Akuma

Akuma is a hardcore and punk group from Montréal, Canada, active since 1998. The band is identified as a Quebec punk act and works in both French and English. Safwan is the only named member in the verified facts; the bio also names Sylva on drums, Yannick on guitar and Sébastien on bass, with Safwan on vocals and guitar.

Style and position in the scene

The group sits in the harder end of the punk scene, combining old-school punk rock with hardcore influences and a militant approach. Its lyrics and presentation emphasise resistance, dissidence and a do-it-yourself stance, and its sound is described as mixing aggressive street punk with melodic guitar work and heavy rhythms.

Releases and activities

Akuma begins in December 1998 and builds its reputation through live shows in Québec, including club dates after the Polliwog tour in summer 1999. Its first album, 100 DEMONS, appears in 2001 and captures the urgency of the band’s early performances. The group then releases Subversion in 2004, before issuing its third album, Des Cendres et du désespoir, in 2006; that record is introduced by the video L’Alternative and includes songs such as Dernière danse, Nulle part, Longue route, Objecteur de conscience, The Good fight, Terroriste moi, Sabotage, When Chaos comes and La Chute.

Tours, appearances and distribution

Akuma appears at major events including the Festival d’été de Québec and Warped Tour. It also tours France and Switzerland in spring 2002 and later performs at the Fiesta Bérurière de Québec for the launch of Subversion. The band releases its music through its own website, at concerts and in a small number of record shops, reflecting its distrust of the music industry.