Ascension of the Watchers

Ascension Of The Watchers features Fear Factory vocalist Burton C. Bell, and is signed to 13th Planet—the label owned and operated by Ministry mastermind Al Jourgensen. However, despite the industrial-aggro associations of this project, it's the anti-thesis of cyberized metal! So if you're a huge Fear Factory or Ministry-diehard, check all of your pre-conceived notions and expectations at the door, because the pedigrees of those involved do not synch up with the music put forth on Numinosum. The album hypnotizes with ambient soundscapes, 5-minute-and-counting-songs, and Bell and his cohorts aren't afraid to stretch their creative muscles and show their softer sides. Ascension Of The Watchers is a bit like new age music, but hold up! I'm not talking "New Age" in the Yanni/John Tesh-sphere. Rather, this music is for metalheads looking for something a little more relaxing—a "sonic escape," if you will. Numinosum is peaceful, brooding, a bit eccentric, and will appeal to your cerebral side. That said, it's certainly not for everyone, and will appeal to a specific, niche audience. If you like to unwind after a long, stressful day to dark, yet soothing music, then this'll work wonders for your tired, weary bones. — Amy Sciarretto
03.25.08