French band SALHEM was formed back in 2000, but apart from that I do not know much about this entity. Their first visible presence as recording artists came when they were featured on the French Steel compilation album in 2004. Three years later they had signed with French label Brennus Music who released their debut album “Connexion Animale”, the sole production by a band that appears to be defunct as of 2014.
The type of music Salhem explore is one I’d probably say resides in the borderlands between hard rock and heavy metal somewhere. There’s a distinct feel of 1980’s melodic heavy metal about this entire album, but the kind of heavy metal that evolved directly from 1970’s hard rock rather than the kind of metal that so quickly became popular based on the UK lead NWOBHM that is. The roots are very distinctly based in classic hard rock in other words, and the aggression that was so much a part of the 80’s heavy metal scene in the bands that looked towards the UK for inspiration isn’t a strong element here.
Compact, circulating and repeated guitar riffs is the main element here, with a base in melodies and harmonies rather than gritty aggression. Steady, energetic bass lines and drum patterns of the less elaborate variety supports the proceedings quite nicely, without any major surprises apart from some nifty runs with a distinctly more intense delivery appearing now and then to maintain tension. Careful keyboard textures adds a subtle touch of sophistication to the proceedings, and while the French language vocals may not suit everyone they serve their purpose well.
The album as such is a fairy uniform experience, the songs are kept short and sweet so that none of the themes are overly explored, and while there are differences in levels of intensity and in various details in how the arrangements have been constructed this isn’t a production that aims at achieving variety in any grand manner. Solid, easygoing and easy to like compositions is the name of the game from the get go, with tracks like Trash and Animal possibly being the most compelling, albeit in sharp competition from just about every other song on here.
If you enjoy 80’s oriented melodic heavy metal of the kind that looks back to 1970’s classic hard rock for inspiration Salhem is a band you most likely will enjoy, especially if you speak French or don’t mind French language lead vocals. Possible comparisons can be made towards bands like Riot or Picture I guess, although Salhem’s take on this type of music isn’t as aggressive as any of those bands by far. “Connexion Animale” is a well made specimen of it’s kind though, and should be a nice surprise for quite a few of those that opts to give it a spin.
My rating: 80/100
