Control and Resistance

What is there to be said about this masterpiece that hasn't been said already? Watchtower truly mastered their craft on their sophomore effort. Control and Resistance is a unique blend of progressive thrash and jazz fusion, which in 1989 was completely new and original. Their technical/progressive jazz fusion thrash was something that influenced a lot of death metal bands such as Atheist, Death, Cynic and Pestilence to take on a more progressive/jazz fusion approach. Let's discuss what this album has to offer...

First of all, I'd like to mention the amazing guitar skills of mastermind Ron Jarzombek. Ron is simply inhuman, he handles constant time signature and tempo changes with impressive precision. His riffs are insanely technical and his solos are absolutely sublime. His shining moment is on the album's 8 minute epic, "The Fall Of Reason" in which he does this insane jazz fusion solo which accompanies the amazing bass playing of Doug Keyser. Ron is easily one of the greatest guitar players of all time, he's a technical genius.

Then there's vocalist Alan Tecchio who has a very high vocal range which is very typical of the progressive thrash genre, but he performs very well. His vocals go well with the music and he reaches some very impressive high notes and seems to execute these high notes without showing any struggle whatsoever, he just does it like it's normal for him. His performance is excellent.

Then there's Rick Colaluca, who's playing style is deeply rooted within the jazz fusion style. His playing reminds me of Megadeth's Gar Samuelson, who also played in technical thrash band Fatal Opera. Rick is like an octopus behind the drums! He is very busy with the intricate patterns and various time signature changes, overall his performance is flawless.

Finally, we have bassist Doug Keyser. I must say MY GOD his bass playing is PERFECTION! This is without a doubt the most audible bass in thrash history and this a absolute plus! His bass is very unique and he doesn't just follow Jarzombek's guitar. His bass is just as present as the guitar and overall just adds to the album's charm. Keyser is also the mastermind behind the songs, he wrote "Instruments Of Random Murder" "The Eldritch", "The Fall Of Reason" and "Control And Resistance" all by himself and co-wrote "Mayday In Kiev", "Hidden Instincts", "Life Cycles" and "Dangerous Toy" along with Jarzombek. Overall, Keyser is amazing on this album.

So I give this album a perfect 100% because of it's unique fusion of jazz and prog thrash, the band member's awe-inspiring technical performance, and the masterful songwriting. If you love Sieges Even's Life Cycle and Toxik's Think This, then you're in for a treat! You will love this!

Highlights: EVERYTHING!