Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Watchtower - Concepts of Math: Book One (2016)
I just realized that I haven't reviewed this Watchtower EP yet, and since upcoming music from this band was announced to be in the works on the month I've written this review, it's a good time to do that. It's mathematical! No there isn't any mathcore. Watchtower is known for their jazzy progressive tech-thrash sound that continues on in this EP that contains three 2015 singles, one 2010 single, and a brand new composition, altogether forming a near half-hour of brain power.
It must've have been a joy for fans of mathematical prog-thrash witnessing the return of these Texan legends. However, for those hoping to hear Jason McMaster return from their debut Energetic Disassembly, that's not the case here. At least we have Alan Tecchio, whose previous album with the band Control and Resistance is also a classic.
Coming back with their prog-thrash sound still stable is the under 4-minute "M-Theory Overture". It goes beyond overture levels by getting listeners geared up for the thrashy riffing and time changes coming up in the next 4 tracks. They continue to give their longtime fans delight! "Arguments Against Design" is where Alan Tecchio steps in with his memorable vocal range, as the thrashy riffing bounces alongside solid leads.
"Technology Inaction" is a marvelous blend of progressive complexity and thrashy aggression, with catchy vocal hooks, "T-T-T-T-TECHNOLOGY INACTION!!!" Next track "The Size of Matter" isn't too bad, having some spacey riffs and leads before a surreal psychedelic bridge. That's the 2010 single! Finally, "Mathematica Calculis" is the new track, a 10-minute epic (their longest song) of the usual progressive thrash, though toning down the earlier aggression for more expansive aspects. Those aspects being the amount of twists and passages almost as much as Dream Theater and Liquid Tension Experiment. Absolutely wild!
Besides Watchtower, other progressive thrash bands were making their return from the void in the 2010s, such as Toxik and Blind Illusion. While those bands end up taking on a different sound from their respective magnum opuses, Watchtower have never abandoned their roots, and they've made it more exciting with different complex sections that turn this release into an expert-level metal sudoku. Not to brag, but I'm one of those listening experts. The Math Gods have give us a sine- I mean, sign!
Favorites: "M-Theory Overture", "Technology Inaction", "Mathematica Calculis"