Review and photos by Mark Thompson
Fear Factory, the pioneers of industrial metal, took the stage and delivered a relentless performance that left the crowd in awe. Drawing from their extensive discography, the band showcased their exceptional musicianship and electrifying stage presence.
The night kicked off with “Shock” from the “Obsolete” album, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. The precision in their performance was astounding, with Dino’s signature guitar sound, flawlessly recreated by Milo. The effects and nuances added by Milo throughout the show were captivating, making it a stunning opener.”Edgecrusher” followed seamlessly, another powerhouse track from “Obsolete.” The rap-like verses gave way to a massive, groove-laden chorus that had the audience headbanging in unison. The energy in the venue was palpable as the band’s infectious performance continued.
“Recharger,” from the “Mechanize” album, demonstrated the band’s tightness, especially in the intro with synchronized guitar and drum patterns. Drummer Pete Webber’s relentless and accurate playing was a sight to behold, and Milo’s vocals soared during the chorus, sending the circle pit into a frenzy.”Dielectric,” off the 2015 “Genexus” album, featured an industrial and almost dance-like intro. The song’s vocals, particularly in the verses, had a distinct Madball-style quality, and the transitions between heavy and clean vocals were executed flawlessly, maintaining the song’s tightness.
Returning to “Mechanize,” “Powershifter” proved to be an all-out slamming track, with relentless aggression from start to finish. The clean vocal parts contrasted the unrelenting musical backdrop, and Milo’s flawless delivery was met with enthusiasm from the crowd. A hardcore drumbeat in the middle section got bodies moving, and the entire venue was swept up in the performance.”Freedom or Fire” took us back to “Obsolete” with an unusual bass intro by Javier Arriaga and a textured guitar part from Dino. The track offered a different vibe from the rest of the set, with a great but aggressive vocal part in the chorus. Though not a personal favourite, it still shone in the live setting.
“Descent” from “Obsolete” provided a break in tempo, and the audience revelled in the chorus and the accompanying chord progressions. It was a welcome respite after the high-energy tracks that preceded it.”Linchpin” from the “Digimortal” album brought back the slamming groove and spluttered bass drums. The crowd joined in to sing along with the catchy chorus, revealing Fear Factory’s knack for crafting singable choruses even within extreme music.”What Will Become,” also from “Digimortal,” maintained the groove but offered a chance to catch one’s breath. The verse featured impressive double bass drumming, and the song transitioned between different sections, adding depth to the performance.
“Archetype,” from the 2004 album of the same name, had an uplifting quality, with a vocal melody that lifted the song. The cut-and-paste-style syncopated riff in the verse added depth before the chorus took the performance to a new level. Fear Factory’s ability to shape the vibe of their songs with their vocals was on full display.”Martyr” held a special place in the hearts of long-time fans, as it was one of the first tracks many heard by the band. The crowd’s engagement was evident as they sang, screamed, and growled their way through the song. This performance was particularly meaningful, considering it marked one day away from the band’s 33rd birthday on October 31st. The iconic “Demanufacture” opened with its double bass drum pattern, and the pit went wild. Crowd surfers appeared, and the performance had a hardcore-style section after the chorus that added a savage element to the show. The dirty bass line, the massive breakdown, and Milos’ interaction with the audience elevated the experience.
The night concluded with “Resurrection” from “Obsolete.” Milos took the spotlight, showcasing his powerful vocals before slamming into a grimy riff. The metronomic stops and starts in the verse were executed with brutal precision, and the almost poppy chorus brought a sense of closure to the electrifying performance. Fear Factory delivered a show that exemplified their mastery of industrial metal. The tightness of their performance, the engaging stage presence of Milo, and the well-crafted setlist made for an unforgettable night. If you have the opportunity to catch them on their tour, don’t miss out on this exceptional live experience.
Fear Factory Setlist
Shock.
Edgecrusher.
Recharger.
Dielectric.
Disruptor.
Powershifter.
freedom or Fire.
Descent.
Linchpin
What Will Become?
Archetype
Martyr
Demanufacture
Self Bias Resistor
Zero Signal
Replica
Resurrection
Main Title (Terminator Theme)
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