Officially forming in 2018 (having known each other for several years previously), South of Salem burst onto the rock and metal scene and released their debut album in 2020: the extremely well received The Sinner Takes It All. Following tours with WASP and Wednesday 13 was a stunning appearance at Stonedead Festival in 2023. This was superseded by a phenomenally successful headlining tour last Autumn – their sold-out show at The Black Heart in Camden was something special - and having gained a rapidly burgeoning fanbase, they prepared to unleash their second album Death of the Party.
The Sinner Takes It All was an irresistible, napalm-fuelled debut crammed with insanely appealing songs – all of which worked well in the live arena - and Death of the Party picks up exactly where its predecessor left off. Opening track Vultures begins with an eruption of drums from James Clarke as the dual guitars of Kodi Kasper and Denis Sheriff simultaneously swoop in immediate attack. Hovering between hard rock, a more metallic edge and the soundtrack to a classic horror movie (a theme which is reflected in their videos), there is an unyielding and persuasive structure to South of Salem’s songwriting. Vultures sets the darkly compelling scene from the beginning, painting a vivid picture of betrayal, deceit, emotional exploitation and the shallow hearts of fair-weather friends. I see them circling like vultures / Waiting for the feast / They only offer out their hand / To take another piece of me / I see them circling like vultures / Pulling at the flesh / You didn't want at my worst / So you can't have me at my best. Conveying a strong message of recognising and rejecting toxic relationships, Vultures urges us to assert our self-worth and to acknowledge the importance of reciprocal loyalty and support.
Second track Static begins with a riff that will allow audiences to headbang just like the old days and vocalist Joey Draper demands the listeners attention as he draws parallels between life and film, using cinematic language to explore the themes of authenticity, the inevitability of death and the pressures of societal expectations. This isn't real, this is cinematic / 'Til the day we cut to static / We only get one take / 'Cause in life there's no remakes / No sequels or prequels / No secret post-credit scene / 'Cause blood always shows up black on the silver screen. Containing a crackling, vibrant guitar solo that would not be out of place on a classic hair metal album, Static is a driving and tenacious track with some brilliantly infectious bass work by Dee Vower. It shows South of Salem displaying their influences clearly - as they do throughout the album. The band themselves name their inspirations as Alice Cooper, Guns n Roses, Zakk Wylde, and Murderdolls; however, they have a delightfully twisted approach to their music which feels modern, vivid and most importantly, some of the best fun you will have listening to any album this year; Jet Black Eyes has a chorus some of the biggest names in stadium rock would be proud of.
Defined by powerful guitar riffs, anthemic choruses and virtuosic solos, the album – from which almost any song could be a single – was produced by Grammy-nominated producer Romesh Dodangoda, who in the past has worked with Bring Me The Horizon, Motorhead, Funeral For A Friend, Nova Twins and Twin Atlantic. There is a wonderful balance between aggression and melody. Nothing sounds over produced and while there is a deliberately slightly sleazy feel throughout the album, every instrument is clear and the vocals – of which every single word is distinctly audible - are perfectly balanced in the mix.
Unsurprisingly, there are many similarities between The Sinner Takes It All and this new release; nevertheless, Death of the Party shows an increasing maturity, developing musicianship and a more muscular and varied approach to song writing. Bad Habits (Die Hard) sees Draper challenging his inner Alice Cooper from around the time of Dragontown; Hellbound Heart brings in slightly slower tempos - during the verses at least - and the title track throws everything including some humorous (but not out of place) backing vocals, a sing-a-long section that is perfect for live performances and a Wylde (sic) guitar solo into the cauldron. Alice would be proud!
First single from the album, Left For Dead has a contagious groove coupled with a darkly introspective atmosphere. Examining the life of someone who feels irredeemably flawed and is wrestling with self-doubt, the impact of their actions on others and a search for meaning or redemption that seems fruitless, Left For Dead shows a band that value lyrical depth alongside the inherent appeal of their music. When your life is like a plague / Peace of mind, nevermore / Like a cross on your door / This soul just can’t be saved / So just walk away instead / I’m better left for dead / This darkness feels like home / ‘Cause it’s easy on the eye / I was searching for the answers / But I only found the lies.
With Death of the Party, South of Salem have demonstrated their intention to capture the interest of every fan of hard melodic rock with an album that will draw many to their cause. It should catapult them several levels up the ladder and they will be playing venues far bigger than The Black Heart by the end of its cycle. Join the coven….
Written: 10th January 2024
Death of the Party is released on 19th January 2024. Watch the video for Left For Dead below these links.
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