Tuesday 7th August 2012
It was the second gig that Absolva had ever played and the very first
Show of the Absolva 'Flames of Justice' UK & Ireland Tour and by God,
there could have been no better way than to kick it off than at The Dublin
Button Factory to a roaring, celtic reception opening the stage for the one and only American Heavy
Metal band Iced Earth.
The birth of Absolva arrived when two ex Fury UK members (Chris Appleton
& Martin Mc knee) formed a fresh, off the wall British Heavy Metal
band with help from Tom Atkinson of Vice and Daniel Bate of Point Blank Fury due to the
recent departure of Luke Appleton (former Fury UK bass player) to Join his all time
favourite band, Iced Earth. If you are a Fan of Fury UK, you will
definately have the same taste for Absolva, only they are heavier, faster, meaner and with
the additionional SG
guitarist (Tom) it allows room for zestier & synchronised guitar solos
that go down so
well with the gravely -yet smooth, toned edged voice of Chris Appleton.
Absolva performance...
Absolva played a fresh performance opening up with 'Flames Of Justice' where they had the whole attention of the crowd from the word go. They moved swiftly on to 'Hundred Years' and without realising I found myself and the rest of the crowd chanting along to the brilliant lyrical, catchy chorus. Absolva then introduced the song 'Code Red', 'Breathe', 'Love To Hate' and finishing off with the impressive 'Empire'. They had us all begging for more!
What a blinding performance it was! Note
perfect and from start to finish the Dublin crowd punched the air with
their fists and horns in appreciation as Absolva proved to be the
best support band that Iced Earth have seen yet. The set they played last night was just a
taster for what their 'Flames of Justice' Debut Album will sound like
and is due to be released at the end of October 2012.
Iced Earth...
The long awaited Iced earth played an incredible two hour long set and
filled the Dubliners with satisfaction as they played many of the
all time favourites. I must admit, a tear ran down my eye when Iced Earth played a
tribute to Jon Schaffers late childhood friend with the song 'Watching over me' and all of a sudden, memories of a certain time came flooding back as I listened to the deep, beautiful words of Stu's voice. But I was later on
filled with happiness when Stu block gave Luke Appleton a proud tap on the
back as he dedicated 'Melancholy' to their fellow brothers of Fury UK.
It was a great evening, and the 1000 capacity venue was packed from
start to finish. Metal fists punched the air again. The crowd were determined to for Iced Earth never to
leave the stage as they encored at least three times.
Absolva & Iced Earth will go on to play three more shows together
including Belfast tonight, Glasgow tomorrow and then on to Friday at
Bloodstock Open Air Festival in Derby. Absolva will then continue their
headline 'Flames of Justice' Tour all around the UK.
All in all it was a night to remember. We all want you guys back, and what made last night an extra special evening, was knowing that
it was the first time -not only for Absolva, but for Iced Earth to have
ever played in Ireland, and in the words of Stu Block 'This was a long
time coming.' But they have arrived and they will be back. Along with
the British Metallers that carry the name of Absolva.
By Aine Brewer
The Metal Saloon
Absolva Tour Poster 2012
www.facebook.com/OfficialIcedEarth
