“See you in hell!” said Wil Francis, when asked to give a shout-out to his fans. Francis is the lead singer of Aiden, Seattle’s rapidly growing “horror punk” act, and his in-your-face personality is one not easily forgotten.
The “One Love” music video begins with Francis climbing out of a coffin into a black-and-white desert landscape. The remainder of the video surges with bright colors and a poppy, slightly sad melody. The performance is enlivened by Francis’ theatrical, eyeliner-framed gaze and tattoo-covered arms that run down his face in jerky motions. The words “live fast” are sketched across his knuckles.
See Aiden
Where: | WOW Hall , 297 W 8th Ave. |
When: | Today, 8:00 pm. |
Cost: | $6.66 |
Speaking with Francis can prompt images of South Park’s persistently cynical Goth crew. He certainly didn’t waste time with introductions. “I’m fucking pissed. I got a lot to be mad about,” is how the conversation began.
The list was long, and Francis recalled difficult experiences with the death of friends, drugs, reality TV, religion and taxes.
“My art has always been fueled highly by tragedy,” said Francis. “I’m not inspired by unicorns or ponies or holding hands.”
But Francis prefers storytelling to preaching, and he is most interested in Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Bathory and politics. Bathory is the most prolific serial killer in history, having murdered over 600 women, and bathed in their blood to preserve her youth in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Francis is also a lover of film, and Aiden takes its name from the horror movie “The Ring.” Aiden’s influences include Nirvana, the Misfits and H.I.M., and the band’s colorful repertoire derives from hardcore, punk, scream-o and metal styles.
With practice four days a week and weekend shows, the band has been an evolving success since it formed in 2003. The four band members would go on short tours to be back in time for work and school on Monday morning. In 2006, Aiden won the Best Newcomer Award from Metal Hammer and the Best International Newcomer from Kerrang Awards. “Knives,” Aiden’s fourth full-length album, is set to be released Tuesday.
“It’s the best songwriting I’ve ever done,” he said.
Earlier albums include “Our Gangs Dark Oath” and “Nightmare Anatomy.” Songs like “I Set My Friends on Fire” tell Francis experiences with death, dreams, love and changing identity.
As of now, Aiden’s biggest fan base is in England. “I love it over there. It’s rainy and cold and dark,” Francis said.
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