This album by Manchester’s Absolva proved to be one of their best received when it was initially released in 2015 on CD and Digital. This re-release sees the first pressing on Double Vinyl. Frontman Christopher Appleton says – “These days we write specifically for the vinyl format but back in 2015 this obviously wasn’t as popular as it is now & wasn’t a viable option for us. Times have moved on though & we are now working through our catalogue to gradually bring everything up-to-date. As well as the songs, it’s great to see the artwork come to life & this album is a brilliant example. We only use the best quality pressing & print we can find, & are more than happy with the results”
I couldn’t refuse the opportunity to take a retro look at ’Never A Good Day To Die’ and see if it has stood the test of time.
A few softly tapped notes introduce ‘Disguise’ a gentle start before the storm gathers. This band never hold back and as the song begins to pour into your ears, you are taken up into the eye of the turbulence. The Appleton brothers, Chris on vocals and guitar and Luke also on guitar, pile on the pressure with their unrelenting and original rock. As ‘Killer Within’ provides more shock treatment, we are powerless to resist the duo’s riffs, which run continuous until the solo takes us to another level. It’s a roaring chugger and a taste of how these guys can boast of so many accomplishments in their careers. ‘No One Escapes’ rides the crest with more determined power chords. Martin McNee on drums and bassist Karl Schramm keep the rhythm engine house burning and as the song descends into a final dose of riff magic, Martin is in full control bringing the track to a perfect conclusion. ‘The Light’ attracts us like moths to a flame, a smoking intro, with drums and a simple set of chords, bursts into a deep anthem-like rendition. Just listen to that guitar, it’s incredible.
Has this been around for nearly Ten years, unbelievable ?!!
The eponymous track’s title ’Never A Good Day To Die’ sounds like a James Bond or John McClane quotation and an excellent name for a film. No timid intro here, the theme is bold classic rock with a heavy melody, attaching itself to those fret busting weaves and there’s a delicate shift, twisting the knife before it crashes into oblivion. ‘How Black Is My Heart’ cries with pain, a tale of heartache is transformed into this wondrous power ballad with so much dexterity. Mid way the tempo rises and is thrown outwards to encircle us with more delectable and screaming guitars, that bombard our senses. No wonder these guys are in such demand these days, apart from backing the legendary Blaze Bayley on extensive worldwide tours they were special guests this January for Ronnie Romero ( Rainbow, Elegant Weapons, MSG ) details at the foot of the page for upcoming shows and tour dates with Blaze in Spain.
‘Transform’ treads firmly, a mighty force of combined noise that reiterates my thoughts, this album is still as relevant today as in 2015. Pulsating rhythm with vocals of steel, this is the sound of Absolva that gains them so many followers. Faultless and precise strings over such a solid backing, there’s never a moment left to contemplate, it’s full blown rock and it’s right in your face. ’No Tomorrow’ is a fan favourite and it’s easy to see why. The stomping melody stamps with determination and as the voice of Chris hollers above everything else, the song catches and leads you into the ferocious uproar, before you realise. ‘Warrior Soldier’ is like a tyrant dismembering all in its path. I love the pace and the riffs, old school NWOBHM in many ways, but there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s refreshingly blatant and pulverising brilliance. The fantastic titled ‘Orphan Of God’ rumbles into action with lowly chords and more of a range is covered by Chris’s vocals. It has such a drive to it and it’s catchy as fu*k, having a melody and chorus that blend so well. More guitar licks and a solo of worth, interrupts to add dimension and as it carries on, I must applaud the band for composing a proper gem of a track. ‘All Alone’ is the final song and another that stands out as a favourite over the years. A lovely introduction with acoustic guitar builds solidly into a giant of a track. Grinding along with steady but gutsy bursts, it’s heavy, it’s messy and it’s another credit to the superb writing skills of Absolva. Head blowing stuff.
To sum up, yes ’Never A Good Day To Die’ has stood the test of time and truly deserves to be back out on Vinyl. All those Absolva fans who bought it in 2015 earn my respect, they sure knew what an outstanding album they were getting. Since then the band have gone on to receive such high accolades and are forever working and touring. So any praise is well deserved, as their musicianship is phenomenal to say the least. You may have the album on CD, but the vinyl release with its sumptuous artwork and different bundles, will surely be something to treasure, see link below.
‘Faultless and precise strings over such a solid backing, there’s never a moment left to contemplate, it’s full blown rock and it’s right in your face’.
HIGHLIGHTS – Disguise, The Light, Never A Good Day To Die, No Tomorrow, Warrior Soldier, Orphan Of God, All Alone.
Visit the ABSOLVA social pages for more details – FACEBOOK WEBSITE
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ORDER – ‘NEVER A GOOD DAY TO DIE’ on vinyl.
ABSOLVA have prepared several bundles for you to choose from…
Option 1 – NAGDTD double 180g vinyl, blue with black marble effect, & gatefold sleeve
Option 2 – NAGDTD t-shirt only
Option 3 – NAGDTD vinyl (as detailed above) & t-shirt
Option 4 – NAGDTD vinyl (as detailed above), t-shirt, & fan pack including sticker set, mouse mat & 5 piece poster set
Visit the web shop to order now at: https://absolva.bigcartel.com/
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LINK TO 2024 TOUR DATES – HERE
Absolva line-up… Christopher Appleton – lead vocals, lead guitar. Luke Appleton – lead guitar, backing vocals. Martin Mcnee – drums. Karl Schramm – bass, backing vocals.
