Elias Viljanen

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Elias Viljanen
Elias Viljanen performing with Sonata Arctica in 2019
Background information
Born	(1975-07-08) 8 July 1975 (age 49)
Origin	Finland
Genres	Power metal, progressive metal, death metal, thrash metal
Occupation	Lead guitarist
Instrument(s)	Guitar, vocals

Elias "E.Vil" Einari Johannes Viljanen (born 8 July 1975) is a Finnish musician from Tampere, Finland, known for being the guitarist for Sonata Arctica since 2007. 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. Viljanen cites Kiss, Metallica, Slayer, and Whitesnake as his musical influences.