The sounds are influenced by my entire music collection. An eclectic array of music that spans the alphabet from Autechre to Zen Guerrilla. Music that has formed my ears that define our ages over the years.
I do not like to compare it to other bands, because that limits and influences your mode of thought. Just listen to it yourself, and then you can decide what it sounds like. Anything you can think of, is the proper description.
- Burton C Bell
"THESE ARE THE WORDS THAT ECHO THROUGH MY UNCONSCIOUS"
Ascension of The Watchers, the creative journey of Burton C. Bell (Fear Factory and G//Z/R) and John Bechdel (False Icons, Fear Factory, Killing Joke, Prong, Ministry, and Murder Inc.), is a vision born of life, love and spirituality. The intimate nature of Ascension of The Watchers is envisioned to draw the minds, hearts and aspirations of a people to a higher level of thinking and feeling by bringing them together in celebration and reflection in the beauty of life and spirituality, through these melodies and words.
In early 2002, Burton retreated to the quiet simplicity of rural Pennsylvania for seven months with his friend and musical confidant John Bechdel, to escape the onslaught of Los Angeles . A mentor in music, philosophy and demeanor, Bechdel unwittingly guided Burton along the path to this project.
Recording in the hauntingly beautiful seclusion of rural Pennsylvania at The Machine Shop, John's private studio; the band created "Iconoclast" featuring five original recordings that showcase Burton's ethereal vocal and writing style through thought provoking lyrics and music with a melodic acoustical and synth blend, that shows Burton's constantly evolving musical growth.
In 2005 "Iconoclast" was released on Limited Edition Vinyl and CD along with other items designed and created by AOTW.
The next chapter of the Watchers saga began to unfold in 2007 as Burton signed with Al Jurgensen's 13th Planet Records. New material was recorded and previously conceived songs were reworked into their final realizations by Burton and John with the addition of Edu Mussi (Echoes And Shadows, Still Life Decay) and contributions from Al Jourgensen, the late Paul Raven and Ben Bell. Numinosum, the debut Ascension of the Watchers album, was released on Februray 19th and is available from Thirteenth Planet Store.
AotW returned to the stage for a short tour to celebrate the release of Numinosum. Watchers Burton and John also performed as part of Ministry on their farewell CULaTour. AotW then ventured out in support of Killing Joke on their US dates. Burton, John and Edu were joined for these shows by new Watchers Vinnie Signorelli on drums (Swans and Foetus) and AleX on bass (Echoes & Shadows). What is next is yet to come!
I'm saddened that the Euro tour has been canceled. And totally understand why. I feel a goon cos I never got around to buying my tickets (been meaning to awhile now) and if everyone was as slow as me, well, it's our own faults. Sorry.
Your Ascension of The Watchers "style" is by far the best. Fear factory might have been a fave for some but I love Burt's new stuff. Follow your heart or you will loose your soul. Hugs, D
Hello there! Could you please tell me the name of the book that inspired the name? I read it somewhere a few years ago, but I cannot remember where/what. Thanks!!! & keep it up!
Saw Wicked lake & was so excited when I heard Evading in the very beginning of movie. Movie in my opinion kind of bad however soundtrack kicks ASS!!! I love that song!!
