Description
First Watch is the debut album by the American hardrock/metal band Guardian, released on Enigma Records in June 1989. Also distributed by The Benson Company. The album was recorded by Dan Nebenzal at Sound City Studios and Nevermore in Los Angeles, and at Pakaderm Studios in Los Alamitos, California; 1988, with Oz Fox of Stryper fame producing. Mixed by Mike Mierau, Nebenzal, and Fox at Pakaderm Studios. On their debut album Guardian featured Paul Cawley on lead vocals and guitar, Tony Palacios on lead guitar, and a rhythm section consisting of bassist David Bach and drummer Rikk Hart. First Watch sold 30,000 copies in it’s first month of release.
This long-awaited album unleashes the commercial sound of melodic metallers, Guardian. Producer Oz Fox has crafted a refined, polished sound out of four very talented musicians. Tony Palacios’ guitar work sings above the mix with clarity, accenting the tight double-bass drumming by Rikk Hart and the solid bass lines of David Bach. Paul Cawley’s vocals are clean and have a good midrange.
«Livin’ for the Promise» is a rockin’ anthem telling of God’s goodness and trustworthiness. «Miracle» is a haunting song that whispers along until it builds enough to explode with pounding bass drums and power chords.
«One of a Kind» showcases Guardian’s California party-rock sound with shades of Van Halen. Guardian’s hot BGV’s shine brightest in this song. This album accomplishes the awesome feat of living up to the underground buzz it’s been creating for almost two years. [Doug Van Pelt, CCM, June 1989]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/first-watch-20th-anniversary-edition/338660871)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “I’ll Never Leave You” – 4:28
A2. “Mystery Man” – 4:05
A3. “Livin’ For The Promise” – 4:08
A4. “Miracle” – 4:53
A5. “Saints Battalion” – 3:42
Side Two
B1. “Kingdom Of Rock” – 3:25
B2. “The Good Life” – 4:36
B3. “One Of A Kind” – 3:30
B4. “World Without Love” – 3:51
B5. “Rock In Victory” – 3:45
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD, with the CD version featuring two bonus tracks: “Hyperdrive” (4:17) and “Marching On” (3:55). Remastered by J Powell and re-issued on CD by Retroactive Records in 2009, distributed by Brutal Planet Distribution. This version, entitled 20th Anniversary Edition, features two bonus tracks, “Spiritual Warfare” (4:08) and “Marching On” (3:39), both tracks produced by John and Dino Elefante and originally included on the multi-artist compilation California Metal released on Regency Records in 1987.
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