Akaname is an experimental metal band blending elements of math-grind and progressive-metal that originated in 2005 under the name Gomorrah. In 2007, the band rebranded as Akaname (“filth licker” in Japanese) to avoid confusion with all the other Gomorrahs. Based in Wellington, Akaname played across the punk, metal, and hardcore scenes, sharing stages with acts like Schifosi (Melbourne), Saving Grace, Backyard Burial, Drug Problem, and Ulcerate.
The band’s early years culminated in their 2007 recording session at Trident Studios, where they produced the Filthlicker EP, a five-track release distributed by US-based Debello Recordings. In 2008, Akaname relocated to Melbourne, Australia, and underwent a significant transformation after parting ways with vocalist Kallie, shifting to an instrumental-only atmospheric metal sound. This new direction debuted with the EP As Above/ So Below in August 2009. Later that year, they returned to New Zealand as the support act for US deathcore band Winds Of Plague.
Back in Melbourne, Akaname recorded their self-titled full-length album at Antiverse Studios in Brunswick. Released on July 1, 2010, the album showcased their evolved style, blending “spacetime-warping technicality and full-frontal riffery” with “geometric grooves, hyper-atmospheric washes, and subliminal textural layers.” A New Zealand tour followed, hitting Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. However, mid-2010 saw the band enter hibernation as drummer Otis Chamberlain stepped away temporarily.
Akaname re-emerged in 2011 when Ben, Matt Payne, and Matt Faisandier recorded the track “Rain Will Be The New Gold” at Weighing The Earth studio in Melbourne, with Jamie Saint Merat of Ulcerate contributing drums from Auckland. This track was released in 2012 as a 7” split with Seattle’s “Lesbian’s Fungal Abyss” via Irish label Hell Comes Home. In 2015, Otis and Matt Faisandier explored new territory with their side-project Ornithologist, a “pseudo-electro bird-grind duet” celebrating avian themes through riffs and drum sequences.
By 2024, all four members of Akaname had reunited in Wellington, New Zealand, sparking rumors of a new recording in development.
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| Origin | Wellington |
| Genre | post-metal experimental grindcore, post-hardcore |
| Years Active | 2005 – present |
| Associated Acts | Gomorrah Dial Poodles |
| Past Members | Otis Chamberlain (drums) Matt Payne (bass) Ben Jackson (guitar) Alex Beere (guitar) Matt Fasandier (guitar, electronics) Kallie Sparkles (vocals 2007 – 2008) |
Releases
| Title | Date | Label | Type | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filthlicker | 2007, Nov 4 | Debello Recordings | EP | CD/ DL |
| As Above/ So Below | 2009, Aug 20 | DL | ||
| Akaname | 2010, July 1 | album | CD/ DL | |
| Akaname/ Lesbian’s Fungal Abyss | 2012, June 4 | Hell Comes Home | split | 7″/ DL |
Timeline
2007, March 31, Blacknote
The Wrongmen, Akaname, Scab
2007, April 13, Hysteria/ 258 K Rd
Akaname, Full Nelson, Blood Letting
2007, April 14, Happy
2007, June 2, Valve
2007, June 8, Valve
2007, October, SFBH
2007, November 7, Filthlicker
2007, November 23, Valve
2008
2008, July/ September
Akaname relocates to Melbourne
2009
2009, January 8, Laundry (Melb)
2009, January 25, East Brunswick Club
2009, August 20, As Above / So Below
2009, October 17, Old Bar (Melbourne)
2009, October 29 – November 2, Winds of Plague tour
2010
2010, July 1, Akaname
2010, July 1, Kings Arms
Akaname, Carthaginian, The Mark Of Man
2010, July 2, Medusa
Akaname, I.Ryoko, Spook The Horses, Neon Bastard
2010, July 3, Al’s Bar (CHCH)
Akaname, Vixen Execution, Zerstyren
2012
2012, June 4, Akaname/ Lesbian’s Fungal Abyss
Split with Lesbian’s Fungal Abyss. Jamie Saint Merat from Ulcerate guest played on drums for this recording.
