Album Review: The Salt Pale Collective – …and God said nothing (Self Released)

The Salt Pale Collective return with their second album ‘…and God said nothing’. Out on the 31st of July 2026 on white vinyl, CD and some streaming sites.

Oozing gloomy atmosphere from the start, The Salt Pale Collective deliver an opening track to take note of. Raised aloft upon the horn of the celestial bull builds and builds until the pressure gets too much and a cacophony of stunning heaviness is unleashed. It’s focused ferocity and hits with the force of a tidal wave.

That is how you start a record, and with the bar set so high already, anticipation only grows even more.

Thankfully, The Salt Pale Collective are on fire here, and the doomier title track is just as strong. Showcasing immense harmonised vocals, tectonic plate sized riffs, crashing drumbeats, and layers of dark atmosphere. It is a spectacular listen, but if we’re talking tracks that have the power to leave you astonished by how much heavy depth they have, then there’s nothing as impressive as Our Pale Madonna.

This is The Salt Pale Collective at their raging, disgusted, and disillusioned best. Creating music that reflects the state of things. Yet, the way in which they experiment with cleaner harmonies and softer tones is what makes it even more special. Dare I say, it’s actually quite epic sounding.

There’s a thick vein of despair running through Litany for a dying Son, emphasised by vocals that reach a whole new dark level of guttural intensity. However, what makes this track special for me, is how uneven and chaotic rhythms creates a strong sense of hopelessness. It fits the tone of the album, but interestingly, there are even more experimental layers to this track (is that a saxophone I’m hearing!?).

That is probably my favourite track, but it doesn’t take long for me to move on as Ahoy! the black caskets begins with a disconcerting display of teeth aching synth. The weirdness dissipates to be replaced by an upsurge of post-twisted heaviness. The latter part piano melody is a welcome touch too.

Finally, and capping off an album of the year contender, is The stars fade and reel in confusion. A haunting start builds and builds until the cold and dark melody explodes in a vibrant display of dramatic heaviness. The instrumental lethargy giving it so much weight and working in spectacular contrast to the soaring vocals. I know I’m sounding like a broken record, but it is brilliant.

The whole album is though. The Salt Pale Collective have crafted an immeasurably immersive effort that feels fresh and exciting. The sort of record you can’t help but gush about.

The Salt Pale Collective – …and God said nothing Track Listing:

1. Raised aloft upon the horn of the celestial bull
2. And God said nothing
3. Our Pale Madonna
4. Litany for a dying Son
5. Ahoy! the black caskets
6. The stars fade and reel in confusion

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