Search - Watchtower :: Demonstrations in Chaos

Meet the progresive metal's true inventors!

I. MUNOZ | Montreal, PQ, Canada | 03/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For those that have never listened to Watchtower, they sound like a rawer version of Rush boosted with Tabasco sauce. Jazzy, technically bold and aggressive as hell, they influenced the entire metal community in the 80's in spite of their short existence... and this CD showcases what Watchtower was.Their "Energetic Disassembly" release is completely contained here -- although I must say that I do prefer Allan Techio's voice to Jason Mc Master's, who is the vocalist (the "yellist"! :-)) in these previously unreleased "demonstrations". The rawer production makes me feel a sensation of innovation, as if you were listening to something new in its pure inception -- which is true, men!If you're into progressive metal, you'll certainly enjoy this album. Watchtower challenged the metal world with intricate song structures, more contemporary harmonies and rhythmical insanity. They settled the basis of what today is known as "progressive metal". Even, "technical thrash metal" bands took from them many nowadays-commonly-used ideas. Yet crude, full of heaviness and attitude, Watchtower's style is for me the essence of progressiveness. I like how their compositions are amazingly short, musically intelligent, concise, smart, original, explosive and lyrically excellent.To conclude: these guys are in the very root of today's progressive metal. They deserve their place in the history of the genre, and this album is a good homage that they did to themselves. Highly recommended! More than five stars! Go for it, NOW! :-)"

Gotta have it!

I. MUNOZ | 06/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must admit that I really wanted to give this disc 4.5 stars. These demo versions of early Tower songs, especially the Energetic Disassembly stuff, is killer; often sounding much better than the original album. However, I feel like they almost ruined this perfectly awesome collection of unreleased material by pushing it too far. The last few tracks are completely ridiculous. What you don't find out until you pop the disc into your player is that the last few songs were recorded on a 'jam box' in a motel room while the band was on tour. You really can't get a solid idea of what's going on musically. It's unlistenable.Aside from this one complaint, this is still a really great collection of demos; totally worth purchasing, especially for hard-core fans. New SPASTIC INK!!! For you guys (and gals?) who have kept up with Ron Jarzombek, he has just released the new Spastic Ink C.D., "Ink Compatible". Featuring guest performances by original Tower vocalist Jason McMaster, as well as Jen Johanson (sp?), Marty Friedman and others. 3 years in the making- It was well worth the wait. Check out his website: spasticink.com"

The truly quintessential progressive metal act.

misterbeagal | Florence, AL | 07/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a collection of Watchtower's earliest recordings with original vocalist, Jason McCaster. With their 1986 debut, Energetic Disassembly, Watchtower ushered in a new era of metal. Wielding chaotic time changes with one of the most accomplished rhythm sections in metal, they mixed the aggressive nature of thrash and laced it with mind-numbing technicality. They released a second album in '89, entitled Control And Reistance, which held back a little more than the debut, thought it was still great. Hopefully, the long-awaited third album, Mathematics, will be completed soon."