L to R: Kevin Emerson, Travis LeRoy, Scott Davies, Pat Stjernquist, John Secrest.

Salem Spade emerged from the heart of Colorado Springs, CO in 1983, founded by Pat Stjernquist, Rikard Stjernquist, and Alex Ben-Kory. Rooted in progressive metal, the band quickly carved out a distinct identity. When Rikard departed to join Jag Panzer, Pat reassembled the group with a fresh lineup: Kevin Emerson on guitar, Travis LeRoy on bass, Scott Davies on drums, and John Secrest on vocals. Remarkably, most of the members were still in their teens—bringing youthful intensity and raw talent to the stage.

In 1987, the band unleashed their demo Witch Hunt 1991, igniting a surge of interest across the underground music scene. Their raw energy and distinctive sound earned them features in numerous magazines and airplay on global platforms. Two years later, they followed up with Legacy of Hate (1989), a demo that drew widespread critical acclaim and solidified their reputation. After a significant lineup shakeup, the remaining members regrouped to record Sleepless, their final recording. The band disbanded shortly thereafter, leaving behind a legacy that still resonates with die-hard fans.

In 2007, the band was contacted by Steel Legacy Records out of Athens, Greece. The label reissued the band’s complete catalog on CD and vinyl, introducing their music to a new generation of metal fans around the world.

In 2011, the original Witch Hunt 1991 lineup briefly reunited with plans to tour and record new material. Tragically, those plans were cut short by the passing of vocalist John Secrest.

Fast forward to 2024: guitarist Kevin Emerson reached out to the surviving members of Salem Spade with a bold proposal—reunite and record again. The response was unanimous. With everyone on board, the band is now back in the studio, reigniting the creative spark that first defined their sound decades ago.

This website exists to preserve and celebrate the band’s history—from its early days in Colorado Springs to its lasting impact on the underground metal scene. Thanks for stopping by and keeping the spirit of Salem Spade alive.