Watchtower was formed in May 1982 in Austin, Texas. The quartet made its recording debut in 1983 with an early version of the song "Meltdown", which was included on the "Cottage Cheese from the Lips of Death - A Texas Hardcore Compilation" LP. It was followed by the debut album, "Energetic Disassembly", issued in 1985 on the band's own DIY label, Zombo Records. An earlier version of the album was scrapped after the group's label, Rainforest Records, closed its doors. "Energetic Disassembly" is notable for its heavy use of time changes and is considered to be a landmark in progressive metal. The album saw Watchtower tour with bands like Slayer, Anthrax, Helstar, Celtic Frost, Voivod and Armored Saint.