A lot of us were coming out of hibernation for this treat of a gig tonight. ‘Ronnie Romero’ is gracing us along with his band and the former ‘Rainbow’ man must be one of the top vocalists ever billed to perform at KKs. It’s the first night of the tour and the room is pretty full for the Chilean singer, support comes from the Manchester metal band ‘Absolva’ who are promoting their new album ‘Justice’. I catch up with a few friends, chat to my photographer mates and then find a spot near the barrier, to witness this superb line up.
Absolva
ABSOLVA have around a 45 minute slot and appear on stage raring to go. ‘Code Red’ off ‘Flames Of Justice’ is the opener, followed by ‘Fire In The Sky’ from 2022. We immediately see bassist ‘Karl Schramm’ head-banging away, while the brothers Appleton stand together, their hands playing the synchronised fret game, picking notes both over and under the neck, in unison. Chris Appleton on guitar and vocals encourages us to clap along and move forward for ‘The Thrill Of The Chase’, which is a new song that will feature on ‘Justice’. The popular ‘Side By Side’ is dedicated to the all in the room and a lost friend. It allows Luke Appleton to sing the intro, his high range a sharp contrast to his brother’s, who soon joins in. It’s a delicate start that builds into another cosmic piece, that renders punishing guitars held vertical, maximising the effect. ‘Stand Your Ground’ is another from 2022, meatier and more demonic, we are cast into the depths for this.
The new single ‘Find My Identity’ is sung by ‘Ronnie Romero’ on the new album, although we make do with Chris for tonight ! Keep your eyes peeled for ‘Justice’ because along with Ronnie, there are other guest appearances by ‘Wolfsbane’ and ’Iron Maiden’ legend ‘Blaze Bailey’, ‘Stu Block’ of ‘Iced Earth’ and ’Annihilator’ and ‘David Marcelis’ from ‘Lord Volture’ and ’Thorium’. You can pre-order it now on the link below. But watch the video just released of ‘Find My Identity’ for a sampler.
Filmed by: Lion Island Media at NoiseBoy Studios
Also off ‘Fire In The Sky’ is the pounding ‘Refuse To Die’ which sees drummer ‘Martin McNee’ solidifying the rhythm. More antics on stage by the three, who jump and race around the stage, for added visuals. It only leaves ‘From Beyond The Light’ to finish on. It’s another that goes back to 2012, ‘The Flames Of Justice’ year and we are reminded of the albums by the screens in front of the drum riser that display the artworks. Another fabulous set by the ‘Absolva’ boys, they always reward us no end, with their riveting guitar riffs and enthralling songs.
You can now pre-order the forthcoming album entitled ‘JUSTICE’ on the ‘Absolva’ web shop. You can also see a variety of bundles available which include CD’s, t-shirts, hoodies, vinyl, playing cards and more!
Check out the web shop here:
https://absolva.bigcartel.com/
Absolva
RONNIE ROMERO and his crew are on the ’Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters’ tour, the title of the solo album from 2023 that was updated with a deluxe version last year. The set is a mix of tracks from that album and we are promised songs by ‘Dio’, ‘Rainbow’ and ‘Deep Purple’. There’s a ‘Ritchie Blackmore’ theme running here, as Ronnie was with ‘Rainbow’ from 2015 to 2019. Of course he’s been with a mass of other talented bands, including ‘Vandenberg’, ‘Elegant Weapons’, ‘Michael Schenker’ and interestingly the ‘Intelligent Music Project’ where Ronnie led them at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022, representing Bulgaria ! A man of his talent is always going to be in demand.
This is the first show on a 14 night tour of the UK, Netherlands and Germany, that ends in Italy for the Frontiers Rock Festival. As the musicians take to the stage here at KK’s, they are welcomed with cheers and applause. They don’t mess about either as the ‘Dio’ classic ’Stand Up And Shout’ from ‘Holy Diver’, is the choice number for opening the show. 1983 that was first spun on our turntables and it still gets our heads nodding. ‘Castaway On The Moon’ is the initial one of three from the ‘Too Many Lies….’ album and it’s a glorious track, the bass player takes time out to re-tune, however, the flow is held by guitarist supremo ‘José Rubio Jiménez’, who stuns with his dexterity. ‘I’ve Been Losing You’ has fine tuned keys from ‘Francisco Gil Torres’ that smooth away any harshness. This is sung with melodic chiming and Ronnie keeps it lower and levelling. A perfect rhapsody that enchants us and a reason to listen to this album when you get chance. ‘Chased By Shadows’ rips it up more and ‘Andy Cobos’ leads with determination. He’s a mighty powerhouse back there on the drum stool and his technique has to be admired.
Ronnie Romero
We were promised Rainbow songs and ’Stargazer’ appears next. I remember buying ‘Rainbow Rising’ back in 1976, gosh nearly 50 years ago ! So not only does Mr Romero have to sing another ‘Dio’ classic, but the band have to play a song that featured Cozy Powell, Tony Carey, Jimmy Bain and of course Ritchie Blackmore. Of course it’s a cover, but they pull off a remarkable version and once again Mr Jiménez on guitar weaves his magic. ‘Crossroad’ from the solo album, gets it all a bit bluesy and then there’s a bit of a hash in the proceedings, as the band lose their way for a few moments. Well, it is the first night and they soon resume after a few laughs. ‘Not Just A Nightmare’ is in the mix somewhere before another ‘Rainbow’ cover. It’s time to ‘Kill The King’ and I’m singing along ‘Danger Danger, the Queens’s about to kill’ with Ronnie and most of the audience. Yes, another fine rendition and you can see why Blackmore chose Ronnie to front his band, the man has the most outstanding range and stage presence. ‘Rainbow In The Dark’ another ‘Dio’ song, rolls in afterwards, to keep our voices going.
‘Vengeance’ is up next, Ronnie checks the set list to make sure, this song from the 2023 solo album, was also released as a 2 track live single back in February, along with ‘Castaway On The Moon’. Drums race and guitars scream for this last song of the main set. It’s an explosive piece and allows the band to throw everything into the mix. I’ve been impressed by all of them, both individually and together they have captured the essence of the album live, in an outstanding manner. They leave the stage for a few minutes before the 3 song encore.
Ronnie Romero
The return sees ‘The Battle Rages On’ a song of Ronnie’s from 2023 and off the ‘Raised On Heavy Radio’ album. A stomping anthem with a medley of chord changing and sturdy lyrics. A homage to ‘Deep Purple’ comes next with their own live version of ‘Child In Time’. It’s a lot shorter than the original, however Ronnie and José do a splendid job and it’s a highlight of the night to be fair. Last up is ‘Burn’ and I would have swapped them around in all honesty, but it’s a stunning end to the show and they bowed to massive approval from the KK’s crowd.
A lesson on how to woo an audience and perform not only original material, but classic songs impeccably with confidence. Really enjoyed the evening, ‘Absolva’ were a tremendous choice for support and pulled it off 100%. Ronnie and his band were down to earth and played with so much skill, they were a pleasure to watch and I loved hearing the superb versions, of some of my favourite songs.
Ronnie Romero
PHOTO CREDIT – Rob Billingham of Billibee Creative Studio for MMH
SEE THE FULL PHOTO GALLERY BY ROB – HERE
RONNIE ROMERO – FACEBOOK
Thanks to Rich ‘Tice’ Taylor at KK’S STEEL MILL
