal bands have a warm place in our heart, especially when they rock as hard as Onyria. This relatively new band, formed just in 2012 by Simon Gillman and Helena, is beginning to turn heads. Taking the approach of breaking into the industry by doing cover songs to build a fan base, they are now putting out original material that is definitely powerful and captivating.
They are in the process of getting their debut album together. As we await with bated breath, we savor their single on YouTube, “Revenge.”
They have a strategy to take over the world with their sound. There are forging their way one fan at a time, earning the trust of music fans from various genres. With the right sound and strategic intent, they are respectfully RockRevolt’s Indie Band of the Week.
We sat down with the exceptionally talented duo of Simon (Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Drums programming) and Helena (Vocals) and had a moment to talk about all things Onyria.
Tell us how you all got together as a band? Did you all know each other before the band or were there auditions?
Simon: We met as I was looking for a replacement singer for my nearly-disbanded band. We were doing hard rock stuff and 
Helena just showed up and I heard her voice at a local contest and having common friends. After rehearsing with just my drummer (a stripped down version of “Knocking on Heaven’s Door”), I was floored! She was THE voice I needed. We then formed a cover band, doing Guns’N’Roses, Evanescence, and various others. The idea of doing our own stuff quickly came after discovering that we both had lyrics or music written. Actually, I had more than 120 songs almost finished.
How would you describe the band’s sound?
Simon: We prefer to let our fans describe us, as the results may vary. I tend to bring some progressive, Djent and symphonic elements into the songs, while Helena brings her modern rock and R&B influences; also giving a gothic twist with her haunting choirs. Our first CD will contain ballads, heavy songs (like “Revenge”), epic songs and also Prog-oriented songs (“Once Upon A Time”). We are definitely looking to show the world something new!
Watch Onyria’s – “Revenge” (NEW SINGLE)
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Where did the idea of creating a fan base at the beginning by doing cover songs come from?
Helena: We tried to do a little marketing brainstorming and it was just clear that if you’re doing original stuff, it is very hard to have people to follow you based upon nothing. When a settled band publishes a new album, there’s already a solid fan base that will support the music and knows the band. In our case, we needed to spread the word around and gain fans. Doing popular songs on YouTube is a win-win technique, but doing them in your own style…that’s a step further. As for the songs, we try to space out between tons of genres. For example we did “Skyfall” and then “My Heart Will Go On” that was released 18 years ago. The latter one is a world-known anthem and the vocal performance on it it’s always sought after because Celine Dion is an extraordinary singer. We then paid our tribute to the late Freddie Mercury with “Who Wants To Live Forever” (the video has gotten over 200k views – watch it below), as we are both huge Queen fans. We will cover different grounds in the future: for example, our next cover will be “Wither” by Dream Theater, and we have plans to cover Muse, Shinedown, Metallica, 30 Seconds to Mars as well as female “legendary” singers such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Elton John – everything with our own “Onyria” flavor, so keep an eye on us!
Watch “Who Wants To Live Forever”
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What did you guys use to do for living before Onyria ? Are you guys now full time musicians?
Helena: I’m currently studying and working, while Simon’s employed as a web assistant and designer. We don’t earn enough to make a living out of this band, but maybe times will get better. We hope to cover at least our recording fees with the album revenue. Time will tell!
What bands would you say are the biggest inspiration when the Onyria sound was forming?
Helena: There are certain bands that forged our influences. As for Simon, certainly Dream Theater, Periphery, Alter Bridge and Queen. I always liked Nightwish, Evanescence, and Queen.
What was the craziest thing that ever happened in one of your concerts?
Helena: Nothing worth of mention. Maybe forgetting the whole lyric for a song and singing random stuff instead. (laughs)
What is the story/message behind your debut album?
Helena: Our album deals with a lot of feelings: hopelessness, anger, revenge, and spirituality. For example, “Revenge” talks about the revenge we get from producers and people who always promised things that never happened, and the whole music and personal scene around us who wasn’t supportive. The second upcoming single, “Afterlife letter” is a duet between a girl and her dead fiancé, where they talk to each other telling their sensations, and it has a very ascending climax that bursts into an epic chorus. Can’t wait to let you hear it!!
Connect with Onyria at the links below!
WEBPAGE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | SOUNDCLOUD | REVERBNATION | YOUTUBE
By: Victoria Oliveira – Contributing Writer
