Watchtower Energetic Disassembly 2 CD (Slipcase, 2025, High Roller Records)

Watchtower’s 1985 debut “Energetic Disassembly” stands as one of the most influential and innovative technical metal albums ever released. Long before progressive thrash had a name, Watchtower rewrote the rules with unmatched precision, speed, and complexity. Often described as “Jazz Metal” or “Techno Thrash,” the record became a foundation for the entire technical and progressive metal movement.

Formed in Austin, Texas in 1982, the lineup of Jason McMaster, Doug Keyser, Rick Colaluca, and Billy White evolved quickly from NWOBHM-inspired covers to a completely original sound. With no label willing to take on something so ahead of its time, the band self-released the album through their own Zombo Records imprint, pressing just 3,500 LPs and 1,000 cassettes. Despite industry hesitation, the underground metal scene recognized the band’s brilliance immediately, earning praise from Gene Hoglan, Mike Portnoy, Jason Newsted, Alan Tecchio, and more.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of this groundbreaking release, High Roller Records presents a deluxe reissue featuring the original album along with a powerful new mix created in 2009 by Jared Tuten at Top Hat Studios. This anniversary edition also includes four rare bonus tracks: the drum soundcheck “Rick On Parade,” the guitar instrumental “BW115,” and early versions of “Instruments Of Random Murder” and “The Eldritch” with Jason McMaster on vocals before his departure in 1988 to join Dangerous Toys. Watchtower would later continue with Alan Tecchio for their second album “Control and Resistance,” recorded in West Berlin in 1989.

A definitive release of a genre-defining classic, essential for collectors of progressive metal, technical thrash, and groundbreaking heavy metal history.

Recommended if you like: Fates Warning, Coroner, Voivod, Atheist, Vektor, Mekong Delta, Cynic, Anacrusis, Control Denied, Toxik, 

Artist: Watchtower
Title:  Energetic Disassembly
Label: High Roller Records
Catalogue Number: HRR1002CD
UPC: 4251267721320
Release Year: 1985/2025
Duration: Album
Format: 2 x CD
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
Condition: New & Sealed
Special attributes: Slipcase, Deluxe Reissue

Tracklist:

CD 1:
1. Violent Change (Original Mix)
2. Asylum (Original Mix)
3. Tyrants in Distress (Original Mix)
4. Social Fears (Original Mix)
5. Energetic Disassembly (Original Mix)
6. Argonne Forest (Original Mix)
7. Cimmerian Shadows (Original Mix)
8. Meltdown (Original Mix)

CD 2:
1. Asylum (2009 Remix)
2. Meltdown (2009 Remix)
3. Tyrants (2009 Remix)
4. Argonne Forest (2009 Remix)
5. Energetic Disassembly (2009 Remix)
6. BW115 (2009 Remix)
7. Violent Change (2009 Remix)
8. Rick on Parade (2009 Remix)
9. Social Fears (2009 Remix)
10. Cimmerian Shadows (2009 Remix)
11. Instruments Of ... (2009 Remix, Bonus Song)
12. The Eldritch (2009 Remix, Bonus Song)