Year: 2020
Total Time: 01:00:17
Label: Rocksector Records
ABSOLVA is a UK-based Heavy Metal band formed in 2012. They have released five studio albums and a live album in almost five years. They are one of those new bands that, along with ELIMINATOR, AMULET and MONUMENT, will be called upon to hold the flag of British Heavy Metal high in the future, when legendary names such as IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and SAXON will be withdrawn.
The band, made up almost entirely by Blaze Bayley’s tour band, includes Chris Appleton (vocals, guitars), Karl Schramm (bass), Martin McNee (drums) and guitarist Luke Appleton, ICED EARTH’s bassist, is back with its fifth album, as always in a slightly modernized NWOBHM style.
There are no surprises in “Side by Side”. It is 100% pure, NWOBHM with catchy riffs and classic rhythms. The opening track of the album, “Advocate Your Fate” shows its sound direction from the beginning. You’ve heard ABSOLVA’s style millions of times since 1980, it’s extremely easy to digest and you won’t challenge your brain, instead you’ll have fun and enjoy it. Songs such as “Burning Star” and “Eternal Soul” raise speed and rhythms, making the album’s atmosphere even more enjoyable, making you to shake your head at its rhythm. The band shows once again that can create songs that enter, easily drag you in their rhythm and come out before they get tedious, leaving you with a very pleasant feeling.
ABSOLVA are already a respected name in the community of Melodic Metal bands, especially in the NWOBHM genre they represent. Till now, several successful and popular albums have been released by them. “Side by Side” certainly doesn’t change that, in fact it’s a confirmation that the talent in this band is real! An album that will put a smile on your face and the two covers in the album, “Two Minutes to Midnight” by IRON MAIDEN and “Heaven and Hell” by BLACK SABBATH, will make it even wider.
Rating: 7,5/10
Editor: Fanouris Exintavelonis
Related Link: ABSOLVA – Facebook Page
