Customer Reviews

Saviour Machine I

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

The cd is an excellent pick. If you like the legend series, yet at times its too slow or soft for you this is what your looking for. You get to see another side of Eric Clayton that all will respect. The album is more of a hard rock ablum plus is carries a good message. I was blown away by its heavy guitar licks and creative lyrics. It is truly a collector's item for sure. Imported straight from Germany this album is an unforgetable experience. I would gladly recommend this to any Saviour Machine fans. Thanks and God bless you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This band creates some absolutely stunning, enthralling music that every fan of atmospheric metal hould own. Although I'm not a Christian, I find Eric Clayton's lyrics to be quite interesting and intelligent. Outstanding!

Saviour Machine freshman CD is a monument acheivement for christian based music; mixing Goth-like moods, operatic vocals, and spacey, yet dominant, guitar. Eric Clayton's lyrics and vocal performance is enough to make you cry (and often does). This CD is a must for any music lover.

For a Christian metal act -- this band proves they can be about as dark as either a My Dying Bride or an Iron Maiden. The strong theatrics made this band what they are. If you thought Christian bands can't be dark, I guess they never listened to this one. I wish I saw this band when they played in Chicago because from what I heard about them, they know how to scare people. Imaginative lyrics too. Eric if you are reading this review, you should try to cross over to writing novels because the songs in themselves tell a story. Their first album is epic and each ablum after that becomes even more epic.


favorite tracks: Son of the Rain (I wrote a story inspired by this one,) Jesus Christ, Killer, Carnival of Souls (but it is just unfair just to pick just those tracks. The whole album rocks.)

I have followed SM's career from this first full length release (they do have a demo that was released before this that is still avialable if you look hard enough) and they have always found an greatly satisfying and rewarding experience. This band has gone places musically and lyrically that have not even been approached by any one else in music today. The depth of Eric Clayton's vision and the power and creativity of the music make listening to this album (or anything else by this band) well worth while. I can only hope that with the impending release of the bands next cd (legend 3 disc 1) that the music press will take notice of the most ambitious, challenging and original bands in the business today.

This is just outstanding. I do not know why this CD does not sell in stores. The music, (Metal) the vocals, the lyrics, the producing the values, the truth coming from this Cd are breathtaking. Everyone who ever wondered about Apocalyptic Mysteries should take a trip with Saviour Machine.

I am not normally a big fan of metal, but this album has changed my mind! The vocals are simply outstanding, sung with passion and energy. There's one thing to say about Saviour Machine.. originality. The lyrics are extremely intelligent, and the music is simply beautiful with their rare metal-operatic style. I'm very impressed!