| Interview done by Burt Wolf with Lucy Poems, guitarist, bassist & synth player for SAVIOR SECT. Interview done on September 29th, 2003. |
COULD YOU GIVE SOME OF THE BANDS HISTORY & HOW SAVIOR SECT CAME TO BE?
of anything. The short of the story is that they kicked me out & freed me up to form SAVIOR SECT in the
summer of that year. The original line up consisted of four members & we played weird Punk/Goth stuff. By
1995 the line up was reduced to just Anastasia (vocals), myself (strings, synth) & a drum machine. Our sound
became very atmospheric & ambient over the course of several demos & we added The carrion on drums in '97.
This line up lasted until early '99 when all parties went their own ways. I resurrected SAVIOR SECT later that
year with a new singer, Phaedra & drummer, Sean S. We released two demo CDs before taking on guitarist Jack
Whiteside in September 0f 2002. Shortly after the release of our live rehearsal CD Sean S. Departed. Our current
drummer is Mike Thorr.
WHY WAS THE NAME SAVIOR SECT CHOSEN FOR THE BANDS NAME?
The phrase "Savior Sect" originally appeared in a poem that I had written long before the inception of the band. I
believe that the message was one of despair. People who don't want to be helped with their emotional problems
can't be helped by others, the principle of trying to stop a moving freight train. The troubled person has to want
the help before anyone can aid in solving his/her problems. So I guess SAVIOR SECT is a backwards play on
words. The name sounds very comforting, yet the music is very disconcerting. Our music certainly is not helping
anyone with emotional scars.
WHO HAS HELPED INFLUENCE YOU IN MUSIC & IN LIFE?
Well, I guess in a musical sense I've been swayed by bands/people like THE DORRS, NICK CAVE, SIOUXSIE
AND THE BANSHEES, SYD BARRET, THE VELVET UNDERGROUND, WENDY RULE, THE SISTERS
OF MERCY, PINK FLOYD, GEHENNA, UK SUBS, WOODY GUTHRIE, MERCYFUL FATE, VENOM,
etc...the list is very extensive. I would not say that SAVIOR SECT sounds like any of these bands, but they are
all in my subconscious mind. I think my life influences would be my friends & family for they probably impact
my thought process the most.
of anything. The short of the story is that they kicked me out & freed me up to form SAVIOR SECT in the
summer of that year. The original line up consisted of four members & we played weird Punk/Goth stuff. By
1995 the line up was reduced to just Anastasia (vocals), myself (strings, synth) & a drum machine. Our sound
became very atmospheric & ambient over the course of several demos & we added The carrion on drums in '97.
This line up lasted until early '99 when all parties went their own ways. I resurrected SAVIOR SECT later that
year with a new singer, Phaedra & drummer, Sean S. We released two demo CDs before taking on guitarist Jack
Whiteside in September 0f 2002. Shortly after the release of our live rehearsal CD Sean S. Departed. Our current
drummer is Mike Thorr.
WHY WAS THE NAME SAVIOR SECT CHOSEN FOR THE BANDS NAME?
The phrase "Savior Sect" originally appeared in a poem that I had written long before the inception of the band. I
believe that the message was one of despair. People who don't want to be helped with their emotional problems
can't be helped by others, the principle of trying to stop a moving freight train. The troubled person has to want
the help before anyone can aid in solving his/her problems. So I guess SAVIOR SECT is a backwards play on
words. The name sounds very comforting, yet the music is very disconcerting. Our music certainly is not helping
anyone with emotional scars.
WHO HAS HELPED INFLUENCE YOU IN MUSIC & IN LIFE?
Well, I guess in a musical sense I've been swayed by bands/people like THE DORRS, NICK CAVE, SIOUXSIE
AND THE BANSHEES, SYD BARRET, THE VELVET UNDERGROUND, WENDY RULE, THE SISTERS
OF MERCY, PINK FLOYD, GEHENNA, UK SUBS, WOODY GUTHRIE, MERCYFUL FATE, VENOM,
etc...the list is very extensive. I would not say that SAVIOR SECT sounds like any of these bands, but they are
all in my subconscious mind. I think my life influences would be my friends & family for they probably impact
my thought process the most.
HOW WOULD YOU BEST DESCRIBE THE STYLE & MUSIC OF
SAVIOR SECT?
I feel over all we are probably labeled a Goth act, but our sound has
changed over the years. I think our current sound is actually closer to
our very early years, than it is to releases like ECHOES OF THE
DECLINE or LIS ARD. I've done a lot of experimenting over the years.
Our new sound draws from various aspects of our past, but it has
become more focused & mature. There is now a blend of ambient
improvisation with song structure, sort of like a clash between our rigid
Death Rock with atmosphere!
SAVIOR SECT?
I feel over all we are probably labeled a Goth act, but our sound has
changed over the years. I think our current sound is actually closer to
our very early years, than it is to releases like ECHOES OF THE
DECLINE or LIS ARD. I've done a lot of experimenting over the years.
Our new sound draws from various aspects of our past, but it has
become more focused & mature. There is now a blend of ambient
improvisation with song structure, sort of like a clash between our rigid
Death Rock with atmosphere!
I KNOW YOU GUYS HAVE A LOT OF RELEASES OUT. COULD YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT
EACH OF YOUR RELEASES?
Wow, okay...we released two rehearsal demo tapes in '94 that sort of form a box set as far as style is concerned.
IF EVER BEAUTY FAILS... & SUICIDE CULT both feature the aforementioned four man line up & both were
extremely limited. The music was really kind of odd due mainly to the extreme guitar playing. Back in the day I
didn't want to re-release this stuff because I never felt that my own guitar playing on subsequent releases
matched Dexter's on these first two outings!!! I'm serious!!! Anyway, DEAD ARCHIVE PRODUCTIONS has
released both of these demos on one CD. I've come to terms...SAVIOR SECT as a duo released STORY IN
YOUR EYES (1995), ECHOES OF THE DECLINE (1996) & THE SCARE (1996). These releases were sort of
pivotal with each one becoming progressively darker & more atmospheric. The songs by this point were nearly all
heavily dosed with keyboards. Our next three releases were done as a trio & feature some of my favorite songs.
LIS ARD (1997) is a delicate & depressing record. I was very inspired at this time & I'm proud of this outing.
The same can be said of our '98 release FURY FROM THE SHADOWS in which we are in top form. The follow
up TROUBADOURS OF DEATH is my least favorite SAVIOR SECT album ever & that's all I'll say on this one;
the breakup was imminent. In 2001 we released TIL DAISYDAYS on CD format; this is a pivotal record that
features the new line up. It provides us with some staple songs for our live set if nothing else. On our two newest
releases SEASONS OF THE WITCH (2002) & JUST BEFORE DAWN (2003) I feel the band has hit stride again.
These are once again inspired releases that I am proud of...shit, what a question!!!
HAS THERE BEEN ANY LABEL INTERESTS IN SAVIOR SECT?
Well, I guess that I could be pressing the issue a little harder, but after eleven releases, I'm coming to terms with
the fact that SAVIOR SECT may not be what labels are looking for. I will continue in the future to obtain a deal
for us, but I will continue on with out one as well. We have been trying very hard to promote ourselves over the
last year, so perhaps something will come of this. I would like some label to release a 7" vinyl single for us.
Something like this would be great! If not, await our new release on DEAD ARCHIVES PRODUCTIONS.
WHAT SAVIOR SECT SONG BEST REPRESENTS WHAT THE BAND IS ALL ABOUT & WHY?
Hmm, that's pretty tough as most of SAVIOR SECT is my vision both lyrically & musically so it all comes
together as one big blob. I'm going to have to say the song "The Scare". The music is creepy & the
lyrics deal with the universal emotion of fear. Fear is a powerful feeling that just rips people apart.
There isn't any rest nor relaxation once fear sets in; it grows & festers & just eats at the body's
energy. Irrational thought patterns can be born of fear & cause people to do the craziest things. I hate
being afraid & I don't wish prolonged fear on anybody. I hope that our music instills the madness &
sadness of such emotions into the listener. Oddly enough, we've not worked this song into our set.
DOES SAVIOR SECT PLAY OUT A LOT? WHERE ARE SOME OF THE PLACES YOU'VE PLAYED?
WHO ARE SOME OF THE BANDS YOU'VE PLAYED WITH?
No, we played a couple of shows with the four man line up in '94, but nothing in between. For years I wanted to
get away from that whole club scene. I honestly hate that circus. No money, selling tickets, dickhead club
owners, dickhead local bands...Ijust said fuck it! I was extremely comfortable recording for about 8 years, or
until I met Jack. Now we rehearse again & are planning a small tour with who ever will have us. And once again
I reminded of why I hate the whole live scene!!!
ANY OF YOUR SHOWS STAND OUT FOR ANY REASON?
No, not really...there hasn't been enough of them to go around. But just wait! I'll have some stories after this year!
EACH OF YOUR RELEASES?
Wow, okay...we released two rehearsal demo tapes in '94 that sort of form a box set as far as style is concerned.
IF EVER BEAUTY FAILS... & SUICIDE CULT both feature the aforementioned four man line up & both were
extremely limited. The music was really kind of odd due mainly to the extreme guitar playing. Back in the day I
didn't want to re-release this stuff because I never felt that my own guitar playing on subsequent releases
matched Dexter's on these first two outings!!! I'm serious!!! Anyway, DEAD ARCHIVE PRODUCTIONS has
released both of these demos on one CD. I've come to terms...SAVIOR SECT as a duo released STORY IN
YOUR EYES (1995), ECHOES OF THE DECLINE (1996) & THE SCARE (1996). These releases were sort of
pivotal with each one becoming progressively darker & more atmospheric. The songs by this point were nearly all
heavily dosed with keyboards. Our next three releases were done as a trio & feature some of my favorite songs.
LIS ARD (1997) is a delicate & depressing record. I was very inspired at this time & I'm proud of this outing.
The same can be said of our '98 release FURY FROM THE SHADOWS in which we are in top form. The follow
up TROUBADOURS OF DEATH is my least favorite SAVIOR SECT album ever & that's all I'll say on this one;
the breakup was imminent. In 2001 we released TIL DAISYDAYS on CD format; this is a pivotal record that
features the new line up. It provides us with some staple songs for our live set if nothing else. On our two newest
releases SEASONS OF THE WITCH (2002) & JUST BEFORE DAWN (2003) I feel the band has hit stride again.
These are once again inspired releases that I am proud of...shit, what a question!!!
HAS THERE BEEN ANY LABEL INTERESTS IN SAVIOR SECT?
Well, I guess that I could be pressing the issue a little harder, but after eleven releases, I'm coming to terms with
the fact that SAVIOR SECT may not be what labels are looking for. I will continue in the future to obtain a deal
for us, but I will continue on with out one as well. We have been trying very hard to promote ourselves over the
last year, so perhaps something will come of this. I would like some label to release a 7" vinyl single for us.
Something like this would be great! If not, await our new release on DEAD ARCHIVES PRODUCTIONS.
WHAT SAVIOR SECT SONG BEST REPRESENTS WHAT THE BAND IS ALL ABOUT & WHY?
Hmm, that's pretty tough as most of SAVIOR SECT is my vision both lyrically & musically so it all comes
together as one big blob. I'm going to have to say the song "The Scare". The music is creepy & the
lyrics deal with the universal emotion of fear. Fear is a powerful feeling that just rips people apart.
There isn't any rest nor relaxation once fear sets in; it grows & festers & just eats at the body's
energy. Irrational thought patterns can be born of fear & cause people to do the craziest things. I hate
being afraid & I don't wish prolonged fear on anybody. I hope that our music instills the madness &
sadness of such emotions into the listener. Oddly enough, we've not worked this song into our set.
DOES SAVIOR SECT PLAY OUT A LOT? WHERE ARE SOME OF THE PLACES YOU'VE PLAYED?
WHO ARE SOME OF THE BANDS YOU'VE PLAYED WITH?
No, we played a couple of shows with the four man line up in '94, but nothing in between. For years I wanted to
get away from that whole club scene. I honestly hate that circus. No money, selling tickets, dickhead club
owners, dickhead local bands...Ijust said fuck it! I was extremely comfortable recording for about 8 years, or
until I met Jack. Now we rehearse again & are planning a small tour with who ever will have us. And once again
I reminded of why I hate the whole live scene!!!
ANY OF YOUR SHOWS STAND OUT FOR ANY REASON?
No, not really...there hasn't been enough of them to go around. But just wait! I'll have some stories after this year!
WE ARE BOTH A PART OF THE PENNSYLVANIA UNDERGROUND MUSIC SCENE. WHAT DO YOU
THINK OF OUR SCENE? WHO ARE SOME OF THE BETTER BANDS, ZINES & LABELS IN YOUR
MIND?
I don't really follow our scene, Burt I know of your establishment & NEO-ZINE from Ashville. My favorite PA
band outside of SAVIOR SECT would be HALESTORM. I know THE PROGRAM from Lancaster as well as
NOTHING BUT OREGANO & I listen to old HARD COLLEGE sometimes. I remember a Metal band called
HEARSE & one called ORCUS, but for the most part it's pretty dead. I leave most of the local bands to the likes
of THE PENNSYLVANIAN MUSICIAN or PULSE. These zines would never do anything to support SAVIOR
SECT. COITUS & yourself have the market on the cool Pennsylvania scene.
WHAT DO THE MEMBERS OF SAVIOR SECT DO WHEN NOT DOING WORK FOR THE BAND?
Unfortunately we must work our 9 to 5 jobs like most people. This is why we work hard at our music. In this
respect we are no different than any other musicians. We share the dream of making a living off our creativity
rather than punching the clock. I really don't need to be filthy rich, but I'd like the music to help me escape the
grind of having to work another job. I think that money & fame are the true motivators in the music industry & I
don't believe that SAVIOR SECT is totally immune to the trappings of these desires. Other than working, I do a
lot of mundane things like read occult books, play Dungeons & Dragons, watch low grade horror/monster
movies & drink beer.
ARE YOU INTO ANY OTHER STYLES OF MUSIC BESIDES WHAT YOU PLAY? WHO HAVE YOU
BEEN CURRENTLY LISTENING TO?
Yes, I am very open minded when it comes to music. When I ran LAST WRITES REVIEWER fanzine I
encouraged all types of bands to send their stuff in. I received tons of Black Metal, but also some ritual/ambient,
some Noisecore & even some Gothic music. I have always enjoyed trading our releases with other band's
releases as I like to follow what is going on in the underground. As mentioned above I like anything from old Folk
& Blues music to Classic Rock to Black Metal. I like to have an awareness of music, but still have not developed
a full appreciation of modern Country, Pop, nor Rap, nor Rap-Metal (which I actually hate!). Recently I have
received releases from SCARABAEUS (killer Death Metal), KING CHAOS (heavy grinding Metal), MIST
(Satanic Techno), LOS PAJEROS (80's style Hard Metal) & VORNOFF (moody ritual ambient stuff).
WHAT CD DO YOU OWN THAT SOME PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW YOU HAVE?
I really have no shame in answering such questions. I own all of BRITNEY SPEARS albums, including the
McDonald's release. I own the new CD from HILARY DUFF (yes, I am a LIZZIE fan!) & I also like the band
PLAY.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MOVIES OR TV SHOWS?
Here again the list is quite long. I have recently watched STORM OF THE CENTURY for the first time & I
really like it a lot. I watched a movie the other night called DOG SOLDIERS & I liked that one too. My list of
classics includes ANGELHEART, CALIGULA, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, BLOOD SUCKING
PHARAOHS IN PITTSBURGH, THE SHINING, APOCALYPSE NOW, the ALIEN series, the MAD MAX
series, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, SALEM'S LOT, plus countless low budget monster films like THE
INCUBUS, LIQUID SKY & HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP...As far as TV goes I watch old DOCTOR
WHO & the classic STAR TREK episodes. I watch a lot of forensic shows about serial killers & DISCOVERY
documentaries. And for some unknown reason I'm finding myself watching THE MULLETS on Tuesday nights.
THINK OF OUR SCENE? WHO ARE SOME OF THE BETTER BANDS, ZINES & LABELS IN YOUR
MIND?
I don't really follow our scene, Burt I know of your establishment & NEO-ZINE from Ashville. My favorite PA
band outside of SAVIOR SECT would be HALESTORM. I know THE PROGRAM from Lancaster as well as
NOTHING BUT OREGANO & I listen to old HARD COLLEGE sometimes. I remember a Metal band called
HEARSE & one called ORCUS, but for the most part it's pretty dead. I leave most of the local bands to the likes
of THE PENNSYLVANIAN MUSICIAN or PULSE. These zines would never do anything to support SAVIOR
SECT. COITUS & yourself have the market on the cool Pennsylvania scene.
WHAT DO THE MEMBERS OF SAVIOR SECT DO WHEN NOT DOING WORK FOR THE BAND?
Unfortunately we must work our 9 to 5 jobs like most people. This is why we work hard at our music. In this
respect we are no different than any other musicians. We share the dream of making a living off our creativity
rather than punching the clock. I really don't need to be filthy rich, but I'd like the music to help me escape the
grind of having to work another job. I think that money & fame are the true motivators in the music industry & I
don't believe that SAVIOR SECT is totally immune to the trappings of these desires. Other than working, I do a
lot of mundane things like read occult books, play Dungeons & Dragons, watch low grade horror/monster
movies & drink beer.
ARE YOU INTO ANY OTHER STYLES OF MUSIC BESIDES WHAT YOU PLAY? WHO HAVE YOU
BEEN CURRENTLY LISTENING TO?
Yes, I am very open minded when it comes to music. When I ran LAST WRITES REVIEWER fanzine I
encouraged all types of bands to send their stuff in. I received tons of Black Metal, but also some ritual/ambient,
some Noisecore & even some Gothic music. I have always enjoyed trading our releases with other band's
releases as I like to follow what is going on in the underground. As mentioned above I like anything from old Folk
& Blues music to Classic Rock to Black Metal. I like to have an awareness of music, but still have not developed
a full appreciation of modern Country, Pop, nor Rap, nor Rap-Metal (which I actually hate!). Recently I have
received releases from SCARABAEUS (killer Death Metal), KING CHAOS (heavy grinding Metal), MIST
(Satanic Techno), LOS PAJEROS (80's style Hard Metal) & VORNOFF (moody ritual ambient stuff).
WHAT CD DO YOU OWN THAT SOME PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW YOU HAVE?
I really have no shame in answering such questions. I own all of BRITNEY SPEARS albums, including the
McDonald's release. I own the new CD from HILARY DUFF (yes, I am a LIZZIE fan!) & I also like the band
PLAY.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MOVIES OR TV SHOWS?
Here again the list is quite long. I have recently watched STORM OF THE CENTURY for the first time & I
really like it a lot. I watched a movie the other night called DOG SOLDIERS & I liked that one too. My list of
classics includes ANGELHEART, CALIGULA, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, BLOOD SUCKING
PHARAOHS IN PITTSBURGH, THE SHINING, APOCALYPSE NOW, the ALIEN series, the MAD MAX
series, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, SALEM'S LOT, plus countless low budget monster films like THE
INCUBUS, LIQUID SKY & HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP...As far as TV goes I watch old DOCTOR
WHO & the classic STAR TREK episodes. I watch a lot of forensic shows about serial killers & DISCOVERY
documentaries. And for some unknown reason I'm finding myself watching THE MULLETS on Tuesday nights.
WE JUST PASSED THE 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE 9-11-01
ATTACKS. DO YOU REMEMBER WHERE YOU WERE & WHAT YOU
WERE DOING WHEN IT ORIGINALLY HAPPENED?
Yes, I was at home watching it live on TV as it happened. I had just graduated
from some higher learning & I was in between living in Allentown & moving
up to New Hampshire for a new job. It looked just like a movie, sounds
strange, but it's true. That incident has really brought about some changes in
this world & I think some future changes will still be seen as a result.
ATTACKS. DO YOU REMEMBER WHERE YOU WERE & WHAT YOU
WERE DOING WHEN IT ORIGINALLY HAPPENED?
Yes, I was at home watching it live on TV as it happened. I had just graduated
from some higher learning & I was in between living in Allentown & moving
up to New Hampshire for a new job. It looked just like a movie, sounds
strange, but it's true. That incident has really brought about some changes in
this world & I think some future changes will still be seen as a result.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE FROM SAVIOR SECT IN THE FUTURE?
We have several things planned. We are working on our next record. I think you'll likely see a string of CD EPs
rather than any full lengths. I wanted to go back to the 80's method of having some of our mini albums like old
VENOM & SISTERS OF MERCY used to do. I guess it would be like releasing a series of A side singles with a
bunch of other songs included in the package. We also want to film a staged live video. I know a club owner who
will give us the space & Jack knows some video production people who will help. Other than this we will just
keep practicing & try to book some live gigs in the near future.
WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE DOING THIS INTERVIEW & WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING ONCE
YOUR DONE?
I was listening to some music before I started & I'll probably catch up on some reading when I am through.
I'M OUT OF QUESTIONS, THANX A LOT FOR DOING THIS INTERVIEW. WOULD YOU LIKE TO
ADD ANYTHING ELSE?
Just to say thanks for the great interview. It was a pleasure to spend the time!!! Anyone interested in SAVIOR
SECT can write us.
We have several things planned. We are working on our next record. I think you'll likely see a string of CD EPs
rather than any full lengths. I wanted to go back to the 80's method of having some of our mini albums like old
VENOM & SISTERS OF MERCY used to do. I guess it would be like releasing a series of A side singles with a
bunch of other songs included in the package. We also want to film a staged live video. I know a club owner who
will give us the space & Jack knows some video production people who will help. Other than this we will just
keep practicing & try to book some live gigs in the near future.
WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE DOING THIS INTERVIEW & WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING ONCE
YOUR DONE?
I was listening to some music before I started & I'll probably catch up on some reading when I am through.
I'M OUT OF QUESTIONS, THANX A LOT FOR DOING THIS INTERVIEW. WOULD YOU LIKE TO
ADD ANYTHING ELSE?
Just to say thanks for the great interview. It was a pleasure to spend the time!!! Anyone interested in SAVIOR
SECT can write us.
