Watchmen
Watchmen is a Heavy Metal band from Seattle, Washington who formed in 1984 by Greg Sweet and Kevin Anholt. Originally the band was called 'Crosswalk' but shortly after forming, they changed their name to Watchmen. The meaning behind the name is found in Ezekiel 33... 7 “As for you, son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. When you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. 8 If I say to the wicked, ‘Wicked one, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to warn him about his way, that wicked person will die for his iniquity, yet I will hold you responsible for his blood. 9 But if you warn a wicked person to turn from his way and he doesn't turn from it, he will die for his iniquity, but you will have saved your life." Also the bands gives reference to Isaiah 52:8 8 "The voices of your watchmen they lift up their voices,shouting for joy together;for every eye will see when the LORD returns to Zion."
Watchmen changed their name to 'Impact' and re-released "Generation" as "Generation Of Change" soon after this the band split up.
Watchmen changed their name to 'Impact' and re-released "Generation" as "Generation Of Change" soon after this the band split up.
Watchmen released two full-length albums the first being 1987-Demo 'Fear No Evil' and their sophomore album being 1988- 'Generation'.
What we get on the "Generation" album is pure 80's metal that is radio friendly due to some additional instruments. The band softened its image ,on this release, with the use of the Organ, the Saxophone and the use of the Piano. Furthermore, Dave Van Liew incorporates a bluesy sounding guitar in various tracks which also brings out a softer more radio friendly sound.
I really think that vocalist Greg Sweet hits the mark with some fine vocals for this type genre and era. You can sense his passion to reach the lost with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ as the lyrics are overtly Christ centered. The following are some of the band's lyrics off the "Generation" album:
What we get on the "Generation" album is pure 80's metal that is radio friendly due to some additional instruments. The band softened its image ,on this release, with the use of the Organ, the Saxophone and the use of the Piano. Furthermore, Dave Van Liew incorporates a bluesy sounding guitar in various tracks which also brings out a softer more radio friendly sound.
I really think that vocalist Greg Sweet hits the mark with some fine vocals for this type genre and era. You can sense his passion to reach the lost with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ as the lyrics are overtly Christ centered. The following are some of the band's lyrics off the "Generation" album:
"Straight"
Still searching for the answer
To you it seems, no one's there at all
But, He hears your calling
He see's you cry
The Father longs to wipe the tear from your eye
"Defenders"
For in the name of Jesus
All dominion is given to Him
Jesus, O Jesus has broken your bondage of sin
We're defenders of the faith and were coming to get you...
"One Day"
The blood flowed down His cheek
His body torn, bruised and week
He cried out forgive them
One day, we will see Him face to face
His ways, we will be like them
One day, we will feel His tender grace
As the Fathers hand is reaching out to you
Still searching for the answer
To you it seems, no one's there at all
But, He hears your calling
He see's you cry
The Father longs to wipe the tear from your eye
"Defenders"
For in the name of Jesus
All dominion is given to Him
Jesus, O Jesus has broken your bondage of sin
We're defenders of the faith and were coming to get you...
"One Day"
The blood flowed down His cheek
His body torn, bruised and week
He cried out forgive them
One day, we will see Him face to face
His ways, we will be like them
One day, we will feel His tender grace
As the Fathers hand is reaching out to you
Kevin Whisler does a nice job on the kit keeping time for the band as he hammers it out with the right style for each song. Kevin brings star qualities to the band where he played drums for Bloodgood on the following albums (Out of the Darkness, Alive in America, Shakin' the World, Dangerously Close).
Watchmen has released a newer album with an even heavier feel to it with the band going by the alias 'Torque' (Not Christian) with one release in 2008 "Direction of Rotation". For FREE MP3 album downloads of the Watchmen's music go here: http://www.watchmen.cc/
There seems to be a new interest in 80's sounding metal as we have new bands like Desyre, Messenger, and Harmony making modern day renditions of 80's inspired music. If you like bands like Barren Cross, Sacred Warrior, Recon, Shout, or Angelica and you find yourself wanting to relive the glory days of this marvelous era then pick up a copy of Watchmen's albums and Rock on!
There seems to be a new interest in 80's sounding metal as we have new bands like Desyre, Messenger, and Harmony making modern day renditions of 80's inspired music. If you like bands like Barren Cross, Sacred Warrior, Recon, Shout, or Angelica and you find yourself wanting to relive the glory days of this marvelous era then pick up a copy of Watchmen's albums and Rock on!
Musicians:
Greg Sweet-Vocals
Dave Van Liew-Guitars(Glam band-Lipstick)
Doug Larson-Bass(Overlord)
Kevin Antholt-Keyboards
Kevin Whistler-Drums(Bloodgood)
Greg Sweet-Vocals
Dave Van Liew-Guitars(Glam band-Lipstick)
Doug Larson-Bass(Overlord)
Kevin Antholt-Keyboards
Kevin Whistler-Drums(Bloodgood)