Armand Melnbardis is a Latvian-born Classical & Heavy Metal Violinist. Known for his immaculate skills as a classical & jazz violinist, pianist, studio session musician, music educator and a leader of his Vio7 rock band.
Armand has always been “thinking outside the box” and venturing into the uncharted territories of hard rock & heavy metal. However, instead of the traditional electric guitar as the main lead instrument, he uses his own model 7-string violin, creating an unprecedented flavor of instrumental rock that sprouts from the classical traditions of Bach, Vivaldi and Paganini.
Heavily influenced by the likes of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Randy Rhoads, Yngwie Malmsteen & John Sykes to name a few, Armand has been able to stir up quite a buzz with his own brand of hard driving violin riffs and blazing solos, that possesses such power and range,it’s raising quite a few eye-brows in the modern rock guitar community. You’ve got to see and hear it to believe it!
He performed/recorded with Luciano Pavarotti, Barry Manilow, Richard Marx, Dino, Rob Rock, Richard Hayman, Carman, Nova Era, Debbie Gibson, Ray Price, Kelle Rhoads, N’Sync, Acoustic Saints, Beu Sisters, Heaven & Earth.