Debut album from this Birmingham-based five piece who were originally formed in 2005 and after waiting for guitarist Dawz to return from a tour of duty in Iraq really kicked the band into gear in 2007. Self-produced, Seduce Deceive and Lead Astray  proves a solid enough first outing with a decent blend of powerhouse rhythms, catchy melodies and varied song writing.

Vocalist Leanne opts for a clean delivery and makes an immediate impact on the opening “Dinosaurs” and the up-tempo start is maintained with “Do It Again”. The albums soaraway highlight comes in the shape of the atmospheric, mid-tempo “Forgotten” that leads nicely into the vibrant “Things Will Change” which finds them again cranking up the tempo and would be the ideal choice to garner some airplay. The moody rocker “Weak” maintains the quality control and what is also apparent is the beefed-up production which ensures clarity and volume; something which has to be admired when considering the constraints under which the album was recorded.

There is a lot of hard work and tenacity ahead of Aceldama if they aspire to join the premier league of the female-fronted rock and metal genre populated by the likes of Lacuna Coil and Nightwish , but the fact they are from Birmingham will certainly stand them in good stead and they have made a promising start here. The band are playing all across the Midlands in the lead up to Christmas and dates and more can be found at:-

http://www.myspace.com/aceldamabham