Saviour Machine

Infobox musical artist
Name = Saviour Machine


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Background = group_or_band
Years_active = 1989 - present
Origin = Los Angeles, California, USA
Genre = Symphonic metal Gothic metal Christian metal
Current_members = Eric Clayton Charles Cooper Carl Johan Grimmark Nathan Van Hala Thomas Weinesjö

Saviour Machine is a neoclassical Christian gothic symphonic metal band from California, USA, formed in 1989. The band is known for its epic music and lyrics that deal with the End Times. Saviour Machine is particularly popular in Germany and has performed at Wacken Open Air festival in 1997. Later, the band became known for its ambitious Legend trilogy. [ cite web |author=Ankeny, Jason |title= Saviour Machine |publisher=Open Publishing |date=2004-02-04 |work=Allmusic |url= http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:fjfrxqthldhe |accessdate=2008-09-12 ]

History

In the beginning (1989 - 1993)

Saviour Machine was formed by brothers Jeff and Eric Clayton in the summer of 1989. By the time of its first tour in 1993, the band was Eric Clayton - vocals, Jeff Clayton - guitars, Dean Forsyth - bass, Jayson Heart - drums, and Nathan Van Hala - keyboards. The band took its name from a song on the David Bowie album "The Man Who Sold the World". Saviour Machine recorded and released their first demos in 1990. A theatrical stage show featuring pyrotechnics, images projected onto a background screen and other props attracted a growing fan base in Southern California.

Listen
filename=Saviour Machine - Legion.ogg
title="Legion"
description=Sample of "Legion" by Saviour Machine, from "Saviour Machine I" (1993). The song represents Saviour Machine's gothic opera metal style. Containing lyrics with a gothic horror feel and apocalyptic themes, because of this song the album was banned from Christian music stores in the United States.
format=Ogg

In 1993,with the help of Deliverance frontman, Jimmy P. Brown II, Saviour Machine signed with Frontline Records, a Christian rock record label, and released their first full-length album under the Intense Records imprint, "Saviour Machine I". The album's lyrics deal with personal experiences, observations, and the spiritual struggle to maintain faith through the darkest periods of life. Additional content is specifically based on scriptures found in the Book of Revelation. Other portions are surreal and sometimes confrontational, dealing with political and social statements, structures and powers. Musically, the band had developed a guitar-driven rock music sound, featuring melodic riffs and extensive solos from Jeff Clayton.

Despite critical acclaim from the mainstream press [ cite web |author=Espiau, Olivier |title=Saviour Machine - Saviour Machine II |publisher=Open Publishing |date=2004 |work=Metal Storm |url= http://www.metalstorm.ee/pub/review.php?review_id=292&print_page=yes |accessdate=2007-09-09 ] [cite web |author=Espiau, Olivier |title= Saviour Machine - Saviour Machine I |publisher=Open Publishing |date=2004-02-04 |work=Metal Storm |url= http://www.metalstorm.ee/bands/album.php?album_id=1033&band_id=149&bandname=Saviour+Machine |accessdate=2007-09-09 ] and a growing number of fans nationwide, people in some Christian circles felt threatened by Saviour Machine's bold lyrical direction and stylized stage presentation, most prominently the white make-up and jewel worn by vocalist Eric Clayton. During their 1993 tour with Christian metal band Deliverance, the controversy spilled over at a concert at the New Union, a Christian music club in Minneapolis. Several songs into their set, the power was cut and the performers were ushered from the stage. This was followed by an announcement from New Union management stating they were uncomfortable with the content of the show. However, many in the crowd gathered with band members at a local White Castle restaurant to show their continued support.ref|1

The band played on (1994 - 1996)

Confusion and political upheaval at Frontline Records led to less-than-ideal conditions for the recording of the band's next album in 1994, "Saviour Machine II". The lyrical content of "Saviour Machine II" was based largely on the controversy of the previous year, down to the closing line: "Do you see the light of the Saviour inside this Machine?" Musically, the addition of pianist Nathan Van Hala resulted in a classical music-based sound. (Nathan Van Hala now plays in the Los Angeles-based band, West Indian Girl. Many songs featured piano compositions and keyboard orchestration. Charles Cooper also joined the band at this time after Dean Forsyth left.

With the release of "Saviour Machine II" the band began to pursue new representation. A growing following had developed in Europe, particularly in Germany. This led to the formation of MCM Music, an independent label for all Saviour Machine projects, by vocalist Eric Clayton and his European management team. The band also secured a distribution deal with Massacre Records. Saviour Machine was given full creative control on all future projects, ensuring the integrity and credibility the band had sought to achieve.

Multiple tours of Europe followed in 1995 and 1996. During a 1995 performance at Owen Teck Rocknight, a Christian music festival in Owen, Germany, Saviour Machine recorded their first live album. "Live in Deutschland", released in 1995, featured selections from "Saviour Machine I" and "Saviour Machine II". It was after this tour that the membership of Saviour Machine changed with the replacement of Jeff Clayton by Joshua.

The "Legend" trilogy (1997 - 2007)

Saviour Machine next turned to the most ambitious project they had ever undertaken, the "Legend" trilogy. "Legend" consists of the most exhaustive study of end-time Biblical prophecy ever set to music. As such, it has been dubbed "the unofficial soundtrack to the end of the world" in promotional materials. The "Legend" trilogy comprises four full-length CDs totaling more than five hours of music. "Legend I" and "Legend II" were released in 1997 and 1998, respectively. The studio composition of the band stayed the same through "Legend II" after which Jeff Clayton and Jayson Heart left the band. "Legend III:I" was released in 2001 at the Cornerstone Festival. The long-awaited final disc, "Legend III:II", was scheduled to be released July 7, 2007. "Legend" parts I through III:I were released by MCM Music and Massacre Records; however, "Legend III:II" will be released independently. [cite web |url= http://www.sound7.de/article.php?channel=3&article=4154 |title= Eric Clayton im Interview |accessdate= 2007-12-04 |author= Brunner, David |date= 11.08.2006 |work= Sound7.de |publisher= |pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= ] On May 27, 2007, Eric Clayton released a statement on the Saviour Machine MySpace blog saying that, due to health problems, he would not be able to finish "Legend III:II" in time to make the July 7 release date. He released samples of rough mixes of each song on "Legend III:II" on SeventhCircle.net throughout July. [cite web |url= http://www.seventhcircle.net/legend.htm |title= Legend Part III:II |accessdate= 2007-12-04 |author= Clayton, Eric |date= 2007-07-07 |work= Sound7.de |publisher= |pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= ]

All lyrical content is based on the Book of Revelation and other Biblical prophecy. The first album draws from the Old Testament and New Testament, except the Book of Revelation, and includes the applicable biblical references and a concordance.cite journal |last=Macintosh |first=Dan |year=1997 |month=May/June |title=Saviour Machine |journal=HM Magazine |id=ISSN|1066-6923 |issue=65 |pages= |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20000918053800/www.hmmagazine.com/archives/Saviour+Machine.htm |accessdate=2007-04-30 ] "Legend II" continues where part one ended - the rise of the antichrist. Musically, the "Legend" albums showcase a further refinement of Saviour Machine's rock and classical music style. Complex orchestral arrangements, sampling, and live choirs give the entire project a movie soundtrack or rock opera feel.

Saviour Machine has performed a limited number of concerts in the USA, Germany and Mexico City since undertaking the "Legend" trilogy. A second live album was released in 2002, again featuring a performance from Owen Teck Rocknight in Owen, Germany. "Live in Deutschland 2002" featured selections from "Legend I", "Legend II" and "Legend III:I".

It is finished...

Eric Clayton has repeatedly stated that Saviour Machine's work will end upon the completion of the "Legend" trilogy. Fans have long hoped for a farewell tour and one final concert in Israel, where Saviour Machine would perform the entire trilogy in sequence. This thought was born after an interview in Ennepetal, Germany in 2001, where Eric kidded about this final concert.

Music

Saviour Machine's music on the simplest level can be described as gothic rock-opera. Their music has elements of classic metal, opera, progressive rock, gothic rock and classical music. Their metal and hard rock influences include Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. While not the heaviest brand of metal, their music is heavy enough to be included in the Metal-Archives. Especially the Legend trilogy songs include power chords and thick riffs. Saviour Machine's classical music influences include the composers Richard Wagner, Karl Orff, Ludwig van Beethoven and Hector Berlioz. These influences are reminiscent in the choir, string compositions and piano playing of Nathan Van Hala. Another opera element are the vocals of Eric Clayton. The vocals range from deep basso to high tenor and sometimes are comparable to gothic baritone vocals of Andrew Eldritch (The Sisters of Mercy).Choi, Jeremy, [http://www.tollbooth.org/reviews/sm.html Saviour Machine - legend I] , The Phantom Tollbooth, 1997, retrieved on 2007-10.19.] Clayton's voice is dark, emotional and technically talented. Eric Clayton himself has not considered Saviour Machine to be a stricly gothic group but rather a one that plays a style of its own. According to Clayton, the band was influenced by proto-gothic groups such as the glam rock artist David Bowie, the psychedelic rock band The Doors and post-punk band U2. The first two albums showcase extensive classic metal and progressive rock influenced guitar solos and clean, echoed guitars reminiscent of traditional gothic rock. The guitarwork is known to incorporate epic, Middle Eastern melodies. The Legend trilogy features some guitar playing that is based on menacing, somewhat doom metal type repetitive riffs.

Discography & videography

Members

Current members

* Eric Clayton - vocals
* Charles Cooper - bass
* Carl Johan Grimmark - guitar
* Nathan Van Hala - piano
* Thomas Weinesjö - drums

Former members

* Jeff Clayton - guitar (1989 - 2001)
* Victor Deaton - drums (1999 - 2001)
* Chris Fee - drums (1989 - 1992)
* Dean Forsyth - bass (1989 - 1995)
* Jayson Heart - drums (1994 - 1998)
* Sam West - drums (1993)

ide projects

*Eric Clayton appeared as "Reason" on Ayreon's 2004 album, "The Human Equation", which also featured James LaBrie, Mikael Åkerfeldt and Devin Townsend, among others. In 1998, he produced and performed guest vocals on Wedding Party's album, "Anthems". Clayton also produced and performed guest vocals in Eva O's album, "Damnation: Ride the Madness". Additionally he sings 'O Holy Night' with Eva O on Projekt Records "Excelsis - A Dark Noel".

*Carl Johan Grimmark is the lead guitarist for Narnia and also performs with Rob Rock.

*Nathan Van Hala currently plays keyboards for West Indian Girl and Duchess. Past projects include X-electra, Shadow Project, and Strychnine Kiss, for whom he was the vocalist and primary songwriter.

*Thomas Weinesjö is the drummer for Veni Domine.

*Former drummer Victor Deaton played drums on two tracks ("Raven's Warning" and "Alliance") and marching snare drum (percussion) on one track ("War Memorial") of Wedding Party's record "Anthems". It is also rumored that Victor Deaton played drums on the Rackets and Drapes record "Trick or Treat". Hence, the liner notes of the album contained, "BAND THANX: ...,Vic Deaton for the music lessons,..." Victor Deaton has also recorded with guitarist Phil Keaggy.

*Former drummer Sam West is currently a member of Stavesacre, and previously performed with Scaterd Few and The Violet Burning.

*Eric Clayton guested Carl Johan Grimmarks headproject Narnia on the album "The Great Fall" and sang the vocals with Christian Rivel on the 14 minute epic song "The Great Fall of Man".

External links

* [http://www.saviourmachine.com Official Website]
* [http://guitar6.com/saviourmachine/index.php The Arena - Official Message Board]
* [http://www.myspace.com/saviourmachine Official Myspace Page]
* [http://www.thebeginningandtheend.de.vu Active Fansite]

References

* cite web | title = 1 | work = Deus Ex Machina | url= http://web.archive.org/web/19971025044139/www.wp.cc.nc.us/~rbuff/ectalks.html | accessmonthday=March 1 | accessyear=2006

* cite web | title = 2 | work = Deus Ex Machina | url= http://www.sound7.de/article.php?channel=3&article=4154 | accessmonthday=March 13 | accessyear=2007