Absolva is a classic metal band, based in Manchester, UK, an inspired & modern take on British heavy metal. Formed in May 2012 by Chris Appleton & Martin McNee (both of Fury UK), together with Dan Bate (Point Blank Fury).
Chris & Martin featured together since October 2007 as part of classic metal trio Fury UK, a band at a new forefront of the UK scene. From inception to May 2012, Fury UK released 3 albums, 1 EP & 1 DVD. They also toured UK & Europe extensively as headliners, played Bloodstock, Hammerfest & PPM Festivals & toured as guests with Iced Earth, Saxon, Y&T, Michael Schenker & Blaze Bayley. When Fury UK bassist Luke Appleton (brother of Chris) joined American powerhouse metallers Iced Earth, Fury UK was put on hold whilst Chris & Martin decided to form Absolva.
A wave of expectation saw Absolva's debut show at SOS Festival in July 2012, closely followed by 4 shows in August with Iced Earth -Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow & Bloodstock Open Air.
Debut album "Flames Of Justice" was released in November 2012, along with a 16 date headline tour including London Underworld, a Manchester album launch & various shows in the UK & Europe. The "Flames Of Justice" Tour: Part Two took place February-May 2013 & totalled 33 shows including UK & European headline shows plus Hammerfest and 8 European dates as special guests on the Michael Schenker Temple Of Rock & Lovedrive Reunion Tour.
After a small number of UK & European 2013 summer festival shows including Bloodstock Open Air, Absolva will begin a further European Tour entitled "Beyond Live" to mark & promote the release of a live DVD & CD of the same name, recorded at the sell-out headline show at Wizzfest, Belgium earlier in 2013.
At the end of 2013 a brand new studio album was recorded. "Anthems To The Dead" was released on 5th May 2014 & includes guest performances from Doug Scarratt of Saxon & Luke Appleton of Iced Earth. During March & April the 3 members of Absolva formed the backing band for former Iron Maiden vocalist Blaze Bayley on his 6 week European Tour. Absolva then played a 16-date UK tour during May 2014, whilst an extensive European tour is set for September & October.
