Lachryma Christi: Interview with Saturnian (UK)

Saturnian are a band from UK playing Extreme Symphonic Metal. They don't label themselves as a single style. Still, Lachryma Christi couldn't miss the chance to interview them and learn a bit more about them and their epic and powerful music. Saturnian have been playing together since 2010 and have already had the chance to play in Eindhoven Metal Meeting in the Netherlands, and they will be also at Bloodstock Open Air 2012. They just signed to the norwegian label Indie Recordings Their debut album will come out later this year and it was produced and mixed by the great Russ Russell.
Let's see what else Myk has to tell.

What does the name Saturnian mean for you? What’s the main concept?

The origins of the term 'Saturnian' stem back thousands of years to a form of ancient Roman verse, the origins of which have been lost throughout countless aeons. However for us it is more about being not of this earth, spiritually, from being outside of the norm, as such 'from Saturn'.

Can you tell a brief story about Saturnian? How did it all start?

The origins of Saturnian began several years ago with a band called Traces, playing a similar form of music, but due to several lineup changes, different ideals, and countless other circumstances we decided it would be best to call it a day and start from scratch. The band as it is now has been together since January 2011, but in that small amount of time we have accomplished an incredible amount - mainly due to each member being incredibly driven and dedicated to their craft.

What about the line up? Has it been the same all the time?

As mentioned Traces went through several lineup changes but Saturnian's lineup has remained constant - the core of 5 musicians and 2 additional musicians.

On your facebook page, you say “ Saturnian was formed around one main principle – to create epic and majestic music to enchant fans of all metal genres”. Do you think you have been successful on that?

We try not to limit ourselves to any kind of subgenre which is the main downfall of the majority of new bands - they take influence from only 2 or 3 bands whereas we try our best to stay as open minded as possible.

What are your main influences musically?

We take influence from everything around us, whether it be the standard Black/Death metal fare to classic Heavy Metal, classical/romantic music, film scores, electronic music, indigenous music... we do not wish to conform to any boundaries.

What was your most remarkable show so far?

Eindhoven Metal Meeting was one of the most enjoyable, it was a great feeling to travel far from home and play to a fantastic, supportive crowd despite having no official release. Bloodstock was by far the most remarkable, having only a couple of low quality demos and to play to hundreds of people from our own country. The organisation is second to none as well.

Being a relatively recent band, how do you explain everything happening so fast, like Bloodstock Open Air and signing with Indie Recordings?

Years of dedication and hard work in our former bands really, plus ensuring that the music we create is simply of a higher calibre than the rest, ignoring any kind of trend in locals scenes.

How is it to work with Russ Russell? Can you tell a bit about this experience?

Russ is perhaps one of the greatest human beings alive on this planet, his knowledge of recording techniques is limitless and as well as that, he can drink more than nearly everyone else I've ever met, whilst remaining totally professional about everything at all times... a very rare skill indeed!

What do you have to say about blackmetal as it is now? New bands, new waves… what is your opinion on that?

We try not to pay too much attention to whatever the black metal scene is, we wouldn't profess to being a black metal band. However personally I am a massive fan of bands such as Watain, Valkyrja, Deathspell Omega, etc... A lot of black metal from the UK seems to about how perfect you can make your corpsepaint and 'trueness' measured in patches on sweaty denim jackets.

What do you expect of big upcoming gigs like Bloodstock? What do you think they can bring to your career?

Bloodstock has always been fantastic to us, the crowds are incredible, as well as getting to play to our peers, meet new people and make new fans. Most importantly it is a great opportunity to expand your mind as much as possible, both on a physical and metaphysical level.

How was the reaction to your EP “Reflections of a Forlorn Sun”? Can we expect something musically similar in your album? When is the album supposed to come out?

The response to Reflections was very positive, however I cannot stress enough that Traces and Saturnian are different entities both musically and in the message behind us. We have however rerecorded a track in tribute to both the legions of fans and to the different members who gave their essence to the band during it's existence. Musically you can expect something vaguely similar, but more technical, more aggressive, more passionate - every element has been taken to its extreme. The album should be released in a few months, which is a great relief after so much hard work!

Any shows you want to advertise on here?

Currently the only shows we have booked are Wacken and Bloodstock, however we're hard at work booking tours in support of the album when it arrives upon an unsuspecting metal scene!

Any additional message you want to leave to Lachryma Christi readers?

Thanks for your interest, keep checking back for updates and come see us at a show near you! Bring us your most extravagant alcoholic concoctions!

Lineup:

Wilson - Visions & Voices
Myk - Guitars & Voices
Martin - Guitars & Voices
Scrivener - Bass & Voices
James - Synth
Sam - Drums

Additional Musicians:
Lydia - Soprano Vocals

Discography:

Reflections of a Forlorn Sun (EP 2009, under the name Traces)