The Akuma Chronicles: ------------------------------------------------------------
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Part I: The Inception
Forming in early 2003 Akuma were all about one thing, writing the best and heaviest music they could possibly create.
Soon after meeting and exchanging pleasentries Luke, Jay and former members Huon Oliver and Mitchell Cope began their quest for metal greatness. After writing 5 songs in quick sucession they were ready for their first ever live show at the late, great "Hunter on Hunter", but alas string breakages and microphone troubles marred an otherwise perfect (*BULLSHIT*) performance.
Several shows around Newcastle followed and the band gained a steadily growing fanbase who warmed to their simple but effective riffage and infectious chorus lines. But it was not all smiles, sadly due to various reasons the band deemed it necessary to part ways with original bassist Huon Oliver during this period.
Part II: "The Diluted Truth"
Luckily soon after the band found a new bassist in Adam Stojanovski. After some more gigging around town Akuma decided to record and release a low budget demo named "The Diluted Truth" (For those of you playing the home game "The Diluted Truth" was originally put forward as an idea for a name for the band).The Cd's sold well and were well received by most. But due to a marked change in musical direction (and material quality) shortly after the release, the band felt it was inappropriate to continue distributing material that was not indicative of their current style. The band continued writing and gigging rigorously supporting heavyweights Frankenbok, Devolved and Daysend among others.
Part III: The Hiatus
Sadly in early 2005 original drummer Mitchell Cope parted ways with the band due to personal, and musical direction reasons. Thus begins a dark chapter in the history of Akuma. After testing several drummers to no avail, Matthew Green (of Inane Eminence Fame) stepped up and offered his services on a temporary basis. During this time the band recorded a song "I Would", with Mat Taylor and Luke Pollock (of ex Coma Lies fame). The song soon became a crowd favourite. Soon after this Matt Green left to concentrate on his major project (Inane Eminence), his help and talent during this time was greatly appreciated. So the search continued filled with more and more drummers who just didn't quite fit in (although their time, effort and patience was greatly appreciated). Gigging sporadically with various drummers the band had little time or opportunity to write any new material and the band remained stagnant........
Part IV: A Ray of Light Through the Gloom
Then in early 2006 a young chap named Brendan Kelso gave the band a call in response to an Ad placed at a local musical store months before. After a half dozen or so practices the band were quite sure that Brendan was the man for the job, bringing the professionalism, artistic flair, passion, and dedication that the band needed to take them to the next level.
Reflecting upon older material the band quickly decided that the music they had created in years past was no longer that which they wanted to create/perform. Putting nostalgia aside the new and improved band unit began the arduous task of writing new music. Taking on a more mature and professional songwriting approach and a frustratingly strict quality control system the band managed to write a 30 minute set in 2 1/2 months, and played a few gigs impressing many former naysayers with their more mature style.
Part V: Recording
Soon Akuma started to feel the itch to record again, but not wanting to release a premature EP or LP decided that recording 2 songs for the purposes of internal scrutiny and freebies at shows would be the best option. Recording with a friend of Adam's, Luke Topic, the band pelted out 2 songs, Without the Sun and Rebirth. In a stroke of luck Luke (Topic) announced that he wanted to take the recording of Without the Sun to acclaimed producer Lachlan Mitchell where he was being taught some producing secrets, the band graciously accepted this kind proposal. The end result saw them with a professional sounding recording at a small cost. The recordings were well received by most who have heard them.
Part VI: "Shrouds of the Final Nothing"
In Mid 2007 Akuma made plans to record their debut LP album, Shrouds of the Final Nothing. They again enlisted the services of Mat Taylor (of Dragline fame) to record and produce the album.
First Brendan powered through the drums in one 9 hour session at Cloud Studios. The rest of the album was to be recorded at LoG's house. Next guitars needed to be recorded; after nearly a day of figuring out sounds and levels they were ready to record. But upon completing 2 sets of rhythm guitar tracks disaster struck! Due to an inexplicable computer malfunction the 2 days worth of rhythm guitar tracks were inadvertently deleted and could not be recovered. After much swearing, hair pulling, wall punching and tantrum throwing the guys began the tedious task of recording guitars for the second time. However, Log and Jay's frustration resulted in the new guitar tracks turning out bigger and better than before.
Unfortunately due to the loss of 2 full days of recording time (days that everybody took off work/university etc) the recording process began to slow right down with recording sessions often having to take a back seat to the work and study commitments of the band members and Mat. However, not becoming disheartened Akuma recorded the lead guitars, acoustic guitars, bass, keys and vocals at Mat's house slowly but surely over the next few weeks. Mat's patience with our ignorant ways and his hard work and dedication were greatly appreciated.
Upon finishing the recording process Mat began the (undoubtedly frustrating) task of editing and mixing the album. Several mixes were produced and amended and Akuma finally had the final mix late the night before it was to be mastered at 301 studios. Akuma were very happy with the professional sounding result and glad to see their hard work and dedication come to fruition. The Artwork for the album was designed and conceptualized by Daniel "Keg" Jackson in collaboration with Akuma.
Stylistically the CD is essentially a mix of Iron Maiden, Machine Head and Opeth stylings (among other influences) with a heavy emphasis on big layered riffage, infectious, atmospheric melody lines and hooks, and catchy chorus lines. The CD has been very well received by those who have had the pleasure of hearing it thus far. Akuma is continuing to gig, with a steadily growing fanbase and quickly gaining respect and adulation among peers and fans alike.
Part VII: The Future
The future sees Akuma focusing on promoting the album, playing shows whenever and wherever they can and continuing to write new and exciting material. Akuma is certain that with their album and resolve to never give up they will make their mark on the Australian Metal scene. 2008 will be a big year in the history of Akuma. See you on the road.
Cheers
Akuma
