Saviour Machine is a neoclassical Christian gothic symphonic metal band from California, USA, formed in 1989. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A music genre is a categorical and typological construct that identifies musical sounds as belonging to a particular category and type of music that can be distinguished from other Symphonic metal or opera metal is a term used to describe Heavy metal music that has symphonic elements that is elements that sound similar to a Christian metal is a form of Heavy metal music which as well as its many subgenres, contains Christian lyrics and themes Eric Clayton is an American singer-songwriter and musician best known for his work in the influential gothic Symphonic metal group Saviour Machine For the historical original neoclassical music see Neoclassicism (music Neo-classical metal is a subgenre of Heavy metal music Christian metal is a form of Heavy metal music which as well as its many subgenres, contains Christian lyrics and themes Symphonic metal or opera metal is a term used to describe Heavy metal music that has symphonic elements that is elements that sound similar to a California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the 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. Wacken Open Air (WOA is a popular German music festival focusing on various forms of Extreme metal and Heavy metal. Later, the band became known for its ambitious Legend trilogy.

History

In the beginning (1989 - 1993)

Saviour Machine was formed by brothers Jeff and Eric Clayton in the summer of 1989. Eric Clayton is an American singer-songwriter and musician best known for his work in the influential gothic Symphonic metal group Saviour Machine The band took its name from a song on the David Bowie album The Man Who Sold the World. David Bowie (ˈboʊiː born David Robert Jones on 8 January 1947 is an English Musician, actor producer, and arranger. The Man Who Sold the World is an album by David Bowie. It was originally released on Mercury Records in November 1970 in the United States and in April 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. The term "pyrotechnics" can also be used for Fireworks events A theatrical property, commonly referred to as a prop, is any object held or used on stage by an Actor for use in furthering the plot or story line of a Theatrical Southern California, or So Cal, is defined as the southern portion of the U

 Music samples:

"Legion"

Sample of "Legion" by Saviour Machine, from Saviour Machine I (1993). Saviour Machine I is the 1993 debut album of the American opera metal band Saviour Machine. 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. Gothic fiction (sometimes referred to as Gothic horror) is a genre of literature that combines elements of both horror and romance.

Problems listening to the file? See media help.

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. Frontline Records was a Christian Record label founded in 1986 by James Kempner Christian rock (occasionally abbreviated CR) is a form of Rock music played by bands whose members are Christians and who often focus the lyrics on In the Music industry, a record label can be a Brand and a Trademark associated with the Marketing of music recordings and Music Saviour Machine I is the 1993 debut album of the American opera metal band Saviour Machine. 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. The Book of Revelation, also called Revelation to John, Apocalypse of John ( pronounced, from the Ἀποκάλυψις Ἰωάννου 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. The guitar is a Musical instrument with ancient roots that is used in a wide variety of musical styles Rock music is a genre of Popular music often though not necessarily employing Electric guitar, Bass guitar, and Drums. In Music, a riff is an Ostinato figure a repeated Chord progression, pattern refrain or melodic figure, often played by the Rhythm In Music, a solo (from the Italian solo, meaning alone) is a piece or a section of a piece played or sung by a single performer

Despite critical acclaim from the mainstream press^[1][2] 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 a 1993 tour with Christian metal band Deliverance, the controversy spilled over at a concert at the New Union, a Christian music club in Minneapolis. Christian metal is a form of Heavy metal music which as well as its many subgenres, contains Christian lyrics and themes For the pop band refer to Deliverance (pop band. Deliverance is an United States Christian speed / Thrash metal 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. White Castle is the oldest American Hamburger fast food restaurant chain ^[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. Frontline Records was a Christian Record label founded in 1986 by James Kempner 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. A pianist (/'piənɪst/ is a Musician who plays the Piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces play with an ensemble or Orchestra Classical music is a broad term that usually refers to mainstream music produced in or rooted in the traditions of Western liturgical and Secular music Many songs featured piano compositions and keyboard orchestration. The piano is a Musical instrument played by means of a keyboard that produces sound by striking steel strings with Felt covered hammers A keyboard instrument is any musical instrument played using a Musical keyboard. Orchestration is the study or practice of writing Music for Orchestra (or more loosely for any Musical ensemble) or of adapting for orchestra music composed

With the release of Saviour Machine II the band began to pursue new representation. A growing following had developed in Europe, particularly in Germany. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. 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. Massacre Records is an Independent record label based in Abstatt, Germany. 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. Contemporary Christian Music (or CCM; also by its religious neutral term " inspirational music " is a genre of Popular music which is A music festival is a Festival oriented towards Music that is sometimes presented with a theme such as Musical genre, Nationality or locality Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Live in Deutschland, released in 1995, featured selections from Saviour Machine I and Saviour Machine II.

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. End time, End times, or End of days are the eschatological writings in the three Abrahamic religions and in doomsday scenarios in various other Bible prophecy, or " biblical prophecy " is the belief in prophecies in the Bible. As such, it has been dubbed "the unofficial soundtrack to the end of the world" in promotional materials. ^[3] 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. Legend III:I was released in 2001 at the Cornerstone Festival. Legend IIII is the fifth album by the gothic Christian metal band Saviour Machine. Cornerstone Festival is a Christian Music festival put on by Jesus People USA and held annually around the 4th of July near Bushnell 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. ^[4] 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 is releasing samples of rough mixes of each song on Legend III:II on SeventhCircle. net throughout July. ^[5]

All lyrical content is based on the Book of Revelation and other Biblical prophecy. The Book of Revelation, also called Revelation to John, Apocalypse of John ( pronounced, from the Ἀποκάλυψις Ἰωάννου Bible prophecy, or " biblical prophecy " is the belief in prophecies in the Bible. ^[3] 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. In Western Christianity, the Old Testament refers to the books that form the first of the two-part Christian Biblical canon. The Book of Revelation, also called Revelation to John, Apocalypse of John ( pronounced, from the Ἀποκάλυψις Ἰωάννου Use in linguistics Concordances are frequently used as a tool in Linguistics that can be used for the study of a text such as comparing different usages ^[3] Legend II continues where part one ended - the rise of the antichrist. For other uses see Antichrist (disambiguation In Christian eschatology, the Antichrist or anti-Christ means a person office ^[3] Musically, the Legend albums showcase a further refinement of Saviour Machine's rock and classical music style. Rock music is a genre of Popular music often though not necessarily employing Electric guitar, Bass guitar, and Drums. Classical music is a broad term that usually refers to mainstream music produced in or rooted in the traditions of Western liturgical and Secular music Complex orchestral arrangements, sampling, and live choirs give the entire project a movie soundtrack or rock opera feel. An orchestra is an instrumental ensemble, usually fairly large with string brass woodwind sections and possibly a percussion section as well In Music, sampling is the act of taking a portion or sample, of one Sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or element of a new recording For the musical composition see Chorale. A choir, chorale, or chorus is a Musical ensemble of Singers Rock operas, Concept albums Song cycles and Oratorios all differ from a conventional rock album which usually includes songs that are unrelated to each

Saviour Machine has performed a limited number of concerts in the USA, Germany and Mexico City since undertaking the Legend trilogy. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Mexico City (in Spanish: Ciudad de México, México DF, México or simply Méjico) is the Capital city of Mexico A second live album was released in 2002, again featuring a performance from Owen Teck Rocknight in Owen, Germany. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. 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. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. 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. ^[6] Their music has elements of classic metal, opera, progressive rock, gothic rock and classical music. Traditional heavy metal, also known as classic metal, trad metal, or often simply heavy metal, is the seminal subgenre of Heavy metal music before Opera is an art form in which Singers and Musicians perform a Dramatic work (called an opera which combines a text (called a Libretto Progressive rock (often shortened to " progressive " " prog " or " prog rock " is a form of Rock music that evolved This article is about the musical style of gothic rock For the goth scene in general see Goth subculture. Classical music is a broad term that usually refers to mainstream music produced in or rooted in the traditions of Western liturgical and Secular music Their metal and hard rock influences include Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. Black Sabbath are an Led Zeppelin were Pink Floyd are 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. In Music, a power chord (also fifth chord) is a note plus the note a fifth above usually played on Electric guitar. Saviour Machine's classical music influences include the composers Richard Wagner, Karl Orff, Ludwig van Beethoven and Hector Berlioz. Carl Orff ( &ndash) was a 20th-century German Composer, most famous for Carmina Burana (1937 Ludwig van Beethoven ( English ˈlʊdvɪg væn ˈbeɪtoʊvən, 16 December 1770 &ndash 26 March 1827 was a German Composer and Pianist. 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). Andrew Eldritch (born Andrew William Harvey Taylor, 15 May 1959) is the frontman Singer, Songwriter and the only remaining original The Sisters of Mercy are an English Gothic rock band that formed in 1980 ^[6] 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. David Bowie (ˈboʊiː born David Robert Jones on 8 January 1947 is an English Musician, actor producer, and arranger. This article is about the band For their self-titled debut album see The Doors (album; for the Oliver Stone film see The Doors (film; for Doors in computing 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 Middle East is a Subcontinent with no clear boundaries often used as a synonym to Near East, in opposition to Far East. ^[6] 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)

Side projects

• Eric Clayton appeared as "Reason" on Ayreon's 2004 album, The Human Equation, which also featured James LaBrie and Devin Townsend, among others. Saviour Machine I is the 1993 debut album of the American opera metal band Saviour Machine. Legend IIII is the fifth album by the gothic Christian metal band Saviour Machine. This is the first rarities box set by the Progressive rock band Saviour Machine. Eric Clayton is an American singer-songwriter and musician best known for his work in the influential gothic Symphonic metal group Saviour Machine Carl Johan Grimmark is a Christian guitarist born in Gothenburg, Sweden October 14, 1977. Ayreon ( is a project by Dutch composer and musician Arjen Anthony Lucassen. The Human Equation is the sixth album by Arjen Anthony Lucassen, released under the name Ayreon. Kevin James LaBrie (born May 5, 1963) is a Canadian vocalist who is best known for being the lead singer in Progressive metal band Devin Garrett Townsend (born May 5, 1972 in New Westminster, British Columbia) is a Canadian Multi-instrumentalist musician 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. Eva Ortiz (born 1961 better known as Eva O is a Music artist most notable for her previous works in Christian Death and a band she formed with her then Additionally he sings 'O Holy Night' with Eva O on Projekt Records Excelsis - A Dark Noel. Eva Ortiz (born 1961 better known as Eva O is a Music artist most notable for her previous works in Christian Death and a band she formed with her then This is the article for the record label You might be looking for Pro-jekt, ProjeKct, Project Pitchfork, or Projekt Revolution

• Carl Johan Grimmark is the lead guitarist for Narnia and also performs with Rob Rock. At least 2 Bands called Narnia have become more widely known Narnia (English band, an English band 3 members of which later joined After the Robert Rock is a Christian Heavy metal Singer and Songwriter.

• Nathan Van Hala currently plays keyboards for West Indian Girl and Duchess. West Indian Girl is a rock band from Los Angeles, who released their self-titled debut Album in August 2004 on Astralwerks Past projects include X-electra, Shadow Project, and Strychnine Kiss, for whom he was the vocalist and primary songwriter. Shadow Project is a Gothic rock / Deathrock band formed in the early 1990s with Rozz Williams and Eva O.

• Thomas Weinesjö is the drummer for Veni Domine. Veni Domine is a Christian progressive Doom metal band The band was founded in 1987 in Sollentuna, Sweden.

• 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. Philip Tyler Keaggy (born March 23, 1951 in Youngstown, Ohio He was heavily involved in drugs at the time and that same day was badly hurt

• Former drummer Sam West is currently a member of Stavesacre, and previously performed with Scaterd Few and The Violet Burning. Stavesacre is an American Christian rock band from Huntington Beach, California formed in 1995 Scaterd Few was a Christian punk band originating from Burbank, California. The Violet Burning is an independent rock and roll Christian band based in Long Beach California, USA

• 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. At least 2 Bands called Narnia have become more widely known Narnia (English band, an English band 3 members of which later joined After the

External links

• Official Website
• The Arena - Official Message Board
• Official Myspace Page
• Active Fansite

References