SALEM HILL - THE ROBBERY OF MURDER - 1998

This is the new album from a band called SALEM HILL, and it's a concept album. It was first released as a cassette back in 1995. Now they have re-recorded it and added twenty minutes of new music. The story is loosely based upon a true story. The dark story told in the lyrics tells us about a father and his son who is on their way home one night in their car. In a curve they crash into another car whose driver has lost his control due to alcohol. The drunken driver drives away from the accident. The son is growing up filled with thoughts of revenge on the man responsible for his lost childhood and his father's death. Throughout the album we follow his search for the man until he finally finds him. I won't tell you any more of the story, as it would spoil your listening. Their music is varied with many tempo- and mood changes although the overall feeling is dark. Despite that the music is dark and melancholic, mainly because of the lyrics, there are a lot of catchy melodies and choruses. The music is progressive rock, sometimes with the emphasis on rock, with some hints of jazz. Their music is a mix of CAMEL, GENESIS, KANSAS, KING CRIMSON, KING'S X, MARILLION, PINK FLOYD, RUSH and YES, although they have their own unique style. The vocals are strong and the musicians are very good. The production, arrangements and the songwriting are top class too. I guess I shouldn't pick out any highlights as this album should be seen in its whole perspective. But I must mention "Overture", the beautiful "When", "Someday" with a great violin solo played by David Ragsdale (KANSAS), "Blame", "Father And Son", "To The Hill" where the lyrics are brilliant, the heavy "Revenge" with great bass playing and "Trigger". The lyrics on this album really make you think about many things. If you listen to the lyrics I think that many of you will get touched emotionally. If you listen to this album, let it take some time before you judge it, because I think it will grow on you. This is definitely one of the highlights of 1998. A true masterpiece that is highly recommended! It might be a future classic?
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