Fear Factory - Mechanize

It’s almost a year ago that metal fans worldwide rejoiced in unison when word surfaced that Burton C. Bell and Dino Cazares had well and truly stitched up their wounds and reformed Fear Factory, being the band’s two key components. But the reunion was not without its aches and pains as original bassist Christian Olde Wolbers and drummer Raymond Herrera reared their heads and threatened legal action over the usage of the FF name last summer. But much of the legal threats and nattering seemed to dwindle away and this new incarnation of Fear Factory set about a new album with Byron Stroud on bass and the inimitably renowned drummer, Gene Hoglan.

So, with a refreshing vigour and ambition bestowed upon one of the most important metal bands in the 90s who dropped albums like Demanufacture it was going to be an enthralling set of events to watch unfold since the last record, 2005’s rather slushy Transgression.

But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. While Fear Factory plodded along without Dino Cazares following his departure in 2002, the band were inescapably hit and miss although Archetype displayed some solid and thunderous tunes. But in contrast, it was followed up by the aforementioned Transgression, which left many a fallow feeling behind.

Mechanize is the complete opposite of that though. The title track is largely emblematic of the no frills, straight for the jugular metal that is this album’s focal point with Bell ruthlessly bellowing. But although Mechanize is wholly unrelenting and insistently heavy it doesn’t lack hooks, as 'Powershifter' and 'Controlled Demolition' edify.

All of the new Fear Factory’s parts have everything they’ve been hyped up to have. Bell’s vocals are consistent and solid and Dino Cazares’ fret bothering remains its unique self. Cazares has been lauded throughout his career for his slick riffing and much of the record’s guitar work is some of his heaviest and devious. But along with that, Gene Hoglan shines wondrously here with unremitting and viscerally punishing drums.

Each track brings something to the table meaning the record never feels laborious like 'Christploitation' which indicates that Bell is as pissed off as ever, being incessant and not letting up an ounce on the aggression. But then album closer 'Final Exit' provides for an awe inspiring crescendo and appropriate exit for Mechanize.

It seems that all the BS of the years has only fuelled a raging fire inside Fear Factory. Mechanize will sit contentedly next to other career bests Demanufacture and Obsolete and should with time and the expected immense touring, reinstate Fear Factory as being one of the top guns in metal.

8/10