Salem, Oregon based metal legends Saint is one of the pioneers in Christian metal, formed in the early 80’s and, over the past three decades, has released 10 studio albums, charted on Billboard and been featured in Metal Edge, Circus, HM and many other magazines. They sounded like a mixture of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden and were one of the early bands to put Christian based lyrics in heavy metal. Their latest & tenth album “Broad Is The Gate” was released in November of last year. An Interview with co-founder & bass-player Richard Lynch follows below.
TMR: Hello Richard, first of all, happy new-year, this is ‘The Metal Resource’ from Holland, how are things going there in Salem, Oregon?
Fantastic!!!
TMR: For those who are not familiar with ‘Saint’: Tell us the brief history of the band.
Saint formed in 1984 and released 3 album through out the 80’s disbanded in 1989 and re-formed in 2004 and have been active ever since.
TMR: And why the name ‘Saint’? Is there a story behind it?
It just seemed like a good name
TMR: Are you guy’s full time musicians? If not what kind of job do you do beside the band?
No, we all work regular jobs except Jared he’s a musician-producer-worship leader. I am a truck driver, Brian works for DHS, Jerry is a maintanace engineer and Matt is an LPN-music professor.
TMR: What is your musical background?
I started playing music at a very young age and play several instruments but I’m not really very good at any one. My strong point is in writing songs.
TMR: Who writes the music and lyrics? How do you get in the mood for writing music? And which bands or situations have inspired you to write music and lyrics?
I write about 90% of our music and lyrics, some of which reflect my personal experiences in achievements and failure, but mostly my interest for end day’s theology.
TMR: Is there a highlight you will always remember, since the beginning of ‘Saint’ (1984)?
One that comes to mind is when we got signed with Pure Metal and were preparing to record Time’s End. We were going to record in a “real” studio and I was so excited. It wasn’t long that I found out that no bell would ring and balloons would drop out of the sky. it was just another recording session, long days and very boring. not quite as romantic as I thought it would be
TMR: And the worst thing was (if there is one)?
I think the worst thing that ever happened was in 1988 we were playing the His Festival and on the way back our transport vehicle broke down (an old beat-up station wagon) I however had left the day before but the guys were all stuck in the desert just north of Bakersfield California. That was the last time we played until 2005.
TMR: Speaking of recording, your new album “Broad Is the Gate” is released late November. What can you tell us about the album (such as the recording process, the songs, label etc).
A lot of time was put into this project. Defiantly our best album to date. When you have Jared Knowland produces anything it’s going to be a lot of work as he never settles for anything less than perfect. We introduced our new singer Brian Phyl Miller on the Desperate Night CD and gave a sneak preview with the song We Will Fight, but I never thought this CD would turn out as good as it did. Brian is an amazing vocalist and he did this project like it was nothing. He could’ve sang the whole thing in one day. We brought in some new guitar blood as well, Mathew P. Smith…. WOW is all I can say. This CD is rock solid, no one will be disappointed.
TMR: About the cover artwork. Do you think it is as important as your music? Does it visualize the lyrics of your songs or what’s the actual story behind its concept?
Yes I do and that is why I like to come up with the basic idea. My son Dakin is a graphic artist (yay for me) and his talent goes un-noticed. He has done the last 3 cover for us.
TMR: What’s your outlook on today’s record industry?
The music industry is a tough business and with the internet it’s even tougher.
I know that sound counter intuitive but the fact is the internet is killing both the music and film industry. On one hand you get instant exposure but on the other hand you have the piracy issues and there lays the problem. So, for indie bands especially it hard to stay afloat and the outlook isn’t so good.
TMR: Are you visiting many gigs and what do you listen to these days?
I go to show a couple times a year. This year so far I have tickets to see Foreigner, should be fun.
TMR: What was the last album you bought?
Alice Cooper – Killer
TMR: How do you promote your band and shows?
Mostly on the internet and through resources like your own
TMR: How do you prepare for a show?
We usually will learn the song list at home then send a few weeks in actual band practice.
TMR: Do you have a favorite song to play live?
My favs are The Path and Hell Blade
TMR: Name some of your favorite bands to play with live [past and future] and tell us why?
No one was nicer or accommodating than REZ…
TMR: What are the biggest obstacles for a band?
Money!
TMR: Tell us about the hardrock/metal scene in your area please?
There are a few bands around in Salem, Jerry Johnson’s band Neo is pretty popular, and he plays drums in that band. Most of the rock show are in Portland about 40 miles away so I don’t see much action.
TMR: What advice would you give to fellow bands?
Sobriety is your best friend.
TMR: So, what makes you laugh?
Life…
TMR: What is your favorite drink and food?
If I drink something besides water it will be a coke, and I guess Mexican food it tops on my list.
TMR: And what is your biggest fear?
I don’t know, I’m in a pretty comfortable place right now.
TMR: Are there some key principles or philosophies that you hold onto as foundational stones as who you are as a person?
My Christ centered relationship is what keeps me on my best behavior….most of the time.
TMR: What is the dumbest question you have ever been asked?
A young man back in the 80’s asked me what it feels like to drive any car I want. I couldn’t even afford a car payment at the time.
TMR: What are some of the things you like to do away from the band?
Watch movie with the wife, go to the beach, you know normal kind of stuff.
TMR: What are your plans for the near future? European tour maybe?
I don’t, but the year is young
TMR: Richard, thank you for your time and the interview. We wish ‘Saint’ all the best for 2015… Is there anything you wanna add?
…….
Weblinks: Website / Facebook / Myspace
Current line-up:
Brian Phyll Miller – Vocals
Matthew P Smith – Guitars
Jerry Johnson – Guitars
Richard Lynch – Bass
Jared Knowland – Drums
Discography:
“Warriors of the Son” (1984)
“Time’s End” (1986)
“Too Late for Living” (1988)
“The Perfect Life” (EP) (1999)
“In the Battle” (2003)
“Warriors of the Son” (Re-Recorded) (2004)
“Live 05” (2005)
“The Mark” (2006)
“Crime Scene Earth” (2008)
“Hell Blade” (2010)
“Desperate Night” (2012) [review]
“Broad Is The Gate” (2014)
Video below ‘We Will Fight’ (Broad Is The Gate)
Video below ‘The Blade’ (Hell Blade)