Saviour Machine interview [for Ukrainian Gothic Portal] [ via internet by Grigoriy 'Tyrant' Sitenko ]

[Details : Interview was made via e-mail. Eric Clayton of Saviour Machine is answering questions. Style of writting is kept.]

Info : Saviour Machine is one of those bands which influenced lost of music genres - gothic, metal, underground and stayed on its own original way... Saviour Machine is determited by music critics to be christian gothic metal.  Perfectly joining bible elements, legends, ancient story music of Saviour Machine brings feeling of eternal flight of souls and future Apocalypsis. 

Official page : http://www.saviourmachine.com , Images copyright (c) Saviour Machine

Tyrant : So let's start from the beginning. Why did you decide to form the band? What was the concept behind the Saviour Machine?

Saviour Machine : The "project" known as "SAVIOUR MACHINE" was formed in 1990...My goal from the beginning was to compose a group of talented artists who could collaborate in a massive vision....A vision of enigmatic sound and experimental theater... An artistic endeavor that would push the boundaries of the spiritual and emotional impact of music... SMI was released in 1993...SMII in 1994...In 1995 we produced a live album and concert film called "Live in Deutschland" In 1995 We began work on The Legend Trilogy....The Legend Trilogy is the most comprehensive study of end times prophecy ever set to music....It is an "Apocalyptic Opera," a magnum opus... over 5 hours of music in the end...Part I was released in 1997...Part II in 1998...Both albums were released to critical acclaim, critical disdain and controversial reactions throughout the underground music world... Legend Part III:I was released in Europe on Sept 17, in the US on Oct 30...

Tyrant :  What does the name Saviour Machine mean? Does it contain some kind of message?

Saviour Machine : The name, "SAVIOUR MACHINE" encompassed everything that I wanted the project to represent... "A vehicle for reaching the heart of man...A force of immense strength and power...An invitation to salvation!"

Tyrant : Of course you were asked such questions many times before and you are probably bored to death with them but let me ask you again - what influenced you most? I mean not only bands but also the literature, cinema, culture in general. Was it mostly the christian culture?

Saviour Machine : The musical influences of SM are very eclectic... The great "Rock Operas" and concept albums of the past 30 years are a fundamental influence on our work....My tastes lean toward innovators! The other important musical influences for SM are made up from a wide range of Classical music, Opera, World music and Film score.... I believe that film (rather than music) has played a more significant role as a major influence on my work.... I am a great fan of films....a movie junkie! : ) The Legend Trilogy is highly influenced by the content itself... In composing, arranging and producing The Trilogy, it is always a matter of finding the proper balance for each individual movement (song).....My role is to interpret the content of each chapter and bring it to life through sound... to create a musical landscape..an emotional representation... The Legend Trilogy is inspired by the End Time Prophecies of The Holy Bible...After studying the Prophecies for several years, I felt compelled to translate the scriptures into a musical interpritation "A soundtrack for the ultimate script!" I "decided" to follow this vision for two very important reasons...First, because it was (and is) what I believed God put in my heart to do...a type of "calling" or mission that I may not understand completely, but I must try to follow faithfully... Second, because as an Artist, I felt that it was the most powerful and important "story" ever written....no one had ever attempted to approach it musically in such a detailed and comprehensive way...I saw it as a massive artistic challenge....I still do! : )

Tyrant : How could you define your musical style? Do you consider your band as part of christian, gothic or metal scene?

Saviour Machine : I don't necessarily prefer to be known as anything... To be called simply a "Christian," "Goth" or "Metal" band is far too directional for SM...We have created a 10 year body of work that has transcended the boundaries of many music genres...I've always felt that to label SM is unnecessary and unatural...It was never intended to "fit into" any particular scene, style or movement... I think that SM has become known for making very diverse albums...Each album is approached completely different than the others....I really try not to fall into artistic patterns...this happens with many artists and I think that their work suffers because of it....I get bored when artists do not challenge themselves in an attempt to explore new ground...All of my favoriteartists/bands, NEVER made the same album twice...I have always appreciated this... it shows integrity and growth! I like to think of SM as an "Apocalyptic Opera,": ) I think that it is very difficult style to describe due to the fact that it is always evolving in sound... It's essential elements are so diverse that it is really impossible to classify SM in a particular genre...the key to SM's enigma lies within it's ever present contrast...It is bombastic, yet subtle.. overwhelming, yet inviting...distant, yet intimate... demanding, yet comprehensable...horrifying, yet beautiful...dark, yet glorious... In a synopsis... SM's sound is a very unique and powerful entity!

Tyrant : What is your attitude towards gothic culture and especially music?

Saviour Machine : Regarding Gothic "culture," I appreciate the aspects which are not self-absorbing or self-destructive...Regarding what is considered "Gothic music," I believe that the greatest artists in the history of this genre, did not create with the intention to be "Gothic!"

Tyrant : You are said to be a devoted christian, do you have any difficulties combining true devotion to religion and the life of rock-musician?

Saviour Machine : As in every aspect of life, it is a matter of achieving a sense of balance...
My faith, my work and my life must be integrated and sometimes, separated... I have always thought of myself as an artist who is a believer... My beliefs are profoundly reflected in my work....
Regading the issue of my faith...I am a Christian, but not in the traditional "religious" sense...Historically, the"institution" of so called "Christianity" has been grossly responsible for uncountable crimes against humanity....I am not a religious person in that, I do not believe in the man made concept of religion....I understand that the term "Christian" carries with it a foul and loathsome stigmatism, for that I am not responsible. I do, however, feel compelled to help remove the stigmatism in whatever capacity possible... I do not belong to any particular denomination of religion, yet I do not make it a point to condemn religion or religious people. The word Christian is a term that has been given to me by association, it is the most common term associated with one who believes in Christ as the Messiah. Always remember that Man, NOT God is responsible
for its historical misrepresentation, misinterpretation, and misuse of the word of God... In the end, faith is a simple concept that has become far too complicated in the modern age. Faith is indefinable and intangible, it is however, attainable!

Tyrant : Do all members of the band share the same religious feelings?

Saviour Machine : Not every person that is, or has ever been involved with this project, has shared the exact Biblical, theological, spiritual or philosophical viewpoint...the key to making it work, is the ability to find common ground and share similar intentions...

Tyrant : What is your vision of life and death?

Saviour Machine : My "vision" of this world is Apocalyptic..my faith is in the truth of Christ the Messiah who will return to end this madness...my hope is in love that mankind is capable of when he transcends above the horrifying lies of this world and seeks the truth beyond it!
Life is a precious gift...Death is only a door...

Tyrant : Now back to the music. What do you think about the current US music scene? How did it change from the times when you were beginning your career?

Saviour Machine :  Sorry, but I am completely unqualified to answer this question...I am very detached from what is going on in the music scene...I rarely listen to modern music at all...

Tyrant : Is it hard for the band like Saviour machine which intends not to compromise over its music to be part of music industry? Was creation of your own label MCM helpful in taking full control over your work? Is it hard to run your own label?

Saviour Machine : I have always strived for the best that I am capable of...In producing The Legend Trilogy, the biggest challenge has been to create a massive "Apocalyptic Opera" with limited resources, independent recording budgets and time restraints....all these things considered, I believe that this project is some kind of modern miracle! : ) I do not think of myself as a "Crusader," only as an honest artist who is willing to sacrifice "commercial success" for important art...unfortunately, there are so few artists who are willing to make this sacrifice...Many years ago, it became very clear to me, that in order to proceed with the vision of SM, it would have to be done independently...it has been difficult to survive, it has been a tremendous amount of work, but it has been worth it!

Tyrant : Do you do all the production and mix by yourselves?

Saviour Machine : I have always been responsible for all aspects of production...from composition to arrangement to recording...I am closely involved with every mix but I have never
attempted to mix an album by myself...I don't think that I ever will...mixing is a
great technical art form in itself...I have always felt that it is important to work
with people who are properly skilled for this aspect of production...I have had the pleasure of working with many talented engineers over the years...thank God! : )

Tyrant : Since the creation of Saviour machine you went through a number of line-up changes. Why did it happen? Are you fully satisfied with the current line-up?

Saviour Machine :  I have always considered SM as more of a project, rather than a "band." Through the years, the project and the people involved it, have always evolved...Currently,
I am surrounded by a greater magnitude of talent than ever before...

Tyrant : What role every band member plays in composing music and writing lyrics?

Saviour Machine : The method for each album is different...I have always been entirely responsible for all lyrics and overall musical direction...Through the years, artistic imput has varied
from each person involved with this project....currently, I prefer to work in this manner:
When developing a song, I start at the piano, work out the melodies and harmonies,
then move to the computer for the sequencing..after composing all the orchestral arrangements and finalizing tempos/meter/ key etc...I will pass on the arrangements
to the musicians involved who will perform it...after each musician has had time to rehearse and develope his part, it is ready to be recorded...

Tyrant : You were preparing the last album "Legend III" for two and a half years. Why so long? And as it seems to be the end of the trilogy, what next we should expect?

Saviour Machine : I began composing Legend Part III in December 1998...this final part of the project was ALWAYS intended to be a double album so I knew that it could take twice as long to
complete as any other single album...I spent the entire year of 1999 and half of 2000 composing and arranging the music for both albums, I wrote the lyrics for both albums in the fall of 2000....in late 2000, I was approached by my management and Massacre Records with an idea to split the double album into two separate releases..Although I was very reluctant at first, they convinced me that it would be the best thing to do for a number of reasons....All these reasons aside, the convincing factor for me, was that the fans had waited long enough....If I were to continue with the original plan to produce the double album, I would still be in the middle of the production at this time and the double album would not be released until sometime next year....I began producing disc 1 in January... the album was completed at the end of June...I am taking a short break between the 2 productions at the moment for promotional reasons.....I will begin recording disc 2 (Legend Part III:II) in a few months... If all proceeds as planned, it should be completed sometime late next year...

Tyrant : You are famous for your intense and theatrical shows. What are your feelings when you are playing live? What was the show that most sticked to your memory?

Saviour Machine : I have always felt that it was important to captivate an audience...A performance must be a complete outpouring of mind, body and spirit...In order to achieve this,
all 3 MUST be healthy...A performance becomes a profound visual and audio experience....an unleashing of pure emotion and passion....From the very beginning of SM in 1990, I always hoped that we could evolve to become a musical and visual entity like no other....something timeless and sacred that would inspire and move people in a very powerful way...Music is one of the most powerful forces in the universe...when you are able to combine this power with a strong visual representation, the possibilities are endless... For some people, the words or "the message" is VERY important...For others, the emotional value of the music is enough to move them on some profound level...For some, the visual aspect is the key factor in bringing both together... Although, SM has performed less than 200 concerts in its entire career, I cannot single out one in particular that stands above the rest...

Tyrant : Do you have any videoclips?

Saviour Machine : Nothing that has ever been released! : )

Tyrant : The events of September 11th raised again the problem of confrontation between christian and islamic worlds. What can you say about it? What do you think about the collision of cultures?

Saviour Machine : We stand at a crucial time in human history....every day, the world moves closer to the end of time....Like millions of people throughout the world, I am deeply saddened by the events that have transpired and unfolded recently...To avoid the inevitable "dogma" that
goes hand in hand with any attempts to relate or connect these events to prophecy, I have chosen to remain in prayer over this situation rather than to discuss it in "Biblical terms." I would like to encourage all to do the same....People should not waste thier spiritual, mental and emotional energy on dogmatic interpretation of these events in relation to End Times Prophecy....We should all remain watchful, patient and discerning in regards to the events that continue to unfold in the upcoming days, weeks and months....If you are a person of faith, pray for the hearts and minds of our world leaders, that they may all proceed with wisdom and discernment....

Tyrant :  What do you know about Ukraine and underground scene here?

Saviour Machine : I apologize for my ignorance, but I am not familiar with much of your history, your culture, or the underground scene...

Tyrant : It is next to impossible to find any of your albums here in Ukraine and in the territory of the former Soviet Union as well. Do you have any plans of having some kind of distribution here?
I have heard that there are thousands of illegal, "pirated" copies of SM albums in the former Soviet Union...it does not bother me at all, but I know that this fact may have something to do with the lack of "official" distribution in the region...We are always working to expand our distribution capabilities...we will continue to do so...

Tyrant : What are your plans for the nearest future? Can we expect the world tour?

Saviour Machine : Legend Part III:II will start production in a few months....it is the final album of The Trilogy....This production will be the most difficult of Saviour Machine's entire career! I expect that it may take close to a year to complete....If all goes as planned, it could be released in late 2002! Legend Part III:II will cover the final hours of history, The Battle of Armageddon, The Return of Christ, The Millennial Kingdom, The New Jerusalem...etc..The final chapters of The Book of Revelation will unfold over 80 minutes of the most challenging, powerful and Glorious music I've ever written...I can assure you that Legend Part III:II will be SM's finest hour! There are no actual tour plans at the moment....Saviour Machine will perform in Germany on December 9th and again in March of 2002... There are really no other dates available due to the production schedule of Legend Part III:II which will begin in a few months.... Upon the completion of III:II, we may consider a full blown tour! There has been a vision for many years, that SM will someday perform the entire Trilogy as an opera....This vision will require a great deal of time, money and resources to bring it to life... Until this time, any performances will showcase a collection of songs from throughout the 10 year career of Saviour Machine...

Tyrant : What could you say to your fans from Ukraine (and other slavic countries) and esspecialy to readers of Ukrainian Gothic Portal - www.gothic.com.ua ?

Saviour Machine :  Thank you very much for your time! I appreciate
this opportunity to communicate with you... Take care and God bless!

SAVIOUR MACHINE

Official web-site of Saviour Maschine - http://www.saviourmachine.com

Images copyright (c) Saviour Machine

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