Fear Factory: Mechanize

The bitter taste that was left in most people’s mouth after 2005’s “Transgression” was more than palpable within the metal community. After such a strong comeback with 2004’s “Archetype” most were left shaking their heads with the follow up. Many thought that, perhaps, the band might put their collective minds together and produce an album to redeem themselves, but sadly, that was not the case. Shortly after the release of “Transgression” the band announced they were going on a hiatus to work on various side gigs and projects the members had their hands in. Herrera and Wolbers created a band called Arkaea, and Bell began recording tracks in a number of side projects/guest appearances, which only furthered the hiatus.  By 2008, most thought that the band had officially split up as, other than rumors, there was not much in the way of hope for fans.

However, in 2009, an article stated that the band would indeed be getting back together and would feature both Bell and Dino. Apparently, the two had put aside their differences and reunited, but due to internal disputes (no details in this review) both Herrera and Wolbers would not be returning. On one hand, the notion of Fear Factory reuniting again was big news and even more so that Dino was back. On the other, losing Wolbers and Herrera lead to some concerns. Byron Stroud was slated to return on bass, which was reassuring, but that left the void of the drums, an aspect of the band’s sound that simply cannot be overlooked. Well, in a good PR move, the band made a special announcement that the drums would be fronted by none other than the legend, Gene Hoglan (Death, Death Angel and Dark Angel). The loss of Herrera was tough, but if you’re going to replace someone on his level than it better be with someone that will be able to fill those shoes and with Hoglan’s announcement, fans’ worries were put to ease.

Now, for a successful second comeback, “Mechanize” would need to have the same impact “Archetype” had after the band’s initial split, but would also have to capture the cyber metal power and aggression from the days of old. I’m sure if this was nothing more than “Archetype” 2.0 people might not be too upset, but with Dino and Burton back together along with Hoglan on board, fans wanted a fresh sound with the classic elements up front and center, not a rehash. Fortunately, “Mechanize” would have the comeback power of “Archetype”, while capturing elements of their work on both “Demanufacture” and “Obsolete”.

Right from the get go, “Mechanize” starts off with the titular track, harnessing the aggressive nature we heard with “Cyberwaste”. It’s pulsating, fierce and exudes with anger and violence. “Industrial Discipline” carries the classic harsh leads and clean vocals fear factory built their name on since “Demanufacture”. The classic cyber metal formula of harsh and clean vocals, chugging riffs and breakneck drums are all present, from start to finish. The industrial sound is only enhanced by each of the instrumentation, playing with rhythm and harmony that not only function like a machine, but at times, give off a machine like sound.

Bell’s vocals are back in full effect. His harsh vocals sound much more crisp and to the point, even more so than they were on “Archetype”. His cleans are as euphoric as normal, only with the hint of programming, they give them an extra machine like touch that help create pleasant choruses and memorable notes. Unlike “Transgression” Bell unloads his pent up aggression upon the listener and those who waited patiently for another punishing display of vocal ferocity, you won’t be disappointed with “Mechanize”. I gave a special nod to the track “Echo of My Scream” on “Transgression”, which put Bell’s vocals in a more emotional spotlight. “Final Exit” has that same feel to its makeup and when you listen to it, you truly feel the emotion in Bell’s voice. It’s a welcome addition to mark an end of such an intense album.

With Dino back on guitars for the first time since. “Digimortal” fans immediately could hear the bouncy grooves that Dino had created since the days of “Soul of a New Machine.” The crunchy riffs carry the machine like nature that is undeniably, Dino. This sound had been missing from both “Archetype” and “transgression” and although the former did not suffer from as much, the latter did not fare well. In any case, the powerful leads have returned to help shape the skeleton of the bands structure. Of course, there isn’t much in the way of solos, which is nothing new, but at times there are passages that create an almost solo experience, but instead of stepping into the spotlight, they accentuate the overall mood and compliment the sound, rather than stand out. In any case, his guitar work is a welcome addition to the comeback.

Byron Stroud’s work on “Transgression” was one of the few shining points the album had to offer instrumentation wise. With a lack of solos or much in the way of guitar fills, the bass, drums and guitars play as a cohesive unit in order to create a homogenized rhythm section, which requires each instrument to carries its own weight.  This is more than accomplished by Stroud as his thick and reverberated chords both stand out when they need to, but also harmonizes nicely to form the team effort on rhythms.

Gene Hoglan needs no introduction. The man is a legend in the metal community. As I said, learning the Herrera would be absent from “Mechanize” made me worry, but as soon as I heard Hoglan would be filling in, I knew there was nothing to worry about. The drums have always been the pulse of Fear Factory. They have always driven the songs forward, added to the rhythms that the guitars lack and created a mechanical power that gave their sound a distinction of industrial nature. Hoglan understood this concept and set out to not only stay true to the mantra the drums held in Fear Factory’s past, but also added his only fierce and emetic touch. The result; a rapid fire displays of blast, beast, bass kicks and cymbal crashes, but they are played with such fluidity and skill that they are not merely a mash up of sound and loud noises. Hoglan uses a variety of tempos and rhythms that allow him to create an ebb and flow rhythmic base that anchors the sound of “Mechanize” while also playing together nicely with Dino and Stroud.

Of course, Rhys Fulber is back for more key programming and electronic touches that have given the band so much of its industrial identity, I don’t;’ think they would not have had the success they have had without him. Sometimes the smallest additions can have big impacts and with Fulber, it shows.

Fear Factory’s second come back was just as successful and served as just as much of a fresh breath of air as “Archetype”. Although the atmospheres of each album are respectively both unique and on par with the style the band plays, “Mechanize” seems to drive home the intensity a little more, straight forward. Once again, the worries of fans would be put to rest and this time, the band seems to be back for good.

Highlights: “Mechanize” "Industrial Discipline" "Powershifter" "Final Exit"

Rating: 4.5