SAVIOURS

Saviours are a traditional rock 'n' roll band. For instance, they play hard. They bang on their instruments. They tour. And they sweat. All very traditional things for a "rock" band to do.

With only an LP and 10" EP under their belts, Saviours is a touring band, reaping the fruits of the road: endless nights and early mornings of headbanging, intoxication and fornication. These long haired Oaklandites have won crowds over by exploiting the magnetic attraction of harmonized guitars and never ignoring the power of sheer volume. Armed with road warrior fullstacks, Saviours' muscular live sound suits gigs in backyard, warehouse, and rock club alike.

With a new LP in the works, they will have the opportunity to test their sound in European stadiums with fellow American darlings of expansive metal, Mastodon, this Spring of 2007.

Questions by Patrick Delaney
Answers by Austin Barber
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What was it in your lives or in the world at large that made the core members of Saviours change musically and mentally from good-times boogie rock and politically-minded punk to Satanic metal?
Natural progression of things, we've always just done what we've felt and done it with our bros.

Please explain the meaning behind the pun-titles of both of your releases? Is Warship a ship that praises something else? Is Crucifire a crucifixion by fire or . . . ?
We feel there is no explanation necessary.

How do you define Saviours' brand of Satanism?
I just write about shit going on in my mind and the references to Satanic shit is about my approach to life. Most of our songs are just about our journey; partying, fucking, and having a killer time. No fucking rules. If it feels good, do it - raw animal lust.

Do the members of the group participate in the "Satanic Alchemy" mentioned in the lyrics? If so in what way?
Yes. Being stoked, doing whatever the fuck you want, and living outside the world.

Are Satanic rituals - other than the live musical sort - performed by the band as a group?
Yes.

I've seen Austin on lead vocals with an Explorer and Tyler on lead guitar with a Jackson Flying V. How do the early masterworks of Hetfield and Hammett influence Saviours?
They make us shred harder because they are so good. Tyler and I having the 'tallica guitars just happened, like everything else in the band, there is not an explanation for much, it just is.

The historical musical reference points of your group lead to early 80’s metal like Iron Maiden, Trouble, and others, yet your brand of metal doesn't come across as retro. What do you feel is the main reason for this accomplishment?
Don't know. We just write riffs, I'm sure our influences come out in our music but we don't wear the fuckers on our sleeves, we're just doing our own thing.

Who of you writes the incredibly catchy, melodic music?
Scott writes the majority of our riffs, but Tyler is the melodic master.

How do you decide when to simply riff, to harmonize, double each other, etc. in a given song.
We hear it and then do it.

What do you listen to - either in the van or by yourselves - that no one would think your band would listen to?
Ultimate Spinach, Twink, Steely Dan, Bill Withers, Kashmere Stage Band, Townes Van Zandt, David Axelrod, Lindsey Buckingham......

What are some non-musical inspirations which inspire your music and lyrics. Surroundings, books, animals, regions of the world, etc. ?
The occult, drugs, women, and loud music.

Your bio mentions the black metal groups Bathory and Venom. Musically, I don't see the connection. What "vibe" do you think Saviours shares with these legends?
Pissed evil music.

Most Satanic bands have historically played at a thrash tempo, twice as fast or more, yet Saviours stay in a rock tempo consistently. Was this a conscious decision? Will Saviours ever speed up?
No, we just do what we feel. Don't know.

You guys tour constantly - locally and nationally. What is the most exciting band you guys have played with that no one outside their town may have heard about?
Titan, Mammatus, California Love.

Is there a new album in the works?
Yes, we're almost halfway done writing it.

How does the new material differ from the old?
I don't know, I'd guess you’d have to hear it.

How is the new material similar to the old?
Get in the van!

Iron Maiden or Judas Priest ? Why?
Both of ‘em, ‘Cause they play ripping music!

What have you to say to the fans at home?
We have a live 12" coming out soon and we're working on new stuff for a new lp to be recorded and released this year. we are touring with mastodon then Red Sparowes and then we have a bunch of rad tours in the works for the rest of the year.

Thanks a lot!