Salem “Attrition” (2018)

1) Attrition
2) Black And White
3) I’m The One
4) Lest We Forget
5) My Only Son
6) Sights Of Wonder
7) Stay With Me
8) Taking Control
9) Warning Signs
10) We R Godz
11) Isolation

Label: Dissonance Productions


Since the return to the ranks Salem have delivered two strong albums. But even having that in mind the newest effort called “Attrition” surprises with its highest quality. First off, the album is the best Salem’s record to date in terms of sound production. Nothing says that it was recorded by an underground band. Secondly, the band keep on developing the ideas from the albums “Forgotten Dreams” and “Dark Days”. And here we need to mark the excellent job of the musicians. The album is a good mixture of hard-rocking songs and more elegant tracks with tricky and tasty arrangements. It’s interesting that most of the “rockers” locate in the second part of the CD (with the exception of the title-track which is the opener). What to say about such songs like “Stay With Me”, “We R Godz” and “Isolation”? They have a boost of energy and are full of fervour. But the tricky songs are especially interesting. They have a touch of progressive/melodic rock and remind of Magnum. That said Salem sound absolutely original. Catchy tunes in “Black And White” and “Taking Control” are mixed with marching rhythms in the vein of Accept. “Lest We All Forget” has some feeling of anxiety while the oriental tune in the solo dredges up an image of a snake charmer. “Sights Of Wonder” has the same oriental vibe. Just close your eyes and you’ll see the picture of the pilgrims who are going through the desert and are full of the determination to overcome all difficulties. In “Warning Signs” the band show that they can be really (I mean REALLY!) brutal but yet melodic and gentle. The ballads “I’m The One” and “My Only Son” need a special mention. The first one is full of bright and positive feelings and the second is so touching and so emotional that you forget everything while it’s playing (it would be interesting to hear the song with a saxophone!). The diversity of the material and the great songwriting make you wish to listen to the CD again and again. The “Attrition” album is recommended to all who love not only crunchy riffs and straight-forward songs but something more sophisticated and matured.  

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