Generation

Description

Generation is the debut album by the American hard rock band Watchmen, released on Regency Records in 1989, distributed by Spectra. (The band had also self-released an album in 1987, a cassette entitled Fear No Evil. The title track was featured on the Regency Records compilation Underground Metal released in 1988.) The album was recorded by Michael Lord and Terry Shelton at Shelton Sound and Pro Track Recorders in Bellevue, Washington; and at Michael Lord Productions in Seattle, Washington; with Shelton and the band producing. Mixed by Lord and the band at Michael Lord Productions. The band features Greg Sweet on lead vocals, Kevin Antholt on keyboards, Dave Van Liew on guitar, and a rhythm section consisting of Doug Larson on bass and Kevin Whisler on drums.

This talented young band from Seattle, Washington has released a debut album of creative rock & roll that should please more than just the metalhead generation. Here’s some mature, tasty music flavored with pop metal choruses and keyboard sounds, genuine R&B hooks and percussion, hard rockin’ metal guitars with screamin’ vocals and even a little saxophone. The lyrics are filled with lots of scripture, proclaiming the promises and power of Christ. A good example is the rally cry in «United»: “The time has come/ to raise our fists and yell/ with His power/ we’ll storm the gates of hell/ Call back His people/ Take back His land/ Taking His kingdom/ to every man.”

Standout cuts are: «Stand Strong», with its bluesy groove; «Straight», with Def-Leppard-style BGV’s; and «Best Friend», because they’re not afraid to use the sax.

This is an original rock album with at least seven potential radio hits singles. [Doug Van Pelt, CCM, September 1989]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/generation/306819280)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Turn”
A2. “Stand Strong”
A3. “Straight”
A4. “Best Friend”

Side Two
B1. “Breakin’ The Chains”
B2. “United”
B3. “I Will Be There”
B4. “Defenders”
B5. “One Day”

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Regency Records.