Salt the Wound
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Cleveland, Ohio , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
Salt the Wound was a deathcore ensemble originating from Cleveland, Ohio, established in 2001. Affiliated with Rotten Records, the group produced three full-length albums. After extensive touring in support of their debut record Carnal Repercussions, the band dissolved in early 2010. They reunited in 2011, incorporating both founding and new members, and subsequently released Kill the Crown.
Origins
The inception of Salt the Wound occurred on September 11, 2001, initiated by drummer James Anthony Agrippe alongside guitarist Mike Kawkabany. By 2003, the lineup was completed with the addition of vocalist Kevin Schafer, bassist Abe Zieleniec, and guitarist Jake Scott.
Rotten Records era and initial breakup
Following the release of two EPs in 2004 and 2005, Salt the Wound signed with Rotten Records in 2007. Their debut studio album, Carnal Repercussions (2008), achieved notable underground acclaim through radio exposure and touring, reaching sales near 75,000 copies globally by 2009. Their sophomore album, Ares, recorded mid-2009 and launched on September 15, featured their final vocalist Matthew Wessoly.
On October 30, 2009, the band declared their disbandment. They embarked on a farewell tour in early 2010 that culminated with a concluding performance in Cleveland.
Reunion and subsequent inactivity
In November 2010, Salt the Wound announced their official comeback with original vocalist Kevin Schaefer, guitarist Jake Scott, and drummer Brandon Tabor. Their third album, Kill the Crown, produced by Brian White, was released in March 2011. Guitarist Scott mentioned plans for another studio project; however, no updates have surfaced since 2014. The group's social media presence has been dormant since 2015, implying a second dissolution.
Musical style
Salt the Wound primarily embraced deathcore infused with melodic death metal elements. Their vocal approach blended death metal growls with metalcore screams and early pig squeal techniques. The drumming featured exceptionally rapid blast beats. Guitar parts included down-tuned rhythm sections paired with higher-tuned leads to highlight complex riffing. Influences stemmed from bands such as All Shall Perish, The Black Dahlia Murder, and The Dillinger Escape Plan.
Band members
- Current lineup
- Jake Scott – guitar (2003–2010, 2010–2015)
- Kevin Schaefer – vocals (2003–2008, 2010–2015)
- Brandon Tabor – drums (2008–2009, 2010–2015)
- Brian White – guitar (2011–2015)
- Cole Martinez – bass (2011–2015)
- Former lineup
- James Anthony Agrippe – drums (2001–2006)
- Mike Kawkabany – guitar, vocals (2001–2004)
- Abe Zieleniec – bass (2003)
- Vince Stropki – bass, guitar (2003–2004, 2005–2010)
- Nick Cetrone – drums (2007–2008)
- Brian "Brooklyn" Martinez – bass (2008–2009)
- Tim McCullough – drums (2008–2009)
- Matthew Tanner – vocals (2008–2009)
- Rob Walters – drums (2009–2010)
- Mat Wessoly – vocals (2009–2010)
- Dave Mihalik – bass (2010–2011)
Timeline
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Discography
- Studio Albums
- Carnal Repercussions (2008, Rotten)
- Ares (2009, Rotten)
- Kill the Crown (2011, Rotten)
- EPs and Demos
- Perceiving the Beauty of Nothing (demo, 2003)
- Of Martyrdom (demo, 2003)
- It's Taken Too Long (demo, December 2004)
- 3 Song Demo (demo, 2004)
- Bedsprings and Bloodshed (self-released EP, 2005)
- Demo 2007 (demo, 2007)