Album
Type:
EP
Date
Released:
10th
March 2015
Label:
Magnetic
Eye Records
Radiant
Moon – Track Listing
1.Radiant Moon 09:03
2.Living Heads 07:09
Members
Robbie Ingram -
Guitar
Ben Robertson - Bass
Guitar
Joel McGann - Skin
Flute/Carlton Draught
Nico Guijt - Vocals
Review:
Watchtower's
debut EP - Radiant Moon - is building up a lot of hype before it's
officially released on Magnetic Eye Records and it's hype that's
wholly justified. As Watchtower are going to be one of the breakout
stars from the Doom/Stoner Metal scene to look out for in 2015 and
beyond. Radiant Moon maybe 16 minutes long but it more than delivers
than most full length records can only dream about. Heavy psychedelic
doom and gloom riffs spliced with hints of bleak Stoner based Weedian
vibes.
The
opening title track - Radiant Moon - is a harsh exercise in volume
and volume with heavy pounding guitars, drums and vocals all vying
for your attention. It's all out war. Mike from Magnetic Eye Records
must have known what he was signing to his label as these talented
Aussie's are in full confident mood as the music is spellbinding
through out. Fans of Kyuss, Sabbath, Sleep and High On FIre may have
heard their favourite new band of 2015. Radiant Moon has a violent
psychedelic energy where the guitars are down-tuned to heck for a
more direct threat to your senses.
The
vocals are especially sharp. Remember that lead vocalist – Nico -
is originally from Holland and used to be part of
Hardcore/Sludge/Stoner Mob - Herder - before he emigrated to
Australia. Well Herder's loss is definitely Australia's and
Watchtower's gain. He's a lot more confident on this record compared
to his previous output. Though this is Watchtower's world and they
drag you in with tales of madness and despair. Watchtower turn into
violent noise-overlords towards the end of the song as the atmosphere
becomes very loud and unpredictable. The song fades out with ambient
noises that instantly propel you into the next hard-hitting round for
you to survive from.
The
2nd and final track - Living Heads - is a more fast paced affair
compared to Radiant Moon as Watchtower unleash with an unstoppable
Doom/Stoner Metal riff before slowing things down for a more stripped
back bass-heavy affair. The vocals yet again see lead vocalist –
Nico – venturing his anger to the world. This song is more Stoner
Metal orientated compared to Radiant Moon. It more than matches the
volatile excitement of Radiant Moon as Watchtower know they only have
a short space of time to impress you with. They don't waste a single
second. I can detect a slight Dopethrone influence but maybe that's
just me.
Radiant
Moon is a stunning EP as Watchtower justifies the hype currently
being thrown their way. Australia has provided the Doom/Sludge/Stoner
Metal world with an awesome new band to check out. I do hope that
Watchtower explore the Ambient/Psychedelic Noise part of their music
on their full length release as they create some interesting ideas
that need exploring further. Until then, Radiant Moon is a must have
EP. You need to buy this EP. Trust me on this. These guys are going
places. Watchtower have the potential to be major players in the
years to come.
Thanks
to Mike at Magnetic Eye Records for the promo. Radiant Moon is
available to buy on DD now.
Words
by Steve Howe
For
More Information
