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Archetype Fear Factory Metal / Liquid 8 2004 Tracklist |
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Fear Factory is back together after some confusion. Dino Cazares is no longer in the band and former bassist Christian Olde Wolbers takes over on guitar. Byron Stroud takes Christian's place as bassist, although on the album Christian did double duty playing both the guitar and bass. If I had to write a one word review for this album it would be easy, so easy in fact the band did it for me. Archetype is archetypical Fear Factory; the name says it all. Instead of evolving their sound like in the past the work on one-upping their trademarks of fast double-kicks, growling mixed with singing, and riffs that emulate the drums. Although, Burton's vocals seem to go through a wider varied of styles than usual (except for maybe Obsolete). The lyrics to this album are the most personal ever on a Fear Factory album. Slave Labor is about their record deal with Roadrunner, Archetype can be boiled down to the "removal" of Dino, and Cyberwaste is an attack on all the internet junkies that attacked the band after they reformed. Others like Act of God and the haunting Human Shields are about the wars in the Middle East. School on the other hand is a faithful Nirvana cover. Stand out songs are Slave Labor, Drones, and Corporate Cloning for their drumming and intros and Cyberwaste and Bonescraper for their pure intensity. Archetype is the "Replica" of the album in that it is sort of a summary of the parts of the album. Bite the Hand That Bleeds is a slight change for Fear Factory; it is somewhat of a haunting ballad. Undercurrent lives up to its name in that it actually gives the sensation of being swept away by a current. Ascension is an industrial track that almost sounds like FLA. Overall the album sounds more natural human feel, unlike Digimortal's cold machine feel, and relies a lot less on samples than their other albums. This album is just what the band needs to rejuvenate their career, heavy and brutal with a soft side that is not contrived.
Score: 9.7
Cabal