Arcane Saints Are Coming

The world needs some new sounds that aren't just sensitive and whiny. Here come Arcane Saints from Melbourne, Australia, expanding their fanbase rapidly with a blend of Nirvana crossed with Muse along with a classic metal sensibility. You might not care if they made an appearance at MTV’s “Up And Coming Bands,&rdquo, but have a read at what frontman Michael John had to share with us:

Why did you name the band Arcane Saints?
We didn't have a band name when we first started. At an early show we were playing a gig and invited a homeless guy onstage with us to dance. He accepted our offer and afterwards said we should call ourselves Arcane Saints, so we did. He danced at a few other shows after that before being thrown into jail, but that’s another story.

Which bands have given you the most inspiration?
Guns 'n' Roses, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Muse, Black Sabbath, Metallica, the Chili Peppers, but every band in the world would probably also mention those bands. For some reason I've been listening to TATU lately, those two Russian lesbian girl singers. Great stuff. Serious!

Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris is a relative of yours. What comments have you had from those guys about your music?
"Turn it down, we're trying to sleep!" Arcane Saints can definitely party harder than Iron Maiden. (Of course, they are pretty old these days)

If you are asked to play a song with a female pop star, who would it be?
Shakira, because she is my future wife. She just doesn't know it yet.

What's the craziest thing you've ever done on stage?
I wrapped a snake around my head when playing at a festival. It started squeezing my neck till I couldn't breath and I passed out. The snake survived though, so don't worry.

Why should we go see your gig?
Because we have come an awful long way, it would be a shame for us and you if you missed it.

Why shouldn't we go see your gig?
If you have any contagious diseases, please don't come and see us.

What's the difference between a youth prison guard and a musician?
There's no difference, just ask our bass player, who is both!

What can you not live without?
Music and peanut butter.

Let's talk about Aussie Rules ...
I'm a New Zealander, so let's not. I'd rather talk about rugby!

See Arcane Saints at MAO Livehouse on Thursday (October 13).

Photos: Courtesy of Arcane Saints