Salem Orchid was a death metal band from London UK. Formed in 1988, they are best known for a two track demo released in 1991 composed of the songs 'Sempiternal Suffering' and 'The Nirvana Of Agony'. The demo became well known for its satanic lyrical content and high speed playing. The line-up at this time consisted of Jason Mendonca (Vocals and Guitar), Steve Wood (Guitar), Dan Temple (bass guitar) and David Gray (Drums).
The band split shortly after and re-emerged in 1992 with a line-up of Nikkie (ex-Crematorium & Necrocannibal Dissection) on Vocals and Guitar, Steve Wood (Guitar), Matt Platts (Bass Guitar) and David Gray (Drums). Matt Platts was later replaced by Andrea Zoccoli(ex Crematorium & Necrocannibal Dissection)
The band emerged again in 1995 with a new line-up of Matt Platts (Guitar, vocals), Peter Theobalds (Lead Guitar), Caroline Batt (Bass Guitar) and David Gray (Drums). The music was much more experimental than before as the band began taking large influences from bands such as Killing Joke and Sonic Youth and mixing them with extreme metal. The band also played live under different names. Only demo tapes are known to exist from this phase.
David Gray, Jason Mendonca and Peter Theobalds later regrouped as Akercocke in 1997, and to date have released five albums in the blackened death metal genre. Tracks on a limited edition release of Akerckocke's debut album 'Rape Of The Bastard Nazarene' have featured early Salem Orchid songs as bonus tracks.
http://www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=14485