| Salem | |
|---|---|
Salem performing at The New Adelphi, Hull, 2010. L to R: Paul Macnamara, Adrian Jenkinson, Paul Mendham, Mark Allison, Simon Saxby. |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Hull, England |
| Genres | heavy rock/metal |
| Years active | 1980–1983 2009–present |
| Labels | High Roller Records Pure Steel Records |
| Associated acts | Ethel The Frog, Mayfair, Innersylum, Deep Fix, Kids These Days, Skynny Lynyrd |
| Website | salemband.co.uk |
| Members | |
| Simon Saxby Paul Macnamara Mark Allison Ade Jenkinson Paul Mendham |
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| Past members | |
| Paul Tognola Paul Conyers |
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Salem is a heavy rock/metal band from Hull, England. The band (aka Salem UK) was formed following the split of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal band Ethel The Frog who featured on the Metal for Muthas compilations alongside the likes of Iron Maiden, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Praying Mantis and Samson. Salem recorded three demos and a single in the early 1980s; a compilation album of these recordings was released in 2010. The band has re-formed, played the first gig in 27 years in November 2010 and recorded new music in 2011.
Contents |
Salem (I) was founded in late 1979 by two members of Ethel The Frog. The first band met up on 2 January 1980 in The Red Lion pub in Anlaby, East Riding of Yorkshire. After a period of song writing and rehearsal, Salem gigged regularly and built a solid following in the Hull area. They recorded their first demo at Fairview Studios, Willerby in January 1981.
With a revised line-up, Salem (II) released its double A-side single, "Cold As Steel"/"Reach To Eternity", recorded again at Fairview on 4 April 1982. Following the interview with guitarist Paul Macnamara in the May 1982 Kerrang! (No. 15), the single appeared in the 'local chart' section of the magazine and singles were sold globally. According to the NWOBHM Encyclopaedia,[1] the single is now, "a highly collectable and valuable rarity", and is also listed in Record Collector's "Rare Record Price Guide".[2]
Salem (III) continued with a new drummer to perform in the North and North East of England and recorded another demo in September 1982, at Adda Studios in East Hull. Then as a result of their winning a Battle of bands competition at Huddersfield Polytechnic, Salem recorded the final demo at September Sound, Huddersfield, in March 1983.
Salem played their final gig on 31 May 1983, when the members left to follow different projects.
A double album compilation of the band's re-mastered recordings, entitled In The Beginning ... (Salem album), was released in June 2010.
Salem (III) reformed and played their first performance in 27 years in hometown Hull at The Adelphi on 20 November 2010, the story attracting interest in the press.[3][4]
The band has produced a limited edition, 'pre-release' EP featuring three new tracks, with the working title of "New Tricks", and is working towards a whole new album.
Salem is also playing further gigs, and is booked at festivals in Europe in 2012, including Up The Hammers, in Greece and Metal Forces Festival in Germany.