LEGEND PART II

It seems that everything Saviour Machine did on their first three albums was leading to this point: the rawness and energy of "I", the dark, slow atmosphere of "II" and of course the orchestral epicness and Middle Eastern themes of "Legend Part I" all find their satisfaction on "Legend Part II", a true masterpiece in my eyes. The heavy gothic guitar leads and riffs, trademarks of Jeff Clayton's guitar playing almost drown in a chaotic ocean of classical drumming, various 19th century inspired string and horn orchestrations, partly dissonant choirs and bells, clips of apocalyptic news, Bible segments, echos, whispers, experimental synth sounds and the beautiful, unmistakable baritone voice of Eric Clayton. This kind of mixture of elements could have easily ended in a disaster, had it not been in such good hands as those of the SM guys. Instead what resulted is a unique album in which no part or song seems out of place. The almost 80 minutes just flow by as flashes of "the greatest tale ever told" are seen in musical vision as Babylon rises, the Antichrist and False Prophet take their place as leaders of the newly unified world , the martyrs cry for the blood spilled in their persecutions and finally a war occurs in Heaven and Satan is struck down to Earth. This is by no means an easy album to digest, for there is so much to hear and experience. Yet as they say "those who are patient shall receive the greatest rewards in the end". Behold, apocalypse!