Fear Factory

Obsolete is the third full-length release by electro-metallists Fear Factory. Admirably, the band has stayed true to their sound over the years, paying no mind to current musical trends -- they're content with their original Ministry-meets-Slayer sound. On their latest (produced by ex-Front Line Assembly member Rhys Fulber), the quartet offers more of the same sound, with a bit of experimentation thrown in for good measure, such as the use of violins, cellos, and violas on a few of the tracks. "Shock" kicks things off with the classic Fear Factory sound: mechanic heavy metal with vocals that morph from growls to hymn-like chants. Also of note is the title track, which features a robotic spoken word dialogue from industrial godfather Gary Numan, and contains slightly off-time drums that help to heighten the already existing musical tension. The album's biggest surprise however is "Resurrection," which is perhaps the most tuneful song Fear Factory has ever done, without compromising their heavy sound. [Obsolete is also available in an import release with bonus tracks.] ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide