SAVIOUR MACHINE II

If there was ever a time where I was truly blown away while listening to a dark, gothic progressive metal album this would be the time! SAVIOUR MACHINE 2 is an epic leap forward into the progsphere. I say this because SAVIOUR MACHINE's first album  (1) was more of a power thrash metal effort with hints of that true prog metal sound that we love to hear from the likes of QUEENSR?CHE, DREAM THEATER AND PSYCHOTIC WALTZ. All in all  SAVIOUR 1 was a very fine effort, but SAVIOUR MACHINE 2 remains true to a progressive metal fan's delight and satisfaction due to the more intricate, complex sound arrangements put forth by the band with this piece. 

SAVIOUR MACHINE made some line up changes to their band, which allowed the appearance of NATHAN VAN HALLA to surface. VAN HALLA is a keyboard/synth virtuoso who has helped add a new dimension to SAVIOUR MACHINE's overall sound by allowing more layered and orchestrated synth elements to the fold to complement the bands already dynamic sound. Not to mention, front man and sound production guru, ERIC CLAYTON decided to add the CANTIBLE CHOIR ORCHESTRA to fuel SAVIOUR MACHINE's sound to epic proportions, and it is evident on about 70% of the entire SAVIOUR 2 album.  Certainly, a full fledged choir is a nice added touch and will be sure to warm the hearts of the true Gothic Monastic sound worshipers. To continue, Hearing the sound of the choir in tracks like SAVIOUR MACHINE PT1&2, CEREMONY and the epic 17min song THE STAND will immediately transport you to being inside the most beautiful, elaborate cathedral you can think of. The addictive, strong chants of the choir will have you plunged into an epic sound,glorious enough that it will make you fist pump 12,000 times!!! Metalbethyname!!! In conclusion, the CANTIBLE CHOIR along with VAL HALLA's hypnotic and virtuoso keyboard playing are the true marks of SAVIOUR MACHINE's improvement and difference in their overall sound; in fact SAVIOUR MACHINE would keep this sound structure as the true hallmark to what the LEGEND TRILOGY would represent. Guitars would take a back seat to choirs and keyboards, which would be far more present from this day forth. This is why SAVIOUR 1 has such a special place with true metal heads cause the guitar is the main sound coordinator, so if your looking for a repeat of what SAVIOUR 1 was like, your gonna be sadly mistaken. SAVIOUR 2 is a more advanced, progressive work that has a sound far more dynamic than the previous effort, so in essence S.M are not your typical sounding prog metal band. With that being said lets look at what I think are true highlights of SAVIOUR 2. 

Obviously, the self titled track of the album 'SAVIOUR MACHINE pt 1&2 are probably my favorite tracks on the album because they embody so well what SM wanted to do with their overall sound, which is again, lots of choirs and keyboards to showcase the band's newest editions and talents. Also, power ballads such as AMERICAN BABYLON, OVERTURE 1, LOVE NEVER DIES and  ASCENSION OF HEROS are enough to make a grown man cry due to how moving those tracks are both musically and lyrically. Lastly, the epic 17min THE STAND. This is a track that is sure to attack the senses with its Lyrical spit firing barrage From none other than E.C himself. Also, JEFF CLAYTON's guitar shines brightly on this track as well. Mainly though, if I may say, that really every single track On SM 2 are incredible. All 13 of them. It's an album that shines with great light from beginning to the end. S.M really prove just how musically advanced they truly are with S.M 2, although it may be more ballad laden and guitar stricken which may scare off some true prog-metal die hards, but I say to hell with that bogus line of thinking!  S.M still has a very dark edge and J.C's guitars kick in right when their needed, especially on the track ENTER THE IDOL. A perfect example of how S.M can win the hearts of any true prog metaller because more often than not metal heads want that Guitar grinding forth like a majestic steed on its way to the promise land. Ha ha. Yes indeed!

Lastly, S.M still carry their religious attitude and themes in the forefront to represent their band image and lyrical basis. The whole album is based on biblical themes and political aspects of religion with in war, questioning the difference between myth and legend and understanding the essence of time under the human condition, so don't think it's about hearts and unicorns. Hee hee. Also keep in mind that S.M are a Christian metal band, but the music and lyrics are not of that sappy convoluted  dribble, that you would find in most christian rock bands. S.M are not about being fool-hearty, silly and stringent fundamentalists. S.M are very real and they take a real dark approach to describing Christian religious Subject mater on a theological level. Needless to say SAVIOUR MACHINE are not a bunch of pussies whining about Jesus and all that other nonsense. Moreover, the album is perfect and I cannot stress how vital and important it is for anyone's prog collection. Please do not overlook this underrated gem. S.M 2 is masterpiece!

5/5  

Share this SAVIOUR MACHINE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to progbethyname
• Report this review (#812327)
• Buy SAVIOUR MACHINE music online with PA partners
• Show all SAVIOUR MACHINE MP3/Stream
• Go to SAVIOUR MACHINE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Saviour Machine II page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for SAVIOUR MACHINE related discussions