Album Review: Absolva – Side by Side (Rocksector Records)

Carl Fisher 2 min read

Manchester-based melodic metal band Absolva present their fifth studio album ‘Side by Side’, set for release on 17th April, following on from previous albums ‘Flames of Justice’ (2012), ‘Anthems to the Dead’ (2014), ‘Never a Good Day to Die’ (2015) and ‘Defiance’ (2017).

The band, fronted by Christopher Appleton (of Blaze Bayley’s band) and his brother Luke Appleton (of Iced Earth) was formed in 2012, from the ashes of Fury UK. Each member has a wealth of experience with an impressive pedigree recording and touring with their other above-mentioned associations with Iced Earth and Blaze Bayley, and have also toured as support artist with the likes of Saxon, Michael Schenker and Y&T.

Absolva are already a well respected name within the melodic metal community having released a number of successful and beloved albums to date. Side By Side certainly doesn’t change that, in fact it’s confirmation that the talents within this band are never-ending.

10 tracks of fast-paced, up-tempo catchy metal numbers alongside two cover songs (Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath), it’s an album that really delivers what we need right now. Which is good-time head-bangers performed by a band capable of this sort of stuff in their sleep.

The galloping beat of Burning Star, the epic vocals of The Sky’s Your Limit with its chuggy guitar riffs, the punchy and hyper-active solos of Living A Lie and the sexy groove of Heart Lets Go. This, just a selection of the exciting and feel-good tracks available on Side By Side.

An album that will put a smile on the face and get the blood pumping, the added bonuses covers is certainly welcome too. Absolva doing Iron Maiden’s Two Minutes to Midnight and Black Sabbath’s Heaven and Hell proper justice.

Absolva – Side By Side Full Track Listing:

1. Advocate Your Fate
2. Burning Star
3. The Sky’s Your Limit
4. Side by Side
5. Living a Lie
6. Legion
7. Eternal Soul
8. End of Days
9. Heart Lets Go
10. From This World
11. Two Minutes to Midnight (Iron Maiden Cover)
12. Heaven and Hell (Black Sabbath Cover)




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Absolva - Side by Side (Rocksector Records)
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