Watchtower
remains on the most over-the-top prog metal outfits of all-time. Their
songs often came off as excuses to shred away and show off their
member's instrumental prowess, and although the group remains quite
obscure, they (along with Dream Theater) spawned countless musical
offspring by the '90s - Spock's Beard, Dali's Dilemma, Cairo, Ice Age,
Royal Hunt, etc. The Texas-based band first came together in the early
'80s, drawing inspiration from such established challenging rockers as
Rush and Iron Maiden -and featuring the lineup of frontman Jason
McMaster, guitarist Ron Jarzombek, bassist Doug Keyser, and drummer Rick
Colaluca. 1986 saw the release of the group's debut album, Energetic
Disassembly, as Watchtower immediately built a cult following in Europe,
where prog metal is widely worshipped. Just before recording sessions
were to begin for Watchtower's sophomore effort, McMaster left the group
to join Guns N' Roses-disciples Dangerous Toys, and was replaced with
former Hades vocalist Alan Tecchio in time for 1989's Control and
Resistance (a demo of McMaster singing the Control songs became a hot
item in fan trading circles). The band split shortly thereafter after
Jarzombek came down with an ailment that affected his hands, as not much
was heard from the group or its members until the late '90s, when
McMaster rejoined the band for a huge metal festival in Germany, which
led to further shows opening for Dream Theater and a planned third album
in the works. In 2001, Watchtower issued a collection of unreleased
demos on the Monster label to tide fans over until a proper third studio
effort appears. Line-up / Musicians Alan Tecchio/vocals Ron Jarzombek/guitar Doug Keyser/bass Rick Colaluca/drums Discography(Album) Control and Resistance 1989
1.Instruments Of Random Murder 2.The Eldritch 3.Mayday In Kiev 4.The Fall Of Reason 5.Control And Resistance 6.Hidden Instincts 7.Life Cycles 8.Dangerous To
