AREENA was an early nineties melodic Rock outfit founded by vocalist / guitarist Jori Helminen and vocalist / keyboard player Hans Grahn. Subsequently, the Stockholm band was rounded out by Mats Rova, handling keyboards, bass guitar and additional lead vocals, with Michael Dahlqvist on drums. Although AREENA demoed the group did not approach any labels, and eventually folded.

Helminen and Dahlqvist duly forged SCUDIERO, signing to Z Records, whilst Grahn joined RATTRAP. However, Helminen and Grahn reunited during 1997 in PROJECT VANGUARD, a precursor to BONAIRE. Grahn exited this venture in 1999, but, alongside Michael Dahlqvist, made a return to fulfil live work at a Z Records festival in Stockholm.