To the relief of expectant listeners 'Mechanize' quickly gets a-stomping on its title track, which opens this newest from the 90s groove-thrash legends. For the clueless ones out there, 'Mechanize' is hardly a reunion affair similar to the circumstances behind the comebacks of Death Angel and/or Testament. Only two fourths of the original crew have returned to the fold, namely the band's iconic vocalist Burton C. Bell and that overweight guitar wizard Dino Cazares, who keeps busy playing the same riff again and again, albeit at different tempos. Also adding luster to this effort are Strapping Young Lad troopers Gene Hoglan, who needs no introduction, and Byron Stroud, who keeps the bass lines seismic.

As mentioned, the album's opening salvo hammers out the pace for the ensuing material, so expect 'Industrial Discipline', 'Fear Campaign', and 'Powershifter' to follow the same mold given a few slight differences. The tempo hardly lets up on the venomous 'Christploitation' and it isn't until 'Designing the Enemy' that the band's signature force gets softened by angelic croons matched by a slower pace. It's sweet relief in the faceless wake of repetitive songs. After a few minute's interlude that's 'Metallic Division' Fear Factory go out in style for the somber and hopeful dirge that's 'Final Exit'.

Production and presentation-wise, 'Mechanize' is faultless, thus earning itself a hallowed place in the band's discography. Long time stalwarts of the band won't be disappointed either; 'Mechanize' is rife with relentless energy and a precision focus that reinforces the band's technological bent. Cohesive as a unit, exemplary as individual players, the newest incarnation of this foursome are also worth praise, from Cazares' seismic grooves and signature guitar tone to Hoglan's spine tingling percussion work. It's pure fireworks from these guys.

Yet despite the accolades, what Fear Factory can't pat themselves on the back over is the sameness of the material here. 'Fear Campaign' right down to 'Controlled Demolition' can be construed as a numbing blur for the inattentive ear; a crying shame, because on all other reveals 'Mechanize' is a sure bet.

Rating: 8½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Miguel Miranda
05/05/2010 21:39