Unbound From Salem's Childe Bassist James Gates Breaks It Down

Arroe Collins Unplugged and Totally Uncut

The second record from Salem’s Childe, Unbound, showcases the band’s growth as songwriters and musicians from 2020’s The Sin That Saves You. From the fast-paced tension of opener “Closer to the Bone” to anthems like “Rise & Conquer” and the closing beefed up and energetic take on The Cult’s classic “She Sells Sanctuary,” the nine-song record takes the listener on a lyrical and melodic journey that maintains the band’s aggressive accessibility while pushing boundaries and inviting engagement.
Since its inception, Salem’s Childe has defined and redefined itself musically, while following one rule: taking the best of what they love from their diverse influences and forging them into something that reflects those influences without trying to sound like them. The result is a hard-hitting and energetic genre-defying mix of melody and aggression that finds itself as equally at home in the mainstream as it does the underground.
In 2020, the band released its debut full-length album, The Sin That Saves You, through Pavement Entertainment, following that up the next spring with a well-received cover of Sponge’s iconic radio anthem “Plowed.” In 2024 the band finished and released its second record, Unbound. From appearances at events such as Milwaukee Metal Fest to storming their way across the US while supporting Misfits legend, Doyle, the Indiana-based band is no stranger to the national stage and will soon be announcing upcoming tours in the fall of 2024 and winter of 2025 in support of the new record.