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SALEM's Fires in Heaven: An Invitation to Embrace the Gloom
3 Nov
Summary
- SALEM returns after a decade with their second album, Fires in Heaven.
- The new album reflects the ongoing global turmoil and societal despondency.
- Fires in Heaven features a clearer, starker sound compared to previous work.
Witch house pioneers SALEM have resurfaced after a decade-long absence with their second full-length album, Fires in Heaven. The trio, now a duo, first gained attention over ten years ago with music that reflected the societal despondency of the early 2010s, characterized by unsettling electronic soundscapes blending shoegaze and DJ Screw influences.
Their return with Fires in Heaven coincides with a world again facing ecological disasters, social unrest, and economic uncertainty. The album's sonic landscape mirrors this mood, with tracks like "Capulets" expressing a familiar sense of dejection. "DieWithMe" offers a gothic, grayscale vision of release.
Despite the pervasive bleakness, Fires in Heaven showcases a newfound clarity in SALEM's expression. Mixed by Shlohmo and mastered by Mike Dean, the duo's instrumentals are more stark and piercing. While vocals remain layered in effects, the overall production is sharper, allowing their harsh sentiments to resonate more powerfully.
