Ascension Of The Watchers

Burton C. Bell and John Bechdel, whose earlier output with Fear Factory, Killing Joke, Prong, and Ministry had followed a markedly different path, shifted toward a calmer and more expansive sound when Ascension of the Watchers began examining acoustic and atmospheric textures in early 2002. Seeking respite from the relentless tempo of Los Angeles, the pair relocated to rural Pennsylvania to shape their first material. Iconoclast appeared in 2005 and was followed by a limited number of concerts plus modest tours through the United States and Canada. In 2007 the project attracted the interest of former associate Alain Jourgensen, leader of Ministry, who placed the band on his 13th Planet Records roster. That same year the musicians entered the studio to cut their first official album, bringing Edu Mussi into the lineup and drawing additional contributions from Paul Raven and Jourgensen. The completed Experience Numinosum reached listeners in February 2008 and was supported by a brief tour.