Artist : Mount Salem
Artist Release : ‘Endless’ (EP)
Release Date : 4th March via Metal Blade Records
Doom metal and psychedelic rock are two very much underrated forms of music in my opinion. Whilst always remaining a select choice among the modern music culture over the past few generations, it seem that over the past few years there has been somewhat of a boom in activity for these kinds of bands. No longer are these genres becoming somewhat of an acquired taste, but are shaping the directional path of how rock and metal music is sounding in 2014. So when you combine the two, this is sure to bring the two worlds together, right?
Enter : Mount Salem, a four piece psychedelic rock / doom metal band from Chicago, Illinois (Wayne’s World, party time, excellent!). These guys are pretty new on to the scene and have already started to make some waves within the rock and metal community with their debut EP ‘Endless’. Since signing to Metal Blade Records, they have decided to re-release their debut effort with two additional tracks.
One thing that does set Mount Salem is most definitely the vocals provided by Emily Kopplin. These kind of genres seem to be a very male dominated area, so to hear a female voice in this end of the musical spectrum is most definitely a breath of fresh air. In some ways her vocals provide for a haunting and atmospheric listen (particularly on ‘Full Moon’ and ‘Hysteria’). Other times it almost gives the songs an almost power ballad sort of feel that would make this genre of music more appealing to a more mainstream audience. This reason alone sets the band apart from the rest, they could potentially have a genuine chance to crossover to a wider audience due to the vocal credentials.
However a part of me wonders whether or not this strengthens or softens the overall sound that Mount Salem are going for. Whilst Kopplin’s vocals are an absolute joy to listen to, I question if her vocals are right for the songs at certain times (especially in the falsetto vocal parts). Regardless, she brings an exquisite element to the overall sound that truly compliments it and makes it stand out.
Musically speaking, we got the quintessential dirty and raw drums, fuzz-riddled bass, and crunchy guitars that sound like the wonderful bringing together of the likes of Graveyard, Black Sabbath, and Pentagram. Hell they even got some bloody lovely organ parts in there, which in a cheeky sense gives it a bit of a vintage 70s edge, that would not sound out of place as the soundtrack to a classic Scooby Doo! Where Are You? cartoon. May I add I mean this in the best possible way in all due respect!
Additionally the production is pretty sweet throughout on ‘Endless’, and I feel that it particularly shines on the standout track ‘Mescaline / Mescaline II’, bringing out the absolute best in Mount Salem and demonstrating just what greatness they are capable of.
Overall we have a fairly decent catalogue of tracks that make up this sterling debut effort. Whilst I feel that it did not reinvent the wheel, nor did it actually blow me away that left me jaw dropped, there is enough evidence on this review alone to warrant that Mount Salem are going to become a true player in this game. At the moment they are currently writing the follow up full length, but I feel that is where they will truly spread their wings and demonstrate just how good of a band they are threatening to be. A well deserved first effort from these Chicago bound noise merchants. Cannot wait to see where the next chapter takes them!
Score : 7/10
