"Absolutes" is the second Stavesacre album. I always find it hard to describe Stavesacre's music because it isn't punk rock, it isn't hardcore nor metal, so what is it then? I don't know... I do know that they make a lot of pleasant noise with heavy guitars and a remarkable voice. Everybody knows by now that Stavesacre's members were all in other Tooth & Nail bands (Focused, Chatterbox, The Crucified) but I don't think that matters, because Stavesacre's sound is different from the sounds of the members' old bands. The lyrics on "Absolutes" are comparable to their debut album "Friction", they're original & intelligent, I probably wouldn't be able to write 'em like that. Take, for example, "Wither" :
The pain will come with the morning sun. Will the night betray the day? Blistered skin withered from within scratch to shed this shelf away. Will you know my name or will I hang my head in shame? Will someone take this tired skin that I've been dying in? Will someone hold me to the light and if I die tonight then take this broken man and wrap me tight within this brand new skin.
You gotta admit that there sure is some poetry in here! I must say that this band doesn't make real sing-along music, but it isn't "shut up and listen" music either... One time you just wanna grab your guitar and play along, another time you do just wanna listen... My favorite songs are "Acquiesce", with great time changes, "An Eclipsing" and "Inclusive" (great drums!). Great album if you like all kinds of hard music!
Martijn