14 Facts About Elias Viljanen

Elias Viljanen joined Sonata Arctica in spring 2007 in order to replace Jani Liimatainen, who left the band in August 2007 to fulfill his civil duties in Finland.

The decision was only made official on 8 August 2007, but Elias Viljanen had been known to replace Liimatainen in concerts during the spring and summer tour.

Elias Viljanen cites Kiss, Metallica, Slayer, and Whitesnake as his musical influences.

Elias Viljanen was born in 1975, and started playing the guitar at eight, in 1983.

Around that same time, Elias Viljanen began playing in local bands, heavily influenced by Metallica's early thrash metal.

Elias Viljanen spent several months writing down his music ideas he'd had for many years, but never expressed.

Elias Viljanen did have doubts about his solo project, stating:.

Elias Viljanen never dreamed of getting a serious record contract out of it, but sent his demos out anyway.

Elias Viljanen traveled with the band Sonata Arctica in 2007, filling in for their guitarist Jani Liimatainen on tour.

Elias Viljanen took up the mantle as guitarist with much controversy, with many hard-core fans still wanting Liimatainen to be a part of the project.

Elias Viljanen toured with Sonata Arctica in support of their album Unia in late 2007 and early 2008.

So, Elias Viljanen entered the studio with Sonata Arctica for the first time in the earlier half of 2009, recording the album The Days of Grays.

Elias Viljanen has stated that, if not a musician, he would likely be a silversmith.

Elias Viljanen enjoys the racing video game Need for Speed: Underground, likes parrots and his favorite sport is ice hockey.