CONTROL AND RESISTANCE

As far as technical prog metal goes, this album is definitely a must have. Try to imagine Rush on speed, steroids or whatever, and you might come close to what Watchtower sounded like. The drums are insane, Rick Colaluca blending standard drums with electronic pads (like Peart and Bruford, only overboard), with an equally deranged bass playing courtesy of Doug Keyser, and what to say about Ron Jarzombek... A great guitarist blending many influences, ranging from Alex Lifeson, Piggy, Allan Holdsworth, etc., but probably more technical. These guys probably know all chords and progressions available in 'the book', and it shows. The only questionable point is Alan Tecchio's voice. High pitched and shrieking, almost all the time. But, due to the insane complexity of the music, what's a singer to do? Being able to sing and create vocal melodies in such complex songs is no small feat, and I would have liked to see anyone even try to achieve what he has done. On some songs though, he manages to sing and create catchy melodies, as in Mayday in Kiev, The Fall of Reason, Control and Resistance and Life Cycles. So hats off to him.

For the historic significance of this album and the impact it had on the metal world, and for the sheer virtuosity of every musician, fans of prog metal will agree with me that this album deserves nothing less than five well deserved stars.