South Of Salem – Death Of The Party: Album Review

By Dominic Walsh on 15th January 2024 • ( Leave a comment )

South Of Salem attack their sophomore album with blades sharpened and go for the jugular.

Released: 19th January 2024

Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital / Cassette

South Of Salem are one of the hottest hard rock/metal bands in the UK right now. Having polished off 2023 with an emphatic tour (our review here), the Bournemouth based quintet are ready to make sure they are THE band of 2024.

Armed with a sack full of razor sharp riffs and hard rock hooks, South Of Salem get stuck in quickly on Death Of The Party. Vultures opens the album in a flurry of drums and cascading guitars. “You didn’t want me at my worst, so you can’t have me at my best,” feels a little like a saccharine insta-quote but it adds to the message of the song. It serves to help nail the South Of Salem flag to the pole. They are a fiercely independent band who have a proud identity.

Static continues the message of positivity and about being yourself. Musically, there are plenty of guitar licks and massive vocal hooks that will have the live crowds go wild. What really hits the spot here is the drum and bass powering the song along. Throw into the mix a classic rock sounding guitar solo and you have an absolute smasher on your hands. The song was aired during the bands aforementioned 2023 jaunt so it is already road tested and certified!

Other cuts aired on tour last year include the swashbuckling Left For Dead, the incredibly infectious Bad Habits (Die Hard) and the brilliant title track; Death Of The Party. It is clear to see why the band plumped for these songs in their live set; they are genuinely brilliant hard rock songs laced with melodies, harmonies, hooks and huge riffs.

Hellbound Heart sees South Of Salem veering into ballad territory, however they still retain a hard edge like many of the best rock ballads do. The song almost morphs throughout its duration. Jet Black Eyes is another highlight of an album pretty well stacked with highlights.

Album closer, Villain, is the perfect end to Death Of The Party. Marching drums give way to towering drumming and meaty riffs. It is a bombastic opening and sets up the epic concluding track perfectly.

Considering South Of Salem formed just before the pandemic and had their progress stunted, Joey Draper (vocals)
Kodi Kasper (guitar), Denis Sheriff (guitar), Dee Vower (bass) and James Clarke (drums) are a tight, hard rocking unit that really have a knack for delivering top tier hard rock.

They’ve supported WASP and Wednesday 13 and have a slot lined up with Kris Barras. South Of Salem will only see their horror laden star rise on the back of Death Of The Party. If you are a fan of Avenged Sevenfold, Murderdolls, Alice Cooper and Guns’N’Roses, then this will definitely satisfy your ears. Join the party.

South Of Salem have a huge album launch show in Bournemouth on 20th January. You can get tickets here. Check out the video for Static below.