May 2008 - Saints Of Ruin (www.myspace.com/saintsof ruin) are a modern Goth-Rock band from the USA, combining powerful melodic vocals and mysterious lyrics with elements of metal guitars and electronic undercurrents. Here is an interview conducted with the band.
Many people here in the UK would not have heard of you, although that may well change. Tell me a little about yourselves and how did you arrive at the name Saints of Ruin.
Tommy: Well, Saints are an interesting group of musicians. We all have different musical tastes and backgrounds, but we all love Goth. I think that's what makes our music so unique and very appealing to a much larger audience.
As for our name, Ruby was tossing around some name ideas about destruction and the good that comes of it. I started putting different words to them. All of a sudden we both looked at each other and said That's us. We're the Saints Of Ruin. It really fits our image and sound quite perfectly.
Have you or any other members of the band been involved with any other musical projects that you would like to let us in on?
Tommy: before moving to California and forming the Saints Of Ruin, I was playing guitar for Voltaire's band The Oddz. Most people know Voltaire in the Goth community. He's pretty famous. Great song writer. He even has a couple of Goth books out.
We all know about Evanescence, but by and large, what is the female fronted music scene like in the USA?
Ruby: I have been a musician since I was 16 years old, and have always been aware of other female musicians. It's seems now there are fewer all girl groups, but the cream rises to the top and the best ones are now fronting bands. I'm glad to see it and hope this trend will benefit us.
Tommy: Yeah, the US has been a good place for female fronted Goth/Rock/Metal fronted bands. Lacuna Coil, Within Temptation, Nightwish, were already doing great in their respective countries, and now they are exploding here. As well as US bands such as Evanescence and In This Moment. Saints Of Ruin will soon follow suit.
Your debut mini cd 'Fairytales' is a very good effort, that I think will appeal to the gothic crowd aswell as the melodic hard rock fan. Can you tell me more about the songs on the record?
Ruby: Tommy and I are the primary song writers. We both have a Rock background but really love the romanticism of Goth. So we fused the two with our first song being Labyrinth. It was so infectious that more of the same came quickly. Each song is unique and tells a story. "Inside My Head' is a story of loss and haunting memories. "Labyrinth' is about compelling desire. "Forever" is an epic struggle between dark and light, good and evil. "Next World" is about true love that transcends a life time and "All For You" is a pure love ballad. So our CD "FairyTale' represents this fascination with romance, with a powerful Rock foundation.
Was the recording process simple?
Tommy: Nothing is ever simple about the recording process. Recording the initial tracks was actually quite easy. The pain in the butt part is always the mixing of the record. The choices you need to make regarding each individual instrument and sound, in the quest to make the song project what you felt when you wrote it.
Ruby: Our drummer Michael spent untold hours tweaking mixes to our mutual approval. His post production additions to each song are excellent. We love the end result.
My reaction to your cd has been a good one, and I gave it an impressive review on my site. Do you know what other reactions you have had so far?
Tommy: Yes and thank you for that. So far we've had all Rave reviews from every magazine. We're really proud of that. Also, very important, our fans on myspace, throughout the world give their own reviews in the way of commenting on our page. They have been truly Amazing !!
I am so deeply touched by fans telling me how a particular song makes them feel. How they relate their life with it. Everyone has their song, and each is special for their own personal reasons. I love knowing that a song I wrote has done something special for someone else. It's an amazing feeling.
The female fronted rock/metal scene here in the UK could be stronger. What are your expectations of the rock/metal scene as a whole and would you hope to tour here in the UK if given the opportunity?
Ruby: I think the female fronted band scene is only growing stronger with each new talented singer. Of course we would love to tour the UK. We hope we can get some label backing within the year, to make that happen.
Tommy: I think, if all goes as planned, we could be there by early next year. Keep your fingers crossed.
Musically and spiritually who/what are your inspirations?
Tommy: Musically, I have a wide array of influences and inspirations. Sisters of Mercy is a huge one for me. Also The Cult definitely creep into my writing. I'm very inspired by newer bands. Lacuna Coil are amazing. The 69 Eyes, HIM, Tiamat and Especially Type O Negative. Of course I love Rock bands like Social Distortion and I'll never stop loving the Sex Pistols.
Ruby: I often dream musical hooks and must wake up to play them so i don't forget. Lyrically I usually pick a theme and try to tie in imagery inspired by nature. I suppose I'm somewhat of a Pagan. I like adding a visual aspect whenever possible.
And what are your plans for the future?
Tommy: Making music, developing a loyal following, touring the planet, and having a great time. Drinking Beer goes without saying I would think!!!
Ruby: We are already writing new material for the next recording. We debuted a couple of new songs at our show last night, and got a wonderful crowd response. Can't wait to record them. We are focusing on a slightly more electronic sound thanks to our keyboard player John. In one year we have become a cohesive group. We enjoy working together and all wish to see this band succeed.
Finally is there anything that you would like to say to anybody across the world, and in particular to the UK?
Tommy: Yes. Thank you all for your support, your comments about our music and your favorite songs. Thanks to all the radio stations that are playing our CD here and in Europe. Saints Of Ruin hopes to tour Europe and The Uk next year. We just need you all to keep supporting us and we'll make it happen. I've noticed that we are selling a lot of CDs in the UK. I am very excited to learn that our fan base is growing there. UK magazines have really been great to us with their reviews and WE Will Totally be coming there SOON. Start pouring me a Pint!!!
Ruby: Please buy our CD "FairyTale". That's how you truly support upcoming bands. We hope you love it and play it LOUD! Hope to see you all soon.
Tommy: Thanks Dave for all your support and RavenHeart Music for supporting the Femme Metal scene. You guys RAWK!!
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Dave Smith (Aug 1, 2008)