A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 
  • WatchTower - Energetic Disassembly

    WatchTower - Energetic Disassembly
    1985 Independent

    review

WatchTower - Energetic Disassembly

1985 Independent :: Reviewed by rofreason on 2005-07-14

Having a sronger to kinship to jazz fusion that strict metal, Watchtower are a band definitely not afraid to show off their chops. On Energetic Disassembly, the band rips through some of the most progressive material ever written for the metal world. Outlandish rhythms, unpredictable time changes, some fierce guitar work and the air raid siren vocals of Jason McMaster (later of Dangerous Toys) are all thrown in apot and boiled, the result being a musical feast for the ears. But it's not only the suberb performances and choice of material which separates this form the pack, for the band also chose to use some truly innovative guitar and drum sounds (they sound electronic) here. Not much actual "song" here, which tends to turn off a lot of potential listeners, but all i have to say is that these guys rip, and Rick Colaluca is on of the best drummers in metal, period. I'm not as big on this as the follow-up, but if you get into say, Cynic or Atheist, you must have this. <br><br>Over the years I've grown to appreciate this album more, and with the recent re-release on Monster records, you may just agree with me more.

  • WatchTower - Control and Resistance

    WatchTower - Control and Resistance
    1989 Noise Records

    review

WatchTower - Control and Resistance

1989 Noise Records :: Reviewed by rofreason on 2005-07-14

I first heard this band on the Doomsday News 2 compilation, and was completely surprised by the intricacies placed forth here. All of these guys are virtuosos, and just let it fly on this, their second release. Half the old band is gone, but new super-shredder Ron Jarzombek more than ably fills the guitar slot, and Alan Techhio is a dead ringer for the departed Jason McMaster. This album tops the previous one in terms of progressiveness, refusing to be stay in one time signature for more bar. Much of this due to Colaluca, who just drums in a circular fashion here, never playing the same thing twice, which I've heard pisses off more than one non-drummer I know. Anyway, it doesn't get any better than this, the ultimate play-along album for the budding musician. The vocals do get a little old for me (not the biggest fan of Tecchio's style, but he can sing, and the music more than makes up for it. Simply put, if you're into highly progressive metal, you must seek this out. Like nothing else out there.