Akuma is a heavy metal band from Newcastle formed in early 2003.

Akuma (known in Japan as Gouki) is a character from the Street Fighter series.

Part I: The Inception

The original line-up was comprised of Luke O'Grady (gutair, vocals), Huon Oliver (bass), Mitchell Cope (drums), and Jay Richards (guitar, background vocals). After writing 5 songs in quick succession the band started playing live, with the goal of delivering an intense and hard-hitting style of metal that would leave an impression on punters. Whilst they were raw and unpolished in their sound, a fan base was quick to amass.

Part II: "The Diluted Truth"

Akuma quickly began to establish themselves in the local metal scene, and decided that it would be best to part ways with bassist Huon Oliver due to various reasons. The band were quick to employ the promising talent of Adam Stojanovski on bass. After some more gigging around town Akuma recorded a low budget demo named 'The Diluted Truth', which was originally put forth as a name for the band. The demo sold well and was received with open arms in the underground metal scene. Shortly after its release, the band began to take a new musical direction and decided that it would be innapropriate to continue playing the music live. During this stage of musical renewal the band continued to gig 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 (Comalies, Dragline) 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 Luke O'Grady’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

Akuma embarked on an east coast tour of NSW and VIC in late 2007 and continue to promote the album through intense and brutal live performances. Currently there are no plans to release new material.

Discography

The Diluted Truth (2005)

Shrouds of the Final Nothing (2007)

External links

- Myspace Web site