Aiden

One quick look or listen of Seattle quintet Aiden may result in an emo write-off: wiL Francis resembles Gerard Way and the band's album art could be a best-selling Threadless T-shirt. But while most emo bands studied under the school of Green Day, Aiden cites the Misfits as its greatest influence. Indeed, the band's first few albums showcased punk-rock rigor and horror aesthetics, and though they didn't borrow from B-movies, their melodic mourning could provide a lush soundtrack for the Gaiman generation. Aiden's latest album, Conviction, leans far more emo than earlier efforts — and although sonically it's now more Dashboard than Danzig, an experimental attitude and narrative lyrics still align the band with its ghoul-rock inspiration.