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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unique, Mature, Artistic Gothic Rock/Metal!, April 11, 2006
I bought Saviour Machine's most recent disk, Legend III:I (2001), in early 2002 and immediately became a fan of the band. Well, I finally got around to checking out their first official recording, Saviour Macine I (1993), and all I can say is that I've been listening to it practically every day since!
Saviour Machine is a very hard band to classify. They are who they are and don't copy anyone. They're a "Christian band" in the sense that the members are definitely of the Christian persuasion and explore biblical topics, albeit in a very esoteric manner, but they're not like a lot of Christian bands that seem to be satisfied in essentially mimicking secular artists. Saviour Machine refuse to mimic anyone; they forge their own musical path.
So what does Saviour Machine's first album sound like? Well, if backed against a wall I'd describe it like this: Imagine an ultra-dramatic David Bowie fronting a band comprised of members of Therion, U2, Iron Maiden and My Dying Bride and you'd have a rough idea.
Some would probably categorize Saviour Machine as "progressive rock," but I disagree. I personally HATE progressive rock bands like Dream Theater. Such bands always seem more interesting in showing off their musical skills rather than simply writing good songs. Their music is always ridiculously over-polished and lacking raw edge. You'll note that Saviour Machine isn't like this at all; their sole focus is on writing good songs not masturbating on their instruments. A good example would be the 'lead solo' of the song "Killer." It's so simple and yet it gives you goose bumps!
The recording is so unique and involved that it's a bit hard to 'get into' the first few times you hear it. In fact, it's TOO much! Yet, after multiple hearings specific parts and songs begin to jump out at you. My favorite songs are "The Mask," "Killer," "Jesus Christ," "Christians and Lunatics," "Legion" and "Ludicrous Smiles." But, don't get me wrong, this is a CD where you just press 'play' and enjoy.
Whether or not a listener will appreciate Saviour Machine largely depends on if s/he likes Eric Clayton's voice, as his vocals are such a prominent feature throughout the recording. I'm not personally the biggest fan of his style of singing but I embrace him 100% because he is essentially what makes Saviour Machine who they are. (If you listen to their most recent disk, Legend III:I, you'll note that Eric has become quite a bit more varied in his vocalizations). Actually, I find Eric's vocal style kind of refreshing, especially after hearing Arch Enemy's latest CD which features exceptional music marred by utterly contrived, silly and monotonous cookie monster vocals (so the singer's a babe, so what?).
One reviewer describes Saviour Machine as "dark." This is only true in the sense that they are darkly mysterious not that their music will inspire one to commit suicide (like, say, My Dying Bride).
If you're a non-Christian don't let Saviour Machine's Christian beliefs prevent you from enjoying their music as their lyrical themes are presented in a very artistic, ambiguous manner. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, did you ever read "The Song of Solomon"?
I would put Saviour Machine I on an EQUAL level with the band's most recent work, Legend III:I. They're both very different platters, however (Legend III:I is heavier). In truth, they're both masterpieces of musical expression in the gothic rock/metal vein.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
1st Masterpiece, January 23, 2003
Breathtaking, passionate, dark, poetic, bittersweet... there aren't enough words to describe the incredible musical entity that is Saviour Machine. It's tragic how they haven't received the recognition they deserve. SM was one of the first bands to blend Metal influences with Goth. They were around even before Type O Negative. They're most commonly refered to as a Goth band, but their influences cover a wide range. On this album you'll hear a bit of Goth, Metal, Progressive (experimental, not that they sound like Dream Theater), Classical, Opera, Middle Eastern and Sountrack. Imagine if Andrew Loyd Webber got together with Members of The Nephilim, Dead can Dance, Iron Maiden, The Cure and Pink Floyd and had a singer who was a prophet from outer space. They may be Christians, but don't think this is a "christian rock band" like Delirious?, DC Talk and Jars Of Clay. They're far from a church-friendly band. The singer, Eric Clayton drinks "blood" and sets the UN flag on fire during live performances! Even today they are outcasts in the CCM industry. Get this album, you won't regret it. Even if you aren't a christian, there will be something for you to love here.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stands above most others of the genre, March 8, 2002
I'm not sure how to begin explaining this group. They are pretty strange, but they make amazing music. It's rock/hard rock but it's also definitely categorizable as 'goth-rock' (I hate that term) and is richly textured. All of their albums are very concept oriented-many of the songs tie together if not musically, then in a lyrical way. The vocalist has probably the most amazing male voice I have ever heard, he's almost operatic at times. After this album the drummer left and joined the hard core band Stavesacre. Highly recommended.
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