Ascension of the Watchers

When you think of Fear Factory, crushing industrial sounds usually come immediately to mind. So it will come as a surprise to the average Fear Factory fan upon their discovery of Iconoclast, the hypnotic/soundscape-like debut EP by Burton C. Bell's side band, Ascension of the Watchers. Released through their website -- www.ascensionofthewatchers.com -- the five-track EP sees Bell collaborate solely with ex-Prong and Killing Joke keyboardist John Bechdel. "On the River" wouldn't sound out of place on a late-'80s Cure release, while the Dark Side of the Moon-esque instrumental "Quintessence" gives a whole new meaning to "hypnotic" (thanks to its repetitive single notes, supplied by piano and guitar harmonics). Some side projects seem very unnecessary in the realm of rock, but there would simply be no room for this style of music on an average Fear Factory release. Iconoclast is equal parts pleasant surprise and aural journey -- especially if listened to from front to back. [Note -- The CD version of Iconoclast features additional enhanced content, including a video for "On the River," an interview with Burton C. Bell and John Bechdel, a biography, and links to the website and store.] ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide