Many were disappointed by the ‘softer’, melodic approach Fear Factory had since “Obsolete”. Even more were let down with their two efforts in the past decade (“Archetype”, “Transgression”) or should we say the two efforts without Dino Cazares. The coming of the huge (both actually and metaphorically…) Gene Hoglan replacing Raymond Herrera and the return of Cazares seem to put things back in place.

The album is the most aggressive the band has done the last 15 years and maybe a return to the violent style of “Demanufacture”, their best release among their fans. Stuff like the title track, “Fear Campaign” or “Powershifter” demolish anything they meet in their way with Cazares creating walls of riffs and the powerful rhythm section (Stroud and Hoglan have been playing together for years, e.g. Strapping Υoung Lad) proves to be the best in the extreme sound nowadays. Listen to some wonderful ideas in “Christploitation” for example, so that you understand how inspired this team is again. Producer Rhys Fulber is always next to the band and Burton C. Bell finds a wonderful, musical set to lay down his amazing vocals; something he does in the best, possible way.

Those who didn’t believe in the band anymore will have a great time with “Mechanize”. There are some dark matters concerning the departure of the previous members (Wolbers – bass / guitars when Cazares left & Herrera - drums), at least from their point of view, the law accepts this version of Fear Factory. Fact is that Bell and Cazares are friends again and they are the founding members. Either way you shouldn’t miss by February 9^th to get one of this year’s best releases from the stores!