South Of Salem – Bannermans, Edinburgh – 20/03/23

21st March 2023 0 By Jon Deaux

Having released their debut album The Sinner Takes It All back in 2020, South Of Salem is working on Album 2 with new guitarist Dennis and are are also on Tour with W.A.S.P.

Dennis has certainly been thrown in at the deep end as his 1st show with South Of Salem was a sold-out show at Manchester Arena at the start of their support slot with the aforementioned W.A.S.P.. Tonight’s show was the 1st time Dennis played 50% of the set live (which was basically the entire album with a new track thrown in for good measure.) It was also South Of Salem’s debut headline show in Scotland too.

Speaking of the new track, Take It To Your Grave, it’s a belter. Catchy hook, plenty of attitudes, and of course the obligatory guitar solo. If this track makes it onto the new album (you never know it might not make the cut) or is even a taster of what they’re planning on next. It’s going to be a massive album.

The Sinner Takes It All has taken on a life of its own live. Particularly Pretty Little Nightmare, Cold Day In Hell and The Hate have a lot of venom behind them and are highlights in the set for me.

As a whole, the band is superb live, chuffing loud, twin guitar leads that rival Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, and quite possibly one of the loudest I’ve seen at this particular venue. My ears are ringing (which is always the sign of a good gig in my book). Fair play to the front-of-house engineer who got the sound absolutely spot on and well done to the audience singing along. You were NEARLY as loud as the band.

If South Of Salem is in your town playing a show, I urge you to go and see them as well as purchase a copy of their debut album. They’re a powerhouse of an act.

This was my 1st time seeing South Of Salem live and it certainly won’t be the last. They have so much passion and potential that it’s no wonder they’re being made a fuss of.

A special shout must go to the support act She Burns Red. A band who deserves a lot of love. I’ve seen them a few times and they never fail to warm up a crowd.