King of Salem is an international Heavy Metal band that was formed in 2019 when brothers Samuel and Erick Estrada invited vocalist-Lean Van Ranna to join the band. They sent him a demo and he promptly replied, accepting the invitation. Samuel, Erick, & Lean all wanted a second shredder in the band, so it wasn't long before they contacted guitarist-Dan Ornelas who quickly came on board. Last but not least, the 3 founding members brough on bassist-Bruno Escobar who joined the group, completing the band's line-up. The band's roster is comprised of members from 3 different countries including vocalist-Lean Van Ranna(Brazil), guitarist-Erick Estrada(Mexico), guitarist-Dan Ornelas (United States), bassist-Bruno Escobar(United States), and the band's drummer-Samuel Estrada from Mexico.
After their conception, the band chose the moniker 'Salem'. However, in 2021 due to some legal red tape, the band change their name to 'King Of Salem'.
After their conception, the band chose the moniker 'Salem'. However, in 2021 due to some legal red tape, the band change their name to 'King Of Salem'.
"We chose the name King of Salem because of its biblical meaning which is "King of Peace". King Melchizedek, which means "righteous king", was a priest of God, similar to the priesthood of Jesus Christ." - Samuel Estrada -
If we look at some of the passages concerning the text above then we will discover in Hebrews 7:1-4 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
If we look at some of the passages concerning the text above then we will discover in Hebrews 7:1-4 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
'King Of Salem' is a Metal project that was established to lead others to the one-and-only Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. "It is not only about music, recordings and concerts ... There are times to live what we sing and to testify of what we have lived. To use the gifts that God gave us to help others. We announce to all that Christ is the way, the truth and the life. That there is great power and love in Him. May all the oppressed come to Him because He is powerful enough to free the captives and set us free from decay and death." - King Of Salem -
In 2019 King Of Salem stepped into the studios to begin work on material for a full-length project. Three years later, the band finished the recording process in June of 2022.
2022
In 2022 King Of Salem released their debut full-length album simply titled 'Sovereign' on MS Metal Records. The album was produced in house by Samuel & Erick Estrada who handled production, mixing, and mastering in their own studio in Mexico. The album's cover art was done by Brazilian artist Rômulo Dias who has captured that biblical moment in Matthew 14:30 where Peter who was beginning to sink, cried out saying, Lord, save me. 'Sovereign' is a Heavy Metal project by K.O. S. where we find the band coming out strong & hitting hard from beginning to end. Within their arrangements, the band has incorporated orchestration/symphonic touches, progressive elements, and Power Metal riffs. With such variety, King of Salem is sure to reach a much broader audience.
Some tracks that stand out on this debut album include track-2 "Your Name", track-5 "Before The End", track-6 "Redemption", track-7 "David", track-8 "He Found Me, track-9 "The Way", track-11 "Back To The Father".
Some tracks that stand out on this debut album include track-2 "Your Name", track-5 "Before The End", track-6 "Redemption", track-7 "David", track-8 "He Found Me, track-9 "The Way", track-11 "Back To The Father".
The band's guitar section is comprised of Erick Estrada on lead & rhythm guitars along with Dan Ornelas on lead guitars. With a spin of this album, guitar lovers will discover that there are plenty of memorial guitar shredding throughout this project. Both Estrada & Ornelas deliver up a solid performance with the 6-strings offering up everything from 80's style noodling to Thrash, all-the-while lightly seasoned with some Power Metal offerings.
Lyrics are Christ centered and evangelical as one can see in the following excerpts:
"Follow You"
Believe in the Lord
His kingdom is near
He gave his life
Punished for my rebellion
Forgive our sins, oh my lord!
Your cross has given us life
You paid the price for everything
"Before The End"
He will come again
But now it will be different
Everyone will see it with their own eyes
even those who pierced Him
We are hated for believing in Him
But he who endures to the end will be saved
And the sign will come
The Lord returns with power and glory
His angels will accompany Him
"He Found Me"
Now there is nothing that can separate me from my Lord
The King of kings has rescued me
King of all creation
Glory to who has given me life
Honor who with his death paid the price of my rebellion
All the earth praises His mighty name
He rescued my life from death
And confirmed my destiny
"The Way"
I was blind but hoping to find the Light and follow it
I know the road isn't easy
But I know that I’m not alone
The victory and power belong to the Lord
"Death Debt"
We are sent to declare that our King has risen
the one they believed defeated is now sitting on the throne
Nobody took His life on the cross
He gave himself out of love
He has the power to die and live again
"Back To The Father"
It’s been a long time since I left
From my father's house I decided to run away
I wasted his blessings now I have nowhere to go
Because of my pride I have lost everything
I will tell him... Father I have sinned against You
I don’t deserve Your grace, yet today I’m here
Believe in the Lord
His kingdom is near
He gave his life
Punished for my rebellion
Forgive our sins, oh my lord!
Your cross has given us life
You paid the price for everything
"Before The End"
He will come again
But now it will be different
Everyone will see it with their own eyes
even those who pierced Him
We are hated for believing in Him
But he who endures to the end will be saved
And the sign will come
The Lord returns with power and glory
His angels will accompany Him
"He Found Me"
Now there is nothing that can separate me from my Lord
The King of kings has rescued me
King of all creation
Glory to who has given me life
Honor who with his death paid the price of my rebellion
All the earth praises His mighty name
He rescued my life from death
And confirmed my destiny
"The Way"
I was blind but hoping to find the Light and follow it
I know the road isn't easy
But I know that I’m not alone
The victory and power belong to the Lord
"Death Debt"
We are sent to declare that our King has risen
the one they believed defeated is now sitting on the throne
Nobody took His life on the cross
He gave himself out of love
He has the power to die and live again
"Back To The Father"
It’s been a long time since I left
From my father's house I decided to run away
I wasted his blessings now I have nowhere to go
Because of my pride I have lost everything
I will tell him... Father I have sinned against You
I don’t deserve Your grace, yet today I’m here
(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)
King of Salem is new on the Metal scene and have put forth an offering worth checking out. Hopefully, this isn't the last that we see from the band. I for one, am looking forward to the band producing a follow-up album to see how the band moves forward and how they will take things to a new - higher level of performance. Help support King of Salem by picking up your copy of their 'Sovereign' 2022 debut release. Also, don't forget to check out the interview I had with the band.
Musicians:
Lean Van Ranna(From Brazil) - Lead Vocals
Erick Estrada(From Salem) - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Dan Ornelas - Lead Guitars
Bruno Escobar - Bass
Samuel Estrada - Drums, Keyboards
Lean Van Ranna(From Brazil) - Lead Vocals
Erick Estrada(From Salem) - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Dan Ornelas - Lead Guitars
Bruno Escobar - Bass
Samuel Estrada - Drums, Keyboards
