| Musical Style: Melodic Metal | Produced By: Oz Fox |
| Record Label: Retroactive | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 1989/2018 | Artist Website: Guardian |
| Tracks: 14 | Rating: 90% |
| Running Time: 56:46 |
The 1989 Enigma Records debut full length of Guardian, First Watch, needs little introduction as a classic melodic metal album worthy of a top five finish in our list of the Top 50 Christian Metal & Hard Rock Albums of the Eighties. Its release follows on the heels of quite the storied history from the group, which traces to 1985 and debut demo Rock In Victory, a period in which it went under the Fusion moniker and played an innovative form of ‘space metal’ with its individual members dressing in futuristic style body armor. Voyager, second demo from 1987, introduced new guitarist Tony Palacios, whom joined founding members bassist David Bach and vocalist Paul Cawley, in addition to finding the group changing its name to Gardian, intentionally omitting the ‘U’ to keep the spelling at seven letters in line with the Stryper numerology of the time. In 1987, it also placed the tracks “Marching On” and “Spiritual Warfare” on the California Metal compilation, while the following year it shed its body armor and ‘space metal warriors’ image along with correctly changing its name to Guardian.
Interestingly, Guardian actually signed with Enigma in 1985 after a copy of Rock In Victory made its way to Enigma President Wesley Hein. Why did First Watch not come out until 1989? First, the group faced an extended interval as producer Oz Fox (Stryper) completed the To Hell With The Devil tour; second, once recording had been completed in 1988, Enigma waited an entire year prior to releasing First Watch. What can we deduct from this? When factoring the four years between signing with Enigma and its eventual (the key word) release, First Watch probably should have been Guardian’s sophomore effort as opposed to debut. Those that have the Rock In Victory and Voyager demos - or better yet the Voyager/Fusion compilation CD that came out on M8 Records in 2002 - know firsthand Guardian had more than enough quality material to record a strong full length album ahead of First Watch (or at the very least a solid EP).
As often happens with albums from the eighties, First Watch went out of print and turned into a hard to find collectors item. Enter Retroactive Records, whom have re-released it twice. First, which I refer to as the ‘yellow tinted version’ in ode to the altered cover art, came out in 2009 in celebration of the albums 20th anniversary. It was re-mastered (courtesy of J. Powell at Steinhaus), and released in the digi-pak format (2-panel) with “Marching On” and “Spiritual Warfare” as bonus tracks. Second from January of 2018 returned to the black and yellow cover art to the original and comes in a jewel case with a 12-page mini booklet (exclusive to lyrics, vintage band photos and press material) and the same bonus tracks. Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound handles re-mastering.
How do the three versions compare? This is where things get fun…
It is common knowledge that First Watch was a low budget release in which Oz Fox made good of a potentially challenging production situation (backing vocals were reputed to be recorded in Oz’s bathroom!). In revisiting the original, it does not sound bad with clean separation to the instrumentation, although guitars could have been beefed up a bit. Close listen to the Steinhaus and Colwell versions side by side reveals both to pretty much do the same thing: increase volume levels while correspondingly elevating low end and better bringing out the background details (such as keyboard). As for declaring a winner, the most politically way to put things would be to say it is a photo finish in that I find it difficult to distinguish between the two, which is testament to the abilities of both re-mastering technicians. That said and with all things equal, what separates the two (at least for me) is the much-improved packaging to the 2018 re-issue.
Regardless of production and re-mastering, great songs make for a great album and such is the case with First Watch. It begins with opening cuts “I’ll Never Leave You” and “Mystery Man”, whom I identify with as companion tracks from how both play up the type of commercial hooks of the kind to keep you returning with repeat listen. Former gives prominence to a mid-paced focus with some of the biggest radio friendly vocal melodies you will hear (in the most positive sense) and latter a bass guitar driven groove with vocal melodies playing every bit the profound role (but of the catchy whoa-oh, whoa oh, whoa oh variety). If given opportunity on FM radio back in the day I can see both being potential hits, but sadly, Enigma (as far as I can tell) failed to get behind either.
I identify with the two that follows as albums only cuts in the above average to good range. First, “Livin’ For The Promise”, is a straightforward and mid-paced hard rocker that over the years has not quite captured my imagination. Yes, guitars crunch and it mirrors a light catchiness, but otherwise I find the song on the plain side, at least in comparison to the brilliance to the albums remaining material (so it might not be a fair comparison to begin with).
“Miracles”, second, is a classic wave your lighter in the air power ballad that while better also proves a bit formula. Formula does not necessarily mean bad - it brings needed ingredients in terms of calmer and heavier moments, emotional proclivities and abundant harmonies - but I also cannot rank it alongside top ballads from the time such as “First Love” (Stryper), “He Died” (Sacred Warrior), “Eyes Of Innocence” (Holy Soldier) and “Top Of The Mountain” and “Changing Me” (Bloodgood). Of note is how the song was entitled “Miracle Of The Galaxy” during the groups space metal warrior days.
Question revolving around fifth song “Saint’s Battalion” is not so much whether it is albums best but whether or not it is Guardian’s best ever. I like to think of it as stylishly mid-paced in hinting of epic power metal (listen closely to the classically influenced keyboards) but put over the top by an understated heaviness (as found in the buffeting refrain). Palacios complements the vibrant scene with a signature run of his nimble lead guitar work.
Three-minute arena metal anthem “Kingdom Of Rock” ensues. The song places further emphasis on the up-tempo, with full on energy its distance reflected in the opening drum solo, hyper-accelerated guitar riffs and Bach’s intense low-end bass underpinnings. Guitar tones even reflect some bluesy qualities.
Speaking of the blues, “The Good Life” revels in it. The song slows things to an earthly crawl, as elements of the churlish (noting the course and abrupt guitar flavorings) and classy (another appearance from the groups spotless vocal melodies) coalesce to make an infectious statement. All the while Cawley shines with his signature at times classic tenor and others gritty and soulful but always charismatic vocal abilities.
“One Of A Kind” contrastingly kicks up quite the storm with its Van Halen style party metal flair. Loads of catchy rhythms hold sway over it, as found from how some of the albums biggest hooks rise to the surface and stand alongside pristine furbishing in the form of acoustic layers and atmospheric keyboards. Just plain fun is the impression at hand.
“World Without Love” proves a guitar harmony driven monster. Palacios puts on a literal clinic throughout the song, as his churning riffs helps fortify the plodding (almost blues tinged) verses, and guitars of a more pointed quality exponentially elevate the flowing ‘in a world without love’ refrain. Instrumentally, he once more pulls-out-all-the-stops with his excited lead guitar work.
“Rock In Victory” ranks with “Saints Battalion” as one of my album favorites. A metal anthem feel prevails front to back, with headlong guitars and keyed up rhythm section setting the irrefutable tone and copious vocal melodies lending a brightening (if not outright commercial) effect. Play this one loud as possible for maximum impact.
Enigma version closes to two bonus tracks, of which “Hyperdrive” is the first. The song plays tribute to the group’s space metal days, as found in not only its science fiction themed title but also spacey keyboard production. I particularly enjoy the closing lead guitar duel between Palacios and Fox, of which the latter gets the best of the deal. Second, “Marching On” moves at the more forward tempo, with its catchy hooks to spare and ample portions of guitar driven muscle turning it into another Guardian favorite. Of note is how Cawley lends an element of lower register grit to his delivery.
Of the California Metal bonus cuts, “Spiritual Warfare” also touches upon space metal leanings, as an out of this world keyboard solo at the start and spacey sound effects complement galloping rhythms and shouted backing vocals to create a near classic. “Marching On” dies not differ significantly from its First Watch counterpart other than Cawley sings in a smoother classic tenor style instead. Besides, the song is so good it deserves inclusion twice!
Lyrics are unabashedly Christian (the Enigma release came with scripture references for each track). The focus to “Saint’s Battalion” is on being in the “saints battalion” with Christ as your commanding officer:
Standing with millions ever strong
We will forever carry on
Forces united for a cause
Knowing someday that He will come
So come with us
And you'll believe
Jesus power is supreme
Saints - battalion
The emptiness of life in the fast lane is the subject dealt to “The Good Life”:
Something inside of me
Keeps crying out
But I don’t wanna hear another word
I live for now
This party's burning out
I'm coming down
I feel like I'm locked up in a cage
No one's around
"World Without Love" touches upon social issues and answers to the problems at hand:
Another child is gone
The slaughter of the innocent goes on
We seek illicit passions
How many more fall to addictions
Then glowing ever bright
Breaking through the night
The Almighty gives us life
“Marching On” speaks of perseverance:
A white hot knight
A shining star
His freedom fights
His battle scars
Quick sight wise might
Defeat the enemy
Life flows through the Prince of Peace
Marching on - on through all the years
Marching on - through the pain and tears
Hold the Truth up high
Marching on - the crown of life our prize
The question as it pertains to Guardian debut First Watch is which of its three versions to obtain. Original Enigma release, obviously, stands out for its collectability, but that collectability comes with a steeper price often associated with out of print music. Of the two Retroactive re-releases, I gravitate towards the most recent from early 2018 due to featuring the original cover art and better packaging. As already noted, re-mastering to the 2018 and 2009 re-issues is pretty much a wash. It is safe to assume Guardian purists will insist on obtaining all three versions!
As for Guardian itself, the groups First Watch era stood out with its eighties melodic metal sentiments that produced a high volume of quality music. Hence, if you enjoy First Watch then by all means also consider the previously notes Voyager/Fusion CD due to featuring altered versions to First Watch tracks in addition to many good songs the group failed to professionally record. It is too bad the First Watch line up did not stick around to record one more album, but change is also good in that subsequent to the departure of Cawley in 1990, Jamie Rowe assumed lead vocal duties and the rest as they say is history.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: "I’ll Never Leave You" (4:31), "Mystery Man" (4:07), "Livin’ For The Promise" (4:08), "Miracle" (4:55), "Saints Battalion" (3:47), "Kingdom Of Rock" (3:25), "The Good Life" (4:41), "One Of A Kind" (3:33), "World Without Love" (3:55), "Rock In Victory" (3:49), "Hyperdrive" (4:17), "Marching On" (3:55)
Musicians
Paul Cawley – Lead Vocals & Guitars
Tony Palacios – Lead Guitars
David Bach – Bass
Rikk Hart – Drums
Guest Musicians
Oz Fox - Guitars
