UMUR
"Absolute Power" is the eponymously titled debut full-length studio album by UK heavy metal act Absolute Power. The album was released through FETO Records in May 2011. Absolute Power was formed in 2006 by a prolific bunch of UK heavy metal scene musicians/producers. It´s a supergroup featuring bassist Shane Embury (Napalm rhythm guitarist Mitch Harris (Napalm Death, Bent Sea, Brujeria, Venomous Concept...etc.), Brave the Cold, Defecation, Righteous Pigs...etc.), rhythm guitarst John Walker (Cancer, Liquid Graveyard), rhythm guitarist Russ Russell (Tronos), lead guitarist Paul Harrington (Danmaku, Terrible Claw...etc.), drummer Iean Treacy (Benediction, Meathook Seed), and lead vocalist Simon Efemey (producer & engineer who has worked with among others Napalm Death, Paradise Lost, and Pitchshifter).
Most of the guys involved are predominantly known for their involvement in the UK extreme metal scene and most of the above mentioned artists fall into that catagory, but "Absolute Power" is something far removed from the extreme metal scene, as it´s instead an old school 80s influenced heavy metal release greatly influenced by artists like Saxon and especially Judas Priest (take a listen to "Raging Pursuer", which could just as well have been a Judas Priest song). It´s all well performed and especially Efemey stands out as a capable vocalist performing raw heavy metal singing (and choirs/harmonies) and he is occasionally flanked by previous Judas Priest vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens who delivers high pitched screaming vocals. Harrington deserves a mention too for his blistering lead work.
The songwriting is solid and the listener is treated to both raging heavy metal tracks and heavier mid-paced epic tracks. You won´t hear anything here you haven´t heard before, but I´m pretty sure that´s part of the plan. These guys just wanted to make a traditional heavy metal album and if that was the purpose they succeed pretty well. To my ears the sound production is maybe a bit too polished and clear and some parts lacking a bit of power and rawness, but if you enjoy your traditional heavy metal with a clear and polished sound production and featuring a melodic orientation "Absolute Power" could be your poison. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.
