Rocksector Records [Release date 18.10.19]
Absolva formed from the ashes of Fury (UK) in 2012, featuring Chris Appleton (vocals, guitar), Luke Appleton (guitar, vocals), Martin McNee (drums) and bassist Karl Schramm, who joined the band in 2014. The band also provide former Iron Maiden vocalist Blaze Bayley’s with his live band and if that wasn’t enough, Luke Appleton is also a member of Iced Earth.
‘Side By Side’ is the band’s fifth album – they are clearly hard working both on the road and in the studio. First time I have come across the band’s music, although they have gained favourable live reviews on GRTR! from their appearances at various UK festivals.
One band that you can clearly hear on this album is Iron Maiden, particularly on ‘Eternal Soul’ and ‘End Of Days’. Plenty of galloping bass & drums and melodic guitar solos – the Appleton brothers certainly know how to play catchy metal music.
‘Side By Side’ is a neat piece of melodic metal, again the guitar duelling is a highlight, whilst ‘Legion’ wouldn’t look out of place on a Saxon album.
Two covers complete the album – Iron Maiden’s ‘Two Minutes To Midnight’ and Black Sabbath’s ‘Heaven And Hell’. Both are decent enough covers, just not sure they add much to the album.
If you like your metal melodic, with a touch of the Maiden about it, Absolva have just the album for you here. ***
Review by Jason Ritchie
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
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