Joan Vena

Joan 'Vena' Moreno is a guitarist, songwriter, and producer based in Barcelona, Spain, best known as the founder and creative force behind the modern metal outfit Astray Valley. Since establishing the project in 2015, Joan has developed a versatile style that blends the technical precision of progressive metalcore with the expansive, cinematic textures of post-metal.
Joan's relationship with Ibanez began at the age of 15 with his first guitar, an RG350DX, later followed by other models in the RG, Prestige and Iron Label series. Over the years, his songwriting and technical approach have been influenced by the Ibanez artist roster's innovation in the metal genre.
Known for his ability to weave heavy, polyrhythmic grooves with ethereal atmospheric layers, Joan's approach to the guitar focuses on emotional storytelling and sonic depth. His work is characterized by the synthesis of digital and organic tones, blending dark electronic textures inspired by sci-fi with heavy dynamic riffs. As a producer and songwriter, he has evolved Astray Valley's sound from the intricate arrangements of 'Unneth' (2018) and 'Tales of Lun' (2021) to the dynamic landscapes found in 'Midnight Sun' (2023) and beyond.
Throughout his career, Joan has performed on international stages across Europe and Asia. His touring history includes appearances at major festivals such as Resurrection Fest, Rock Fest Barcelona, and Leyendas del Rock, as well as international tours alongside acts such as Jinjer, The Agonist, and Infected Rain.