Bio
The story of HelFreya
HelFreya blends metal, progressive rock, psychedelic, doom, jazz and folk into a sound that has been described as “TOOL if Lzzy Hale were singing” — drawing comparisons to Pink Floyd, Evanescence, Led Zeppelin, and Flyleaf.
The band was forged from the creative core of Wormhole. Keith Meyer and Travis Stephenson had been performing together in local punk band Wormhole since 1994, playing venues across Winnipeg including the Royal Albert and Park Theatre. Russ Maskus joined in 2017, and when Violet Vopni came aboard in 2019, the group adopted a new name and musical direction.
The name HelFreya derives from two Norse Goddesses: Hel, goddess of death, and Freya, goddess of love. The band represents the duality between light and dark, and the enigmatic amalgamation of love and death. Norse and Celtic mythology are woven throughout their songwriting.
HelFreya's debut performance was at Recovery Day 2019 at The Forks in Winnipeg — a festival supporting mental health and addiction stigma reduction awareness. In July 2020, the band released their debut album Shieldmaiden — nine tracks exploring themes of Norse mythology, personal resilience, and the human condition — celebrated with a release show at the historic Park Theater.
The Band
Violet Vopni
Vocals
Of Metis and Icelandic descent, with a 4-octave range and 25 years of songwriting experience. Joined 2019.
Keith Meyer
Guitar
Co-founder, previously in Wormhole since 1994. Performed at venues across Winnipeg including the Royal Albert and Park Theatre.
Russ Maskus
Bass
Joined the group in 2017, bringing a heavy low-end foundation to the band's progressive sound.
Travis Stephenson
Drums
Co-founder, previously in Wormhole since 1994. Provides the rhythmic backbone for HelFreya's complex arrangements.