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When you think of Fear Factory, crushing industrial sounds usually immediately come 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-80's 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
Ethereal side project from Fear Factory's Burton C. Bell and remixer/producer John Bechdel has a more spiritual quality than the cyber metal we're used to from these two. Bell's voice is unmistakable and his philisophical take on things is interesting whether backed by guitars or ambient synths. A hypnotic ying to Fear Factory's yang.
- Jonathan Williams - Prick Magazine
Discography
Iconoclast: 2005 enhanced CD/EP
Iconoclast: 2005 Special Edition LP
2005 Mischief Dynasty Soundtrack (contains the track Moonshine from "Iconoclast")
Photos
Bio
Ascension of The Watchers, the creative journey of Burton C. Bell and John Bechdel, is a vision born of life, love and spirituality. The music, melodies and lyrics gives one the opportunity to share in Burton's visions as he sees them, in their purest form. 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, 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. John's talent, patience and like-mindedness helped Burton's creative destiny manifest, and through their collaboration they have brought to life a beautiful testimonial that all who listen can relate to.
With Burton's unprecedented vocal sound and style, coupled with the brilliantly orchestrated musical compositions of both Burton and John, Ascension of The Watchers echoes the sounds of a prophetic hallucination that most can feel in their fears and dreams, with remorse of things lost and forgotten; but with a hope of redemption and light in the future.
After two years of writing and recording, along with reflection on the very personal nature of this project, Ascension of The Watchers truly began it's journey in 2005 with limited edition vinyl and CD releases entitled "Iconoclast" and smaller more intimate live performances. With additional material being conceptualized and written, Ascension of The Watchers will continue to grow and evolve well into the future.
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