Year: 2021
Total Time: 48:34
Label: Nuclear Blast
It has been six years since FEAR FACTORY released a record and, after some unpleasant situations, the time has finally come this year to release the successor to “Genexus” with the album entitled “Aggression Continuum”. This new release also marks the end of an era for the band, as it is unfortunately the last with Burton C. Bell on vocals. It should also be noted that the album was ready from 2017 but eventually Dino Cazares decided to make some changes, such as bringing Mike Heller to record the drums (replacing the drum machine), while he rewrote the guitars and bass and also added new keyboards by Rhys Fulber.
Musically, the album continues FEAR FACTORY’ s well known industrial sound path. with constant aggression and groove. The dynamics of the band’s music are interrupted only by Burton C. Bell’s clean vocals and the atmosphere created by the keyboards. Apparently, the not so good relations between band members during the recordings of the album are reflected in “Aggression Continuum’s” aggressive sound. Songs such as the title track, “Purity”, “Manufactured Hope”, “End Of Line” and “Recode” prove us the band’s unique sound. At the same time, this ongoing rage and sound’s monotone character makes the album sounds weak and monotone in some parts, as there are songs that seem to be just fillers.
“Aggression Continuum” is a decent album and, although its music “anger”, it manages to give us some melodic moments in some parts. It will certainly satisfy FEAR FACTORY’s fans, however I cannot say that it will leave the same feeling to the other listeners, as it sounds somewhat confused and unconnected in some songs, while there is a strong feeling of repetition. Perhaps this is also due to the problems that existed among the band members. The only certain thing is that, listening to this album, mixed emotions might occur. Musically it fulfills certain expectations but, on the other hand, listening to Burton behind the microphone for the last time leaves a sad feeling to those of us who grew up with the band.
Rating: 6.5/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: FEAR FACTORY – Facebook Page
