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Reign In Metal
Zodiac :  Metal Reputation : 88
Join date : 2012-01-05
Location : Vacationing in Hell
 | |  Absolva – Flames Of Justice (2012) Album Review | |
Absolva – Flames Of Justice (2012)
Rocksector Records -- Running Time 51:47
What happens when your band is on the verge of breaking through and then the bass player gets asked to join metal titans Iced Earth? That is what happened to heavy rock trio Fury UK last year. Instead of replacing ‘Luke Appleton’, brother, lead guitarist and vocalist ‘Chris Appleton’ and drummer ‘Martin McNee’ put that band on hiatus and formed Absolva, ‘Flames Of Justice’ was their debut album released in the second half of 2012 and they hit the ground running faster than Usain Bolt on steroids. Fusing the heavy rock sound of their previous act with classic metal bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Saxon ‘Flames Of Justice’ is a blinding album. Joined here by bassist ‘Dan Bate’ and lead and rhythm guitarist ‘Tom Atkinson’ (who has since departed due to other commitments), Absolva aren’t completely retro though. There is enough of a modern twist to their sound to keep fans old and new very happy, a point proved by the size and diversity of crowds at their gigs.
‘Flames Of Justice’ kicks off with the screaming title track, and that alone leaves you in no doubt that Absolva mean serious business. Followed by ‘Hundred Years’, ‘Code Red’ (which is sure to become a live classic),’From Beyond The Light’ and ‘Breathe’, which thanks to Chris Appleton’s slightly Dave Mustaine style delivery could be a Megadeth song, in fact ‘Red Lamb’, Mustaine’s recent collaboration album with Dan Spitz would be a good reference point for Absolva. This is full of crunchy riffs, choruses that stay in your brain long after the album has finished, great solo and duel guitar work that fits the songs extremely well, a good variety of tempo and rhythm section of a very high calibre that ties the whole thing together beautifully. ‘Flames Of Justice’ has been well produced, mixed and mastered by Matt Elliss, although if anything he hasn’t quite managed to catch the raw power that Absolva share on the live circuit. That is a pretty small criticism though for a band that really is set to keep the spirit of classic metal alive if they continue to produce work of this quality.
There is something strangely alluring about Absolva’s music. It feels very familiar, as if you have known the band for years, but at the same time it adds new and exciting flavours, a bit like a good wine, and that great mix has had me going back to this album time and time again to enjoy its contents. Another of the great bands on Rocksector Records, and just about to embark on a European Tour as support to Michael Schenker, you genuinely have to keep an eye out for Absolva because they are going places!
https://www.facebook.com/absolva
http://www.mwaweb.com/absolva_home.htm
http://www.mwaweb.com/rocksector.htm
Review written exclusively for Brutiful Entertainment by:
Rick Tilley www.facebook.com/richard.tilley.351
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