PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
The wait is nearly over as Absolva, the powerhouse of hard rock and melodic metal, from Manchester, UK, are thrilled to announce the release of their new studio album, ‘Justice’. Set to drop on 16th May 2025, this album promises to be a monumental addition to the band’s discography, showcasing their signature blend of giant harmony lead guitars, indelible choruses and impassioned vocals/lyrics.
‘Justice’ features an impressive line-up of guest vocalists, including Ronnie Romero (renowned for his incredible work with Rainbow, Michael Schenker and more), the legendary Blaze Bayley (Iron Maiden frontman 1994-1999), the outstanding Stu Block (ex-Iced Earth), and the formidable David Marcelis (Lord Volture, Thorium). So it is that the album’s powerful sound is further enhanced by the dynamics of these talented guests.
There are ten highly impressive songs here, and these are my highlights.
Album opener ‘Freedom And Glory’ (featuring David Marcelis) is a turbocharged headbanger that flies out of the traps on superhuman drum annihilation, a riveting lead vocal that decimates in just under four frantic minutes.
‘The Thrill Of The Chase’ is a dirt under the fingernails pounder, littered with potent powerchords and a stratospheric height reaching vocal. A midway melodic midsection is one for the air guitarists to throw some shapes.
‘Against The Odds’, (featuring Stu Block) has a sedate intro of sparse guitar lines and a heartbreaking vocal until all hell breaks loose for a lengthy opus as this power ballad with balls earns all the plaudits.
My personal favourite here is ‘Atlas’ (War Between The Gods) (featuring the indestructible Blaze Bayley). He makes every lyric count to set the scene for a heavy metal thunder thumper that destroys anything or anyone that dare blocks his path with his formidable baritone delivery.
This highly impressive album ends on ‘The Streetfighters Of Blackford Bridge’. It’s like being caught in the eye of a storm as it whips up finger bleeding flourishes around melodic metal musings, closing on a chanted vocal.
The album is inspired by the blockbuster movie Tombstone with its’ gritty Western theme. Even the band’s pre-order packages are playfully named after characters in the movie whilst the songs take the listener on a more serious, compelling journey, through themes of resilience, identity, truth and hope.
‘Justice’ was recorded at Rocksector Records HQ, produced by frontman Christopher Appleton, and mastered by Ade Emsley, ensuring a polished yet faithful sound that fans have come to love. The lead single and music video, the super-infectious ‘Find My Identity‘, featuring Ronnie Romero, has already generated the buzz of something special, giving fans a taste of what’s to come, whilst the latest single and title track gives a more epic atmosphere and colossal, operatic-style ending.Always heavily committed on the live scene, in the early part of 2025 the band has completed 4 shows in Italy (special guests with Blaze Bayley), 12 UK and European tour dates (special guests with Ronnie Romero) and 4 additional UK dates (special guests with Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons).
Justice album track listing :-
Freedom And Glory. (featuring David Marcelis).
The Thrill Of The Chase.
Against The Odds Of Time. (featuring Stu Block).
Hero In Your Life.
Justice. (Featuring David Marcelis).
Find My Identity. (featuring Ronnie Romero).
The City Is Burning.
Atlas. (War Between The Gods) (featuring Blaze Bayley).
Left Behind.
The Streetfighters Of Blackfired Bridge.
Absolva band info is here :- http://absolva.com ./http://Absolva./
Looking ahead, Absolva have bookings confirmed so far for the remainder of 2025…
July
5th SOS Festival, Oldham, Greater Manchester (UK)
20th Maid of Stone Festival (UK)
26th The Pitcher, Dusseldorf (Germany)
27th Rock Petrol Fest, Wingene (Belgium)
September
11th Kulturrampe, Krefeld (Germany)
12th Ska, Neuenhaus (Germany)
13th Hellpower Festival (Germany)
20th Rock Night Tenwil (Switzerland)
October
30th Sound Bar, Skipton (UK)
31st Trillians, Newcastle (UK)
December
20th Manchester Academy 3 (UK)
