Akuma is: Luke (LoG) O’Grady: Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar Jay Richards: Lead Guitar Adam Stojanovski: Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals Brendan Kelso: Drums Akuma began as a group of four misfits who found each other through friends of friends and at heavy metal shows. The guys soon discovered that they all shared the dream of achieving metal greatness. But alas, internal dissention among current and former members and line-up changes marred progress significantly and despite the mutual love for writing and performing heavy music mainstays Luke O’Grady, Jay Richards and Adam Stojanovski were on the brink of giving up and calling it a day. Fast forward to 2006; after almost a year without a dedicated drummer the band received a call from a young drummer, Brendan Kelso, who was interested in joining the band. Akuma had finally found the drummer they were looking for. Reflecting upon older material the band decided that it was no longer the style of music they wanted to perform and essentially started again from scratch. Their newer more mature style impressed many former naysayers and gained them widespread respect and adulation among fans and peers alike. In mid 2007 the band largely put shows on hold to begin preparations for recording their first full length album, “Shrouds of the Final Nothing”. The majority of the album was recorded at Luke’s (O’Grady) house in a mock up recording studio to avoid the costs of recording in a professional room; and recorded/mixed by a friend, Mat Taylor (ex Comalies). Drums were recorded at Cloud Studios and the CD was mastered at 301 Studios. Stylistically the CD is essentially a mix of Iron Maiden, Machine Head, Mastodon and Opeth stylings (among other influences) with a heavy emphasis on heavy layered riffs; infectious, atmospheric melody lines, and catchy choruses. Since its release in October 2007 it has sold 110 copies at shows and online and has been generally well received. the Cd is available via mail order on the band myspace (www.myspace.com/akumaband) and at shows Since the release of “Shrouds of the Final Nothing”, Akuma have focused upon playing shows, touring and generally promoting the album. They are currently seeking record company support and radio airplay.