Aiden - 'Conviction' (Victory) Released 20/08/07

In a recent interview lead singer wiL Francis claimed the only album he had listened to over the last couple of months was his own, stating: “It blows my mind”. Whether this is amazing self-belief or just plain arrogance he could have certainly picked a worse album to solely dedicate his ear to. ‘Conviction’ is a stark improvement and transformation from previous hollow offerings from the Seattle goth-punks. They have added intelligent song structures and a smattering of grandiose choruses, resulting in a personally explorative album coated with belief, honesty and sincerity.

Aiden have stepped out from the shadows, de-cladding themselves from the morbid dark black clothes they were so strongly associated with. And although song titles on ‘Conviction’ include ‘Hurt Me’, ‘Darkness’ and ‘The Sky Is Falling’, optimism and positivity shines through the LP. Front-man Francis recently confirmed Aiden have made a conscious effort to distance themselves away from both the emo and screamo scenes, wanting not to be lumped in with the pool of other same genre bands, but instead to be viewed as just Aiden. But when they are tattooed from head to toe and don more eye make-up than Amy Winehouse it becomes pretty hard not to jump to such obvious conclusions.

The fivesome have tweaked their sound which now ricochets between The Used, AFI and The Cure. Gone are the pointless screams and growls so prevalent in previous albums, replaced instead with deep, honest vocals and a sound that threatens to transform and spiral into uncharted Aiden territory.
After a rather subtle start with the uninspiring ditty of opener ‘The Opening Departure’ and ‘She Will Love You’ the first hint of the ability of new Aiden is evident on ‘Teenage Queen’, a big fat chorus is carried by a sinister riff and this combination sets the tone for the majority of the rest of the LP.