Savak
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Savak

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"The Taliban Pistol , D-side"

In these times cries to the holy war against terrorism, the position chosen by Scott Beebe for his project Savak is rather risky. To dare, in the US of today, calling a record "The Taliban Pistol" and telling some simple geopolitical truths about the role played by the USA in the growth of its public enemy number one, should have discouraged some of the bravest, but it needs more than that to frighten Scott Beebe, whose Savak (the name of the secret police of the Shah of Iran) is, since the beginning, focused on the terrorist fractions and their actions. This being said, "The Taliban Pistol" is still a real surprise after "444 Days" which used the radical means of actions of the hard industrial to let the weapons express themselves, because this new album, probably linked to the growing interest of the founder of the now defunct label Possessive Blindfold for the electronica, and made of five new tracks and five remixes, is much more subtle, refined and colourful than its elder. After an icy speech of introduction which gives everybody its part of responsibility in the birth of terrorists groups, Savak mixes hard tracks which he used us to ("Ragtime in Tension", "Kabul"), but full to the brim of innovative stuff, and goes towards ethnic ambient tracks sometimes akin to a more industrial Muslimgauze. The remixers highlights the purely industrial aspects of the tracks (Synapscape, DJ Tron, Dryft), fuse techno and noisy elements (Exclipsect) or play with deconstruction (Element 11), following that way the mutation of Savak towards grounds less trapped with anti-personal mines. Savak akhbar !
- D-side, France


"The Taliban Pistol, Cesium Impact"

Remember, it was on 11 September last, right before the arrival of our 2 friends, Zymozis & Savak on the French ground for the concert Industrial Impact # 3 of September 29. Maschinenfest was little of time later. Seul Savak had took the risk then to earlier take the plane after the horrors which have occurred 15 days. On its arrival, Scott had spoken to us about the modifications made to the pieces & the remixes which delayed the exit of this album. It is thus with a great pleasure that one can discover the pieces of which we had had a first impression at the time of his live Parisian. The whole supplemented by Synapscape, Exclipsect, Dryft, Element 11 & Dj Tron. On the whole thus 5 Rmx & 5 News, of which superb "Kabul" that one can listen to on the radio of Cesium. Ep which I will advise with any fan of ambient noise; a head of work still well to the top of the first opus.
- Cesium Impact, France


"The Taliban Pistol, Drum & Noise"

They have been many delays and much delay the one that we have had to suffer for, finally, to listen to the new disc of Savak. Let us think that Scott Beebe (to alter ego of Savak and puto master of the Unit seal) has had to be centered in the reconversion of Possessive Blindfold in Unit and by that reason the disc has been delayed so much. Thinking it well, two years days' Possessive Blindfold is not long time between a disc (' 444 either. 2000) and another one but is that this ' The Taliban pistol' has been taking announcing for many months and above single brings five new subjects of the Californian artist. Once listened we include/understand because Scoot decidio to settle the existence of Possessive Blindfold and to be centered single in Unit. The sound of Savak has given a turn of 180º and most peculiar of everything it is that it continues sounding to Savak. The rough industrialist and dark ambient take step in this disc to trip-hop and the IDM although without giving of side the dark electronics. The other five subjects that complete ' The Taliban pistol' are remezclas of reputed artists like Dryft, Exclipsect or Synapscape who are more near the shady sounds gathered by Savak in ' 444 days'. Although not everything to changed in Savak then, like ocurrio with its album debut, this also is a conceptual disc and it is so centered (the title in case single he is enough I specify) in the Islamic terrorism in voga in the last months and an own name: the Talibanes, with Bin Laden at the top. But taken care of! So that there are not doubts as far as the vision of the conflict, Scoot as much dedicates the album to the victims of the 11 of September and envia noncThanks to Osama Bin Laden and its pals like a North American president George W. Bush. As curiosity is possible to emphasize that the concept as much, as the title of the disc they were thought months before the fatídico day. uhmmm. Scott Beebe Nostradamus alias.
- Drum & Noise, Spain


"The Taliban Pistol, Zero Magazine"

Deep, deep hypnotic illbience from Unit Records founder and Bay Area power electronics/noise fixture, Scott Beebe. It features five new tracks and five remixes from DJ Tron, Element 11, Exclipsect, Dryft, and Synapscape. This is some serious headphone music, with unconventional production techniques that are bound to induce neurosis for the unprepared listener. Jagged, distorted beats blast through layers of raw ambience, ever shifting between comforting and apocalyptic. I wouldn't call it experimentalism, I'd call it science. The warmth of "The Faceless Enemy" is the safest place to start. From there, the title track, with it's psychotic yet subtle stereophonics, will pull you headfirst into the twisted remixes on the last half. "Persia" is a relentless-and one of the strongest songs on the album. "Four Hundred Forty Four Days" is pure, wicked drums and seething rage. These dark instrumentals are just the break you need from all that jerking off to Britney Spears-or perhaps perfect for jerking off the Britney Spears. Overall, Savak is pure avant guard, but it's solid. This is music you can dance to (at clubs like Oscillations in SF), but you'd better wear your steel toed boots. This is not music for bed-wetters or those who'd consider Moby edgy. - Zero Magazine


"The Taliban Pistol, Industrial Nation"

Savak is Scott Beebe, founder of Possessive Blindfold Records and one half of Holocaust Theory. Named after the Shah of Iran's secret police during the 1970's, Savak made its debut with the album 444 days, a politically-minded power electronics experiment. his EP is an
extension of that theme, this time examining the roots of terrorism found under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, whose methods of governing are all-too familiar to anyone who has watched CNN in the last year. And while Beebe's
liner notes discuss Bin Laden, it is made explicitly clear that Savak "does not support terrorism nor does it support counter-terrorism tactics." (Dubya is listed under the "no thanks to" section alongside Al Qaeda). The album is also dedicated to the victim's of 9-11 and their families, with
proceeds from the sales of this record going to charities that help victim's families. But enough about politics -strip away the liner notes and song titles, and all that's left is the music, which is strong enough to stand separately from the subject matter. The chilling opening
track "A Warning To All" guides listeners into the simple, beautifully ambient "The Faceless Enemy." The first half of the EP builds up energetic rhythms slowly, with a tense, minimalist style that digs under one's skin and becomes unsettling, especially on "Regime in Tension" and the title
track, which makes use of a sitar. The second half of The Taliban Pistol is comprised of five remixes, four of which are tracks from 444 days. The thrumming DJ Tron mix of "inside the mind v2" is noteworthy, as are the punchy explicit and atmospheric synapscape contributions. The
original and remixed works combine to make this a unique listening experience, full of desolation, power, tension and, ultimately, timeliness. - Industrial Nation


"444 Days, Alternative Press"

Savak is the new main project of PBR label maestro Scott Beebe, now that doom industrial powerhouse Holocaust Theory has ceased. The name refers to the secret Iranian police of the late 70's and early 80's, while the project focuses on the nefarious underbelly of international political terrorism (including torture, interrogation, and more). The disc's title refers to the 444 days that American's were held hostage at the American embassy in Tehran, Iran, 1979-1981. The atmosphere is laced with distraught, tattered sheets of noise, unveiling music as uncompromising as the subject matter. "Claiming Responsibility" hovers nervously before swooping down to envelop the listener in a shroud taut with tension and disorientation. "Crisis" tempers the discomfort with tribal drums that signify atavistic origins as clouds of dread burst above. "Stalemate" pummels with ferocious intent, uzi spray percussion leaving a shrapnel decimated sonic corpse. "War Crimes" pounds even deeper, the percussive hammer detonating bombs, the bombs eventually exploding at erratic intervals; no corpse left here, this time it's the whole country, the scattered attack leaving nothing but smoldering ash and ruin in its wake.
- Alternative Press


"444 Days, Nezzwerk"

With Savak founder of PBR, Scott Beebe, takes on a new personal project much different from earlier sound experiments of Holocaust Theory. This time we enter more unyielding and turbulent dark ambient/ power noise tactics. Using the driving and relentless nature of bands such as Synapscape and Hypnoskull, Beebe utilities this force with more emphasis on transitional intensity and rhythm building. We engage this experiment with the distant sound devices of the "didgeridoo" and building analog synthetics on self-titled track. We are then slowly hypnotized into the threading drones and frequencies of "claiming responsibility." We move further into the actual "crisis" with savage percussion and panning monolithic tones. At "war crimes" we venture into combustible rhythms and vigorous attacks that meltdown with immense power and destruction. The next track, "Persia", moves you into swarming and vigorous frequencies and subtle melodic beats preparing you for the next tracks. On "why?" we build vicious enveloping loops that converge slowly with faint rhythms heard previously. We close this devastation with the swallowing bass drones and pendulum frequency movements of "inside the mind v2." Another peak into strong power for the strong minded. - Nezzwerk


"444 Days, Grooves"

Label head Scott Beebe (also from Holocaust Theory) names this full length after the number of days Americans were held hostage in Iran during 1979-80 (Savak was the name of the Shah of Iran's secret police whose tactics helped lead to islamic revolution that sent the Shah into exile), a terrifying that Beebe manages to capture fairly well with this dark, unrelenting soundblast. Things start out 'merely' as dark ambience ('Savak', 'Claiming Responsibilty), but soon enough the title track unleashes a furious, rigid rhythm that mutates slightly from concussive track to concussive track. Brutal, scary stuff. Best of the lot, and one of the top noisenik releases of 2000. - Grooves


"444 Days, Side-Line"

Savak is the new side project of Scott Beebe of Holocaust Theory and the main man behind our favorite Noise label Possessive-Blindfold. Scott Bebee took the name for his side project after the Shah of Iran's secret police in the 70's. This is a very interesting concept for a noise project. This is a really great insightful CD, and with this we learn more about Scott Bebee's interests though SAVAK. So, after listening to this CD, it is time to get your history books about and check more in to this secret police. is a pure conceptual project. The CD seems to be concerned with the workings of this group and international police terrorism as a whole. Scott Bebee uses the music of Savak to demonstrate his view and emotions towards this topic. Savak crosses the styles of Dark ambient, power noise, highly rhythmic industrial to give us this assault. One song that definitely sticks out is "War Crimes". This song actually does sound like their is a brutal war going on with lots of gunfire going on. A great representation of crossfire to create a real war atmosphere here. It is very intelligently done. "Savak", the first track is like a fuse that is slowly burning, and your trying to run out of the area, but time is in slow motion. The title track 444 days is probably my favorite track on the CD. This reminds me of factory machines moving a very fast pace with scraping going side to side. Excellent use of drum techniques.I am highly impressed this Savaks approach to a unique concept album and I have a better appreciate for noise music in general. Other suggested tracks would be "Persia" and "Crisis". Noise fans and dark ambient fans will be pleased.
- Side Line Magazine


"Interview, Outburn"

Seeing as how terrorism is at the thematic core of Savak, the project obviously has added significance post-september 11. How much of the new disc is a reaction to those events?

Savak: Honestly, all the material was written before 9/11 so not much of music itself has anything to do with 9/11. The new material's focus is on Afghanistan but I was researching the tactics of the Taliban and Bin Laden long before 9/11. The only thing that reflects 9/11 are the credits and liner notes.

How do you fit other artist's remixes into a 'concept release'. Wouldn't these reinterpretations skew any unity within that concept?

Savak: The other artists remixes have nothing to do with the "concept release". My idea with remixes to give some other artists a chance to remix my material with their own sounds. It was more of an artistic concept I guess. The other artists did not try to reinterpretate my ideas and beliefs.......for them, it was all about the music.

When and why were you carrying hand grenades in a NYC airport?

Savak: That's a funny question. May of 1997 was when I was caught at Laguardia with grenades. Back then, I collected old grenades and these ones I found in NYC when I was visiting there. There were all bored out and of course were harmless. I was a dumb ass and tried getting through them through security. Needless to say, I shut down the whole terminal while I got interrogated for a couple of hours. I did eventually get the grenades home though. That was a crazy experience!

How much of Savak is an extension of your last project, Holocaust Theory?

Savak: Actually, none. The idea of doing Savak was to branch off of HT back in '97. Some people hear similarities in the music and that's cool but when I am writing material, I never have the attitude that it's an extension of HT. Two completely different animals there.

What's your attraction to the extreme, controversial themes that seem to be entwined within your music?

Savak: I have always had a fascination with terrorism and other extreme views that generally make people feel uneasy. I use Savak, HT, and other musical avenues to express my views on these subjects. Granted, sometimes they are not want people like and sometimes they are but I don't do it for what people like.

With a whole project dedicated to such a loaded subject, are you at all afraid that the themes may overshadow the music itself?

Savak: I have never really thought of it that way. The themes are always just an influence to the music and the music always comes out being the focal point but when people listen to the music and if they know what Savak is about beforehand, then they can get both the feeling of the music and the influence from which it came.

Politically, Savak seems very neutral on the idea of terrorism. How much of your own personal views are couched so you don't turn people off the music?

Savak: Lots of personal views are couched. I don't like express a lot of my personal views but sometimes I do. Some of them are expressed in the liner notes of the cd. Savak itself is neutral to the idea of terrorism and I express that.

What made you decide to bring an end to Possessive-Blindfold and how did you decide what bands would continue with Unit?

Savak: So many people ask that same question. Well, honestly......it was me being bored with the current state of "industrial" music. It was time for me to evolve and move in other areas. PBR had it's time. PBR was always viewed as the "American power-noise label" and I always hated that moniker or sometimes the "Ant-Zen sister label". I just felt I was tired of those labels and monikers but more so the music. When you get bored with something, why continue putting time and money into something that your heart is not into ya know? So those are the reasons why I closed it. I chose to take Savak, Zymosiz, and Exclipsect over to Unit because I felt those three projects had the best sound and the ability to change to the focus of Unit.

Was it necessary to fit Savak in with Unit's vision after the label change?

Savak: Yes, it was. Savak's sound changed dramatically to fit into the Unit concept and it was a good change. The change in sound made it a good evolution for Savak.

When you consider the timing of PBR's demise in relation to your new 'rock and roll' label, Heatslick, are you at all concerned that this may be seen as a compromise to PBR listeners?

Savak: Not at all. Heat Slick has nothing to do with industrial music and I do not at all expect PBR listeners to think of it as a compromise. For me, I am surprised at that question as most people do not even know about Heat Slick because it's a completely different scene and all too different from electronic music but I am sure some people will appreciate it. At first, some people that did find out that I started Heat Slick called me a sell-out and all that crap but who cares.

Last time we talked you mentioned wanting to do a porn soundtrack... any luck so far?

Savak: Yeah, I remember that. Not had a chance yet but I would jump at the chance still.
- Outburn Magazine


Discography

:::Discography:::

2007: Terror Junkie (M-Tronic)
2005: Chemical Elements 3 CD w/ Zymosiz (M-Tronic)
2002: The Taliban Pistol CD (Unit)
2000: Four Hundred Forty Four Days CD [Possessive Blindfold]

:::Comp Appearances:::

1998: Voltage 2 [Possessive Blindfold]
1999: Exoskeleton 2 [Possessive Blindfold]
2000: Schematics for Power .1 [NCC]
2001: Maschinenfest 2001 [Pfichtkauf] *savak vs. zymosiz
2002: Heaven and Hell .1 [Orange Peal]
2002: Sub Session [Sub Session]
2002: Dissonant Structures [Cranial Fracture]

:::Remix Appearances:::

1999: P.A.L.
2000: Injury
2000: Biped
2001: Synapscape
2001: Mlada Fronta

Photos

Bio

Savak is Scott Beebe, formerly of Holocaust Theory and label head of Possessive Blindfold/Unit. Started in 1997, Savak became Beebe's side project of Holocaust Theory. Savak was meant to be a musical outlet for Beebe's views on terrorism and counter-terrorism.
Savak first release was the highly anticipated "Four Hundred Forty Four Days" CD (Possessive Blindfold) in 2000. The music and ideology of this release was the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979 where American hostages were held captive in Tehran for 444 days. The music blended dark soundscapes with brutal industrial percussion and bleak soundtrack escapes.

Savak toured relentlessly in the USA, Latvia, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, France, and Germany for the Four Hundred Forty Four Days. The touring and the CD made Savak a name to be recognized in the dark industrial scene. Positive reviews from media made it even better.

2000-2002 saw Beebe writing material for the follow up release. The new release was to be based on the Taliban regime of Afghanistan. The CD entitled "The Taliban Pistol" was set be released in Sept. 2001 to coincide with Savak's tour of France and Germany. But with the events of 9/11. Beebe decided to postpone the release until March 2002. The European tour still went on where Savak performed new tracks of The Taliban Pistol in Paris, Bordeaux, and the fabled Maschinefest in Aachen, Germany.

The Taliban Pistol CD, released on Unit Records, featured remixes by Dryft, DJ Tron, Exclipsect, and Element 11 and went further into the depths of electronica where the new music explored elements of trip-hop, drum & bass, and ambient mixed with traditional industrial undertones. Again, reviews were great but Savak did not tour as much as before with this release.

Now.....over 2 years later, Savak is back with new music, a new release, and a new label! Fall of 2005 will find Savak doing a split CD with long time pal, Zymosiz, on the French M-Tronic label. This will be the 3rd release in M-Tronic's Chemical Elements series. 2006 will find Savak touring Europe with Zymosiz and doing limited shows in the USA.

Savak @ Myspace: www.myspace.com/savak

Savak @ Pure Volume: www.purevolume.com/savak