Hard 20 |
Fear Factory"Archetype" Legions of vocalists from the crop of new metal artists employ a patterned technique of alternating between aggressive and melodic structures from which influence may be attributed directly to Burton C. Bell of Fear Factory. His pioneering efforts have helped to establish a style which was instrumental in bringing the metal genre to the next level, and those efforts continue today with "Archetype", a pummeling dose of cyber metal that forms an assault upon the aural senses. From the relentless machinations of "Corporate Cloning" to the vicious offensive of "Cyberwaste", this album sets the benchmark for other bands of this ilk to follow. Containing thirteen tracks of pure metallic onslaught, "Archetype" is an inroad to apocalyptic melodia which fans should no doubt satisfy the appetites of votaries old and new. The band executes it's rhythms with the precision of a well maintained machine, bringing forth cacophonies of new age metal harmony on the relentless "Default Judgment". With it's steely riffing courtesy of Christian Olde Wolbers, (the group's former bassist) this track is an exercise in Thrash riffing 101, while new member Byron Stroud (formerly of Strapping Young Lad) skillfully plucks the four string on the spacey and dynamic "Human Shields" The band does a superlative rendition of Nirvana's "School" that is raw and brutal. Such a choice for a cover belies the diverse influences of the outfit. Fear Factory is in the prime of their career, blazing trails into the great heavy metal unknown. Thou shalt not miss them whence they arrive to devastate your city! Check them out at www.fearfactory.com |