How many Metal bands do you know from Israel? Not that many, huh? Well, Salem must definitely be one of them... at least one of the most popular ones, right? Anyway I strongly advise them to add to their current lineup (as a permanent member) the model from the front cover which definitely rocks (meow)! I don't know if she can sing or something but she is definitely much prettier than the rest of the band members.
A short bio: Salem formed back in 1985 and they managed to release three Demo tapes before getting a contract. Since then they have managed to release several albums, a live DVD, perform alongside many known bands and lots of other cool stuff. A highlight of their career is the song The Fading that was included in heavy rotation on MTV's Headbangers Ball (but we all know that the show sucked monstrous balls). Kaddish also featured a cover song called Ha'ayara Bo'eret (The Town Is On Fire), a song that is being associated with the holocaust. This national controversy found its way to the Israeli parliament for a discussion of whether or not it is appropriate for a Metal band to play such songs.
Strings Attached is not an album with new songs. It is a collection of previously released material rearranged to be performed with an orchestra. I can't say that I recall all the original versions but most of the versions in this collection can be considered as at least interesting. My only problem is that when I want to listen to Death Metal, I like to listen to Death Metal. When I like listening to classical music, I listen to classical music. And so far not once in my life have I wanted to do something in the middle.
Don't get me wrong. This is an interesting approach for the band and will probably attract their diehard fans but don't be fooled that you can learn about the band's history just by grabbing this collection. The production is bold and the artwork luxurious but that's how far I can go with this one. My suggestions to the new fans of the band? Grab their back catalogue without any hesitation. This band deserves it.