Since the bands inception in 1989, Saviour Machine has directly influenced a number of bands including Evanescence, Virgin Black, and Deliverance. The term "Gothic Metal" was first used to describe Saviour Machines 1993 album (Metal Hammer - Sept 1993 Greece). According to The Encyclopedia of CCM, "Saviour Machine is an experimental rock band that has no competitors and no equals in the world of Christian rock - or even in the general market." Often tagged "gothic" (masks, make-up, theatrics during live performances) their sound draws on art-rock, metal, classical, and progressive influences. In 1990 the band began as one of the first ever to self-release a professionally recorded album on Compact Disc independent of record label support!