FEAR FACTORY - Obsolete (8.0 on the Richter Scale)

After 1995's killer Demanufacture, many people were expecting the follow up to be one of two things.

These either being a techno-oriented album like the remix album Remanufacture, or a sequel to Demanufacture. While it wasn't really either it perhaps fits a little into the description of the latter. Some fans of the band seem to be upset at the seemingly softer style exhibited on Obsolete, while others such as myself see it as natural progression. Obsolete contains some brutal Demanufacture style songs such as 'Shock' and 'Edgecrusher', it also contains some slower melodic songs such as 'Descent' and 'Resurrection', with the latter even including an orchestra. Overall it is an excellent album and should definitely be picked up by any one who enjoyed both the heavy and melodic side of Demanufacture. The album has been describes as the 'Soundtrack for the Future' and I would have to agree!

Highlights: Shock, Edgecrusher, Obsolete, Resurrection.

Reviewed by: Matt D.