Armand Melnbardis (7-string electric violins, keyboards and vocals)
Scott Queen (bass) & Billy Dean (drums)
Influences
Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads, Billy Gibbons, Vito Bratta, Jennifer Batten, Toni Iommi, Eddie Van Halen ... I guess you get the idea ... well, also LATVIAN HOCKEY PLAYERS IN NHL :)
yes, yes Scott - BRUINS, YES...
Sounds Like
Electric 7-string rock violin can sound like anything you want it to sound like, but most guitar players are blown away by its range and unlimited possibilities. It produces the meanest distortion you can imagine, and the next moment it sounds like the most beautiful and romantic violin you have ever heard. It sounds like “Vio7”. There is nothing like that out there.
About Armand-auditioning BASS PLAYERS (details:See BLOG)
This is NEW! July 14th...7pm - please tune into www.InfernalRockRadio .com
C ya then - Armand ;)
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU WHO VOTED, THOUGHT OF VOTING OR DIDN'T QUITE MAKE IT ON TIME, FOR GETTING IT DONE THIS WAY.
BELOW IS THE FRUIT OF YOUR EFFORTS ... STOP BY HERE OR VIO7.COM,
TWITTER or HERE OFTEN, THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW HAPPENING...CIAO! :)
- YOUR FRIEND, ARMAND
Check out these interviews and reviews on VIO7...
Music with a difference using a 7 String Violin
that rocks like any metal guitar......
Just click on each banner and read up on
VIO7...
Write up by Nicolo from Department Of Virtuosity (POLAND)
"7th String" review by Ove (NORWAY)
In Italian:
Review from Italy by Christian (ITALY) @ www. RawAndWild. com
In German: write up by Ulli Heiser of RockTimes Magazine (GERMANY)
"The Seventh String" review by Dan @ WhiteWolfEntertainment
VIO 7 is a rock group that is venturing in uncharted territories of rock music by using 7-string electric rock violin as a lead instrument, instead of guitar.
The leader of the group Armand Melnbardis, well known for his immaculate playing skills as classical player, is clearly proven that he can challenge any guitar player with his driving rock riffs and soaring solos. His violin playing possesses power and range far beyond the capabilities of a guitar.
Drummer Billy Dean is simply amazing. When he breaks into a drum solo during the live shows, he usually brings the house down. He us arguably one of the most talented young up and coming drummers in the U.S. right now. Monster player with chops to impress anyone, be it metal or jazz.
Since the duties of electric guitar are replaced with a rock violin, Scott Queen often faces an additional task to double as a „rhythm guitarist“, while maintaining his solid yet elaborate bass lines. With Jason Boekelheide on the keyboards, have got to see and hear it to believe it!
VIO 7 has received a lot of positive feedback and numerous CD reviews throughout the USA and even from foreign rock/metal webzines. The highly respected German ROCKTIMES calls Armand „The devil violinist who sets off fireworks with his unbelievable violin performance“, CLICK HERE!
The honorable webzine METAL MONTHLY and it's founder Omar Rayna nominated Armand Melnbardis as FEATURED ARTIST.
Please listen to the full-length audio interview which goes in a great detail about the ins and outs of Armand as a heavy metal violin player. CLICK HERE!
Ahhhhh yes, I loved the interview! Awesome job, my friend~ You are an amazing talent! I am considering learning to play the Bass, just to audition for your band! :) haha I will ask my friend Ricky to teach me!! ;) All the best to you, as always :)
Armand! How are you?! Thank you so much for the Star Spangled Banner! What a beautiful rendition it was! I see you guys finally got that space shuttle off the ground. Well not you techinically but..hee hee
P.S. I hope you have a great day. The sun is actually shining here for a change so I probably will too!! It always rains here so sunny days are a rareity!! Take care and Much Love, Wendy, xxx
Like the sound. Sounds like something I'd sing to. Sadly Amazon US is very expensive if you order from Germany due to taxes. But maybe I can get myself an iTunes account and order it there.