Blaze Bayley / Absolva / Pryma, KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton.

Pryma

Pryma is a heavy metal quartet from Canterbury, Kent, who have been making waves in the UK’s rock and metal scene. Their performance at Wolverhampton’s KK’s Steel Mill on 22.09.24 was a masterclass in modern heavy metal. They delivered an electrifying set that showcased their versatility, energy, and undeniable talent. Opening with “1:23:45,” they set the tone for the night with its powerful riffs and anthemic feel, immediately pulling the crowd into their world. The momentum continued with “Suicide Storm,” where Gabby’s vocal prowess shone, seamlessly shifting between melodic lines and raw, guttural power which adds a dynamic edge to the band’s sound.

“Survival” and “Dead to Me” took the energy even higher, with the latter being a standout for its intensity and emotion, embodying the frustration and defiance that has become a hallmark of Pryma’s style. “My Cold Shadow” brought a darker, more introspective mood, demonstrating the band’s ability to weave complex themes into their music.

As they moved into “Mask,” the audience was treated to intricate guitar work and thunderous rhythms, further proving that Max, Anthony, and Dominic are a formidable unit. The set ended on a high with “Freaky Fright Night,” a track that perfectly encapsulates Pryma’s high-octane energy and theatrical edge, leaving the audience wanting more.

This performance confirmed that Pryma is more than just a support act; they’re a band with headlining charisma and talent. Their blend of heavy riffs, dynamic vocals, and passionate delivery made it clear that they have a bright future ahead. Keep an eye out for them because this is one band you don’t want to miss.

Absolva

I was unfamiliar with Manchester’s Absolva, but they played a really solid set tonight, bringing us more of a ‘hard rock’ vibe, with catchy choruses and groove. The Appleton brothers on guitar/vocals play with technical proficiency and showmanship, with older sibling Chris not afraid to show off a little with some extravagant and dextrous solo work. The Wolverhampton crowd engaged well with the trademark Northern banter between songs.

Having looked them up afterwards, I was surprised to see that they’ve been releasing music for the past 12 years, and with them oozing the sort of musical tightness that only comes from incessant touring, I found myself wondering how I’ve been unaware of them!? Each of their full length albums is represented here, right back to the 2012 debut “Flames of Justice”. Well done to the Absolva gents, they will have gained a few new fans tonight, I’m sure.

Blaze Bayley

Blaze has been at large on the metal scene since the mid-80’s, firstly with his band Wolfsbane, then a 2 album stint in Iron Maiden when Bruce went AWOL. His tenure in Maiden seems to divide fans – to me the X Factor and Virtual XI albums stand up reasonably, but a lot of fans seem to trash talk anyone who’s last name isn’t Dickinson. However Blaze is more than simply that “used to be in Iron Maiden” guy – by now he has a solid body of work to draw a setlist from, and tonight there is a new album to promote – 2024’s “Circle of Stone”.

The band walks on stage, and it’s… the Absolva guys again! Unbeknownst to myself, they are pulling double duty tonight, with their own outfit and Blaze’s backing band, and have been doing so for years. So that’s where they’ve been hiding!

Setlist wise it’s a mix of old and new, we have classics such as “Stare at the Sun” and “Warrior” alongside new tunes such as the bagpipe heavy “Call of the Ancestors”. Blaze’s voice has aged gracefully, with deep power, and he hits the higher notes effortlessly.

Between songs he comes across as one of the nicest and most enthusiastic chaps in metal (it’s also worth mentioning that he offered a free meet and greet for all fans before the show started – something a lot of bands are charging for nowadays). He praised the NHS for his treatment after his recent heart attack and bypass surgery, and the fans for their unwavering support over the years.

Tonight’s set is rounded off with a hefty smattering of Maiden to commemorate his 30th anniversary of joining the band and Wolverhampton lapped it up.

Setlist:

Alive

Ten Seconds

Ghost in the Bottle

Warrior

War Within Me

Pull Yourself Up

The Call of the Ancestors

Rage

Circle of Stone

The Path of the Righteous Man

Lightning Strikes Twice (Iron Maiden)