Watchtower

Watchtower ranks among the most flamboyant progressive metal ensembles in existence. Their tracks frequently functioned mainly as platforms for extended technical displays and instrumental virtuosity. Though the outfit stayed largely under the radar, it joined Dream Theater in generating a host of imitators by the 1990s, including Spock's Beard, Dali's Dilemma, Cairo, Ice Age, and Royal Hunt. Assembled in Texas at the start of the 1980s, the band drew from demanding rock predecessors such as Rush and Iron Maiden, with founding members vocalist Jason McMaster, guitarist Ron Jarzombek, bassist Doug Keyser, and drummer Rick Colaluca.

Their first album, Energetic Disassembly, appeared in 1986 and promptly cultivated a devoted audience throughout Europe, where progressive metal commands strong admiration.

Before sessions could start for the follow-up, McMaster exited to front Dangerous Toys, disciples of Guns N' Roses, and former Hades vocalist Alan Tecchio stepped in for 1989's Control and Resistance; a demo of McMaster performing those Control songs later circulated widely among collectors. The group dissolved soon after Jarzombek developed a condition impairing his hands. Scant activity followed until the late 1990s, when McMaster rejoined for a major metal festival in Germany. That appearance produced further concerts opening for Dream Theater and sparked work on a projected third album. In 2001 the Monster label released a set of unreleased demos to sustain interest until the next studio recording materialized.