Artist: Fear Factory Album: Concrete

Year: 2002
Duration: 41:32

Fear Factory Delivers a Heavy and Dark Album with Concrete - A Critical Review

When we talk about Industrial Metal, Fear Factory is one of the most respected and influential bands in the genre. With their unique blend of brutal guitar riffs, pounding drums, and atmospheric electronics, Fear Factory has been shaping the sound of Industrial Metal since the early 90s. Their latest album, Concrete, released in 2021, is their 10th studio album, and it shows that the band is still as powerful and relevant as ever. In this blog post, we will take a critical look at the album Concrete, analyzing its style and structure, highlights, most innovative parts, and drawbacks.

Fear Factory has always been about keeping things heavy and dark, and Concrete is no exception. From the opening track Recode, we are thrown into the band's signature sound - chugging guitar riffs, pulsing basslines, and guttural vocals. However, this time, we get to see a more experimental side of Fear Factory. Unlike their previous albums, where they mainly focused on heavy guitar and drum patterns, Concrete features several ambient and electronic parts that bring a new dimension to their music.

One of the album's most innovative parts is its use of electronic elements. Fear Factory has always been known for its use of industrial influences in their music, but on Concrete, they take it to a new level. The track Supernova is a prime example of this. It starts with a haunting keyboard melody that soon evolves into a thundering electronic beat. This experimental approach to songwriting shows that Fear Factory is not afraid of taking risks and exploring new territories.

Another song on the album that deserves a special mention is Disruptor. It's a great example of how Fear Factory can combine their classic sound with modern elements. The song takes us on a journey through different styles, from heavy guitar riffs to atmospheric electronic passages, and it never loses its intensity. The lyrics on the track are also worth noting, as they touch upon themes of chaos, control, and resistance.

While Concrete has many great songs, there are some drawbacks as well. Some tracks, like Collapse and Purity, seem to lack the same intensity and energy as the rest of the album. They are not necessarily bad songs, but they don't stand out as much as the others. The biggest issue, however, is the production. While the album has some great ideas and moments, the production can make it hard to fully enjoy the experience. The guitars, in particular, sound a bit muddy and overcompressed, which is a shame because there are some great riffs buried beneath the mix.

In conclusion, Concrete is a great addition to Fear Factory's discography, showcasing their musical evolution and experimentation. The album has some standout tracks that highlight the band's strengths, and it also features some innovative elements that keep the sound fresh and exciting. However, there are some issues with production and a few lackluster tracks that prevent it from being a flawless masterpiece. Regardless, Fear Factory remains one of the most important bands in Industrial Metal and Concrete is a testament to their legacy. If you're a fan of heavy, electronic, and experimental music, this album is definitely worth checking out.