First Watch was Guardian's debut produced by Stryper guitarist Oz Fox on the late great Enigma Records. The line up was comprised of David Bach on bass guitar, Tony Palacios on guitar, Rikk Hart on drums, and Paul Crowley on guitar and lead vocals. The band by this time, had long abandoned the 'armor' that had made them a favorite on the Sunset Strip back in the early to mid 1980s. The production is tight and the songwriting/playing is superb. Hot tracks include the opener "I'll Never Leave You," "Mystery Man," "Good Life," and the heartfelt "The Miracle." Not long after its release, the band experienced the loss of drummer Hart and co-founder Crowley which led Bach and Palacios to recruit drummer Karl Ney and former Indiana based Tempest vocalist Jamie Rowe.

There have been so many changes and sounds as well as even singers as this group has progressed. In all fairness though, this had to have been one of, if not their best release. Neoclassical rock combined with metal made air guitar so heavenly. This is my favorite album that this group has ever made. From the start to the finish, First Watch intrigues the listener. In my opinion, this group should have been up there with Stryper. If you like air guitar with great hooks, melodies, and a tight sound, I highly recommend this album.