For this album I have stolen a very good review of the album from www.thegorgon.com. I really enjoy this album, it has some really good songs in the psychedelic, progressive spirit but I consider it more as a rock/hardrock-album that is quite typical for the beginning of the 70's. But the stupid Witch-theme is not very "tough".

Early occult rock anomaly, Salem Mass, released a single record recorded from a bar-converted-to-makeshift-studio somewhere in Idaho. Often hailed as an obscure gem lost to the washes of time, Witch Burning offers an interesting blend of psychedelic rock, screeching vocals, and noteworthy use of the Moog synthesizer.

Let me preface this by saying I am not exactly sure which gentleman performed the vocals on the title track, “Witch Burning” on Salem Mass‘ only album, but this man sounds like a fucking maniac. He screeches and pierces the ear in a way that makes David Byron of Uriah Heep seem like an angelic crooner. You’re either into these abrasive vocals (especially for the time) or you’re going to hate them. Interestingly enough, the vocalist changes for most of the album. Instrumentally the keyboards run most of the melodies giving it a progpsych tang while the guitars keep the album rooted in hard rock and proto-metal. The title track has a six or seven minute instrumental interlude with some of the LP’s best guitar soloing and showcasing it’s most progressive moments.

The Moog synthesizer gives this occult album a very space rock feel on almost of the tracks on Witch Burning, and used in an extremely unique way. Had Salem Mass continued to produce albums and achieve some sort of artistic recognition, the way heavy metal and psychedelic rock would’ve played out in the 70s and into the 80s could have been changed forever. Jim Klahr’s use of the Moog is extremely, I mean just ridiculously eerie (“My Sweet Jane” is a great example). It’s creepy melodies and atmospheric humming adds a very spooky layer to the evil lyrical content. In a landscape dominated by Hammond organs, it makes the album standout.

I Definitely recommend Witch Burning by Salem Mass to collectors and fans of the genre – most others are not going to have much of a frame of reference for this obscure album. However, it has some interesting concepts that were just itching to be developed further. Good for a listen and to grab a few tracks off for regular listening.

1)Witch burning (7,5) A 10-minute start to the album that grooves with nice and crazy organ and a midtempo rhythm and hardly any singing.

2)My sweet Jane (7,5) Very nice melodic ballad-like song.

3)Why (5,5) A short song with a driving rhythm.

4)You can't run my life (8,5) Great heavy groove!

5)You're just a dream (7,0) Bluesy Doors-like song.

6)Bare tree (7,5)

7)The drifter (8,0) Very nice melodic and driving song.

Score: 7,36

Mike Snead-guitars and vocals

Matt Wilson-bass and vocals

Steve Towery-drums and vocals

Jim Klahr-keyboards

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