SALEM UK – Win Lose Or Draw (2019)
Pioneers from the very early ’80s British scene, since returning in 2010 SALEM UK has put out four full length albums, being “Win, Lose Or Draw” their new opus, and in my opinion, their best. Cult legends from the NWOBHM Salem UK’s sound today is vibrant, punchy hard rock driven by melodic riffs and a bright production.
Released via Dissonance Productions, their brand of hard rock is of a very high standard as opening track ‘The Wraith’ crackles with energy throughout. Bullying riffs are the perfect foil for the unmistakable rasp of Simon Saxby.
‘Betrayed’ has a scything main riff that befits the anger in the lyrics, bolstered by huge choruses and an over the top guitar solo from Francis Gill.
‘Blind’, a beautiful ballad is utterly captivating as a vocal tour de force dominates sparse guitar lines and laid back drums and bass guitar from Dave Megginson and Adrian Jenkinson (who produced the album). Then title track is a bass heavy bludgeon of quality hard rock with band backing vocals and guitar histrionics.
I got a lot of Night Ranger influences during the song structures of ‘Souls Of Evermore’. Arena rock at its finest. Yes, Salem UK have American influences s well, and I like it.
‘Circumstances Change’ is a smouldering melodic rock ballad of bluesy guitar lines and a heart worn on the sleeve vocal. The guitar solo brings to mind Gary Moore, but Satriani also. Killer song.
‘Sentinel’ is a full on headbanger that does exactly what it says on the tin! Simon delivers with manic glee on ‘Victorious’, another heavy number. Earworm melodies flow through ‘Censored’, backed by catchy, upbeat riffs as they close the album on a high with ‘Queen Serene’, a midtempo power ballad with a vocal that soars to the heavens and steals the spotlight whilst doing so.
I am greatly surprised by Salem UK’s 2019 sound: while originated during the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal ebullience days, the band’s style nowadays is melodic hard rock with American late 80s / early 90s influences mixed with the current Swedish / German sound for the genre.
“Win, Lose Or Draw” is a lively collection of songs that never bores you thanks to clever arrangements and strong performances.
Highly Recommended
01 – The Wraith
02 – Betrayed
03 – Blind
04 – Win Lose or Draw
05 – Souls of Evermore
06 – Circumstances Change
07 – Sentinel
08 – Victorious
09 – Censored
10 – Queen Serene
Simon Saxby – vocals
Adrian Jenkinson – bass
Francis Gill – guitar
Dave Megginson – drums
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