LEGEND PART III:I

This is the third album in the "Legend Trilogy" although it's really the first half of the final chapter, so we get one more album "Legend III:II" which should be out soon. Eric Clayton the band's singer and leader has said that SAVIOUR MACHINE will disband after that final part of the trilogy is finished (although they may play some farewell concerts). This particular album really recalls the sound and style of their first two albums which for me is a good thing. The first two "Legend" albums were apparently difficult listens with less guitar. I should also mention that the "Legend Trilogy" has been called "The Unofficial Soundtrack To The End Of The World". So this is not the most upbeat subject to build an album or trilogy around is it ? Although for the topic at hand SAVIOUR MACHINE play the perfect style with that gothic and melancholic sound. This is pretty heavy lyrically with the words all mostly coming from the book of "Revelations" the vision that John saw while in exile on the Isle of Patmos. It's so interesting to read that book because John is often just describing what he sees and it was obviously way before the technology we have today. He must have been horrified at times. Jesus in Matthew 24 said that if God didn't intervene no flesh would survive this time. The darkest and scariest time this earth will see, that's the subject matter here. Check out Zechariah 12-14, Daniel 9, Matthew 24 and Joel for more insight on this terrible time.

This album opens with "Twelve-Hundred-Sixty Days" . Daniel says that there will be this image called "The Abomination Of Desolation" set up in the temple, Jesus warns that when the Isrealites see that happen they should drop everything and run. That's where the 1,260 days comes in, that's how long they will hide in the wilderness for.The music features dark piano melodies before vocals and a full sound come in before a minute.The tempo and mood continue to change. "Revelation 13" is all about the rise to power of the Anti-Christ (The Beast) and the False Prophet. Vocals are spoken as he quotes scripture. The music here is more intense as we get riffs with the guitar playing over top. Eric cries "Who is able to make war with The Beast ?". "Legend III:I" is an instrumental of acoustic guitar, strings and choir. "The Ancient Serpent" is who gives The Beast his power.The vocals are solemn as a choir comes and goes. It kicks in with riffs around 2 minutes but acoustic guitar and reserved vocals continue. Incredible track. "Abomination Of Desolation" features a female choir early before it kicks in with passionate vocals. A powerful tune about Isreal being betrayed by The Beast who boasts "I am a God, I sit in the seat of gods in the midst of the seas" (nations). It's standing in the Holy Place. "Image Of The Beast" is something IRON MAIDEN fans know about (haha). This isn't funny though as The Beast demands to be worshipped and that everyone take his mark or you can't buy or sale. If caught without the mark you die. A nice heavy soundscape to this one. It stops briefly as these creepy vocals come in (guess who ?). This contrast continues.

"AntiChrist III:The King Of Babylon" is dark and atmospheric with these gothic vocals. We read lyrically who The Beast really is and what his motives are and who he serves. "The Final Holocaust" is really a prayer to God to save Isreal. Waves of synths until about 3 1/2 minutes in when a choir and spoken words come in. So cool. "Two Witnesses" is both gothic and dramatic. "Three Angels" is an instrumental of synths and piano as it builds. "Four Trumpets" features almost spoken vocals that repeat over and over "Tears abound, hear the sound from the throne".This is the cry of those martyed by The Beast crying out for their people from heaven. A nice heavy soundscape while these words are spoken. "The Locusts" is just plain scary to read about. It says that in those days men will seek death but death will flee from them. Riffs and grinding guitar in this one. Killer track. "The Sixth Judgement" is dramatic with spoken words that say "Release thee; bound at Euphrates", "Free Them", "Angels of judgement come forth". "The Dead Sea" is very ominous sounding with banging drums. It gets heavier before 2 minutes. So intense. "Rivers Of Blood" refers to the blood of the saints. Acoustic guitar melodies and synths. Beautiful sound here. It kicks in around 1 1/2 minutes with a powerful sound and vocals. "The Plague And The Darkness" is about God pouring his judgement upon The Beast and his kingdom. It kicks in quickly with riffs and vocals. Outstanding tune. "The Fall Of Babylon" opens with choirs before it kicks in with guitar. Choirs end it as well. "The End Of The Age" is the brightest and most emotional track. Synths, piano, drums and vocals lead the way until the female choir arrives before 2 minutes.

Can't wait for the final album ! Easily 4 stars.