Release:
Rocksector Records
12.10.2018 (Vinyl Edition)
Info:
ABSOLVA is an explosive Manchester-based British metal band, including 3 members of the BLAZE BAYLEY band and one member of ICED EARTH. The band formed in May 2012 and has released 4 studio albums plus a live album and DVD.
ABSOLVA claim nothing revolutionary and yet have developed the happy habit of remaining faithful to all that is great about classic British metal, whilst still sounding fresh, vibrant, engaging and memorable, with incendiary guitar work and incredibly infectious choruses. The band members are all experienced professionals, having toured with some of the biggest names in the rock/metal genres including Saxon, Iced Earth, Michael Schenker, Y&T, and Blaze Bayley (Iron Maiden singer 1994-1999).
ABSOLVA rose from the ashes of Fury UK, a band formed by Chris Appleton around 2003 whilst still at school. After a few typical line-up changes in its early times, Chris recruited his brother Luke on bass, forming a 3 piece with already established drummer Martin Mcnee. Fury UK recorded 3 albums and a live DVD, touring and building an impressive reputation. In Winter 2011 Fury UK toured 30+ dates around Europe with Iced Earth and soon afterwards when the Iced Earth bass position became available, Jon Schaffer called on Luke to join as full-time bassist. Luke has excelled in that position ever since.
Unwilling to simply employ a replacement to fill his brother’s shoes in Fury UK, Chris decided to grab the opportunity to form an exciting new band project entirely and in May 2012 ABSOLVA was born, with Martin Mcnee on drums. As a 4-piece band, ABSOLVA differentiated itself from Fury UK with a pulsating twin guitar attack, as opposed to the former’s 3 piece format. Once again, a typical round of departures occurred in the early days until in 2014 brother Luke returned to the fold (whilst still retaining his Iced Earth position) but this time on rhythm guitar, and Karl Schramm was recruited on bass. That line-up remains constant.
ABSOLVA’s latest album, ‘Defiance’ (released via Rocksector Records, July 2017), is their fifth release, following studio records ‘Flames of Justice’ (2012), ‘Anthems to the Dead’ (2014 – featuring Saxon guitarist Doug Scarratt), ‘Never A Good Day to Die’ (2015) and live album/DVD ‘Beyond Live’ (2013).
Since 2014, ABSOLVA has scheduled activity around the touring and recording plans of Luke with Iced Earth and Chris, Martin and Karl with Blaze Bayley’s band. That’s not to say that ABSOLVA fails to stay busy. These guys have an insatiable appetite especially for touring and it’s that drive that sees them embark on a 34 date European tour beginning 4th October, including 7 shows as special guests with Michael Schenker Fest. This upcoming European tour is to promote the vinyl LP release of the ‘Defiance’ album which is on black 180 gram vinyl, beautifully packaged in gatefold cover and printed inner sleeves. The official release date is 12th October.
Tourdates Overview: http://www.mwaweb.com/absolva_shows.htm
"Who Dares Wins" - Official Video: https://youtu.be/XAM_5AhEmJU
Tracklist:
1. Life on the Edge
2. Defiance
3. Rise Again
4. Fistful of Hate
5. Never Be the Same
6. Alarms
7. Connections
8. Midnight Screams
9. Life and Death
10. Eclipse
11. Who Dares Wins
12. Reflection
Line-up:
Chris Appleton (Blaze Bayley / Fury UK) - lead vocals and lead guitar
Luke Appleton (Iced Earth / Fury UK) - rhythm guitar and backing vocals
Martin McNee (Blaze Bayley / Fury UK) - drums
Karl Schramm (Blaze Bayley) - bass and backing vocals
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