LEGEND PART I

Legend Part I is the third studio album from american dark rock/ metal band Saviour Machine. After releasing two critically acclaimed albums in Saviour Machine one and two and the excellent live album Live in Deutchland from 1995, Eric Clayton and co. started working on the very ambitious Legend concept which by now spans over three albums ( and as I understand a fourth one has been in the making for a long time, but has been delayed due to Eric Clayton´s bad health) of which this one is the first. The concept story is the tale from The Book of Revelation ( The Apocalypse of John), and without being the big expert when it comes to the new Testament, of which this is the most controversial book for sure, this is a very dark story about the end of the world.

The music on this album really suits the apocalyptic story well. It´s dark, sombre and at times angry. If you know the style of music Saviour Machine play the music on Legend Part I will not be a surprise as their distinct sound is unmistakable. Eric Clayton´s baritone operatic David Bowie croon is still the center of the music while piano/ keyboards, drums, bass and guitar creates the musical background. This is not technical music and it is not music where you´ll be dazzled by soloing or other exciting instrumental parts. These songs are compositions which are meant to move you emotionally and make you think. There are many quit piano driven songs where Eric Clayton sings beautiful melody lines but there are also some heavy symphonic songs like The Birth Pangs ( my favorite), Gog: The Kings Of The North and The Invasion Of Israel. What all songs have in common is the dark tense emotions and apocalyptic feel.

This is not an album that is very easily accessible and many will probably never get through the 75:51 minutes the album last. Some because they will not enjoy the depressive/ apocalyptic mood and some because the music can seem repetitive. I think the repetitive nature of the songs helps build the dense atmosphere, but for many years I was not able to enjoy Saviour Machine´s music because of this, so I understand the critics.

The musicianship is good and especially Eric Clayton needs to be mentioned for his emotional performance. Eric Clayton is just one of the most exceptional singers in the world and his paatos moves me every time. Some might find his style pathetic but personally I love it. He gives everything and then some.

The production is a bit weaker than on the previous albums which is a real shame and it does drag my rating down a bit. It´s not a bad production just not as good as it could have been.

The cover artwork doesn´t look too exiting here but holding the original black jewel case in my hands the letters are printed directly on the case and it makes this artwork a bit more original. The black case of course suits the dark music well.

Being a big concept story there are parts on this album that almost cross into musical/ story telling territory and even though I really enjoy those parts they are not as exciting to me as the REAL songs. Saviour Machine is without a doubt one of the most original and dark bands in the world and I simply love their music. This album isn´t their best in my opinion though as there are too many subtle songs and not enough heavy songs for my taste. It´s still a great album that deserves 4 stars, but mind you that you shouldn´t start here if you´re new to Saviour Machine. Start with the debut album as it is the most easily accessible album they have made. It´s like they have become more and more inaccessible with each album they release. To some this will be a treat and to others it will be a turn- off. Judge yourself.

Share this SAVIOUR MACHINE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to UMUR
• Report this review (#178863)
• 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 Legend Part I page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for SAVIOUR MACHINE related discussions