Watchtower
Concepts Of Math: Book One

THE REVIEW

I waited a long time for the release of a Watchtower album since their last work was in 1989. Considered among the most influential bands of progressive metal, and in particular that more technical and progressive thrash metal area, a real cult has formed around them over the years as they have influenced a myriad of metal bands, even crossing into metalcore. After their last work in 1989 (the cerebral Control and Resistance), their main member Ron Jarzombek, a mad and hyper-creative nerd guitarist, embarked on a career first with Spastic Ink (a metal/jazz experimental group) and then as a solo artist in the late '90s.

For lovers of early technical thrash metal, this EP is an incredible delight: same lineup as Control and Resistance, same verve, same themes, same pyrotechnic guitar work: we are faced with an album played splendidly with the advantage of a digital and modern production but without falling into the hyper perfectionism of sound that plagues many modern records. Alan Tecchio, the singer, might have lowered a bit in range, but perhaps it was in the '80s where he was a tad too high. The rhythm section, namely bass and drums, retains the same originality and enjoyment as we knew them, with the advantage of better production: the bass has an even less prominent presence and is simpler to listen to, despite the lines being consistently intricate and swirling. Ron Jarzombek's guitar remains precise, incisive, with continuous tempo changes and play on the right and left channels, in perfect style. From the first song to the last, Mathematica Calculis (a text on mathematical discussions that even I, as an engineer, would not have thought of using in a song), the extended play proceeds without ever boring, without weak moments, managing to keep attention high on the sophisticated harmonies and melodies that continuously intertwine.

In this EP, the lyrics are increasingly nerdy and speak about science, technology, matter physics, mathematics, while the CD booklet (the only available support, besides digital music) shows the lyrics and some images of Ron with nerd glasses. Now the expectation for a Concepts of Math: Book Two is very high: despite the change of singer in 2023, the fact that the Texan band is still alive gives great hope.

Tracklist:
1. M-Theory Overture
2. Arguments Against Design
3. Technology Inaction
4. The Size of Matter
5. Mathematica Calculis