Mechanize in Bloomington, MN

When
Dino Cazares
' band
Divine Heresy
was gaining more and more momentum in 2007 and 2008, it seemed doubtful that he would ever be a part of
Fear Factory
again. But in 2009, the guitarist surprised the metal world by reuniting with vocalist
Burton C. Bell
in a new
lineup that also included bassist
Byron Stroud
and drummer
Gene Hoglan
(known for his contributions to
Strapping Young Lad
,
Dark Angel
, and other bands). Meanwhile, guitarist/bassist
Christian Olde-Wolbers
Ray Herrera
-- having left
-- were keeping busy with their band
Arkaea
that year.
Mechanize
is
's first album since
Cazares
' return, and the
/
Bell
Stroud
Hoglan
lineup doesn't disappoint. This early 2010 release/2009 recording doesn't break any new ground for the band --
is very much a throwback to the industrialized
sound of the '90s -- but there is no shortage of passion on scorching tracks like
"Christploitation,"
"Designing the Enemy,"
"Oxidizer,"
and
"Industrial Discipline"
(which is an appropriate name for a
tune in light of the major role they played in bringing industrial elements to alternative metal). If
lacks the freshness that characterized
on
Soul of a New Machine
Demanufacture
, or
Obsolete
back in their '90s heyday, that doesn't make the performances any less inspired or focused.
(who left
in 2002 and spent seven years away from the band) is still a sledgehammer of a guitarist, and he plays like he is thrilled to be a part of
again.
isn't quite in a class with
or
, which are widely regarded as two of
's most essential releases. But it's still an album that longtime followers will welcome. ~ Alex Henderson