Watchtower are probably one of the most influential metal bands you have never heard of. They have influenced many Prog metal bands and modern djent/math metal outfits, with the use of odd time signatures, many tempo changes, and unreal sweep solos. The band were initially formed in ’82, but it wasn’t until ’85 that they released their first album, Energetic Dissasmbly. This their second album and has a couple of line up changes with the introduction of Ron Jarzombeck on guitar, and the departure of Jason McMaster to Dangerous Toys.
The playing for the mid-eighties is insane, and I guess metal fans weren’t ready at this point. There are so many highlights for me on this album, Mayday In Kiev is like listening to four songs at once – every few bars it’s a different song. Jarzombeck’s playing is incredible. The one thing that I do find annoying at times is the vocals of Alan Tecchio as they just don’t fit. Putting that to one side, my favourite track is Hidden Instincts.
I get this isn’t for everyone, but the playing and time and groove changes are just nuts – it’s as if anything goes. Jarzombeck has gone on to form Spastic Inc and Blotted Science – both tech metal masterpieces and I urge anyone who likes instrumental tech metal/fusion to check them out.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
