“People are always fearful of something they don’t understand. The next step in evolution is a machine; a machine that can think and feel. Surviving is all that will matter,” says the narrator’s voice in leadoff track “Autonomous Combat System”. So both the artwork and storyline of Fear Factory’s new album Genexus share more than a striking similarity to the Arnold Schwarzenegger film franchise, Terminator. However, the music is fully capable of destroying anything Skynet can muster. Hollywood parallels aside, as a longtime fan of Fear Factory, it gives me great pleasure to hear vocalist Burton C. Bell and guitarist Dino Cazares gelling so fucking well together after all these years; Genexus is vital. While drummer Mike Heller may not be a household name – to say he’s on par with predecessors Raymond Herrera and Gene Hoglan is an understatement! Signing to Nuclear Blast, once again working with Rhys Fulber, utilizing Andy Sneap (Testament, Arch Enemy, Cradle Of Filth) to helm the mix – all contributed to Fear Factory delivering an album that reaffirms the band’s status as genre leaders and industry innovators.

The oh-so-familiar and incredibly welcome artillery-fire sonic assault makes Genexus instantly recognizable as Fear Factory. Burton’s rough growl, complemented by his melodic – almost angelic cleanliness – as evidenced in “Dielectric”, is as good as it was on Demanufacture. Step back, because the beginning of “Soul Hacker” has Bell declaring, “You’ll never take my soul!” This will cause concert halls worldwide to erupt into a frenzied pit. “Church Of Execution” has the tattooed frontman admonishing, “Ancient beliefs are a curse of mankind.” Just like any battle, Genexus must come to an end; although this closing format is becoming a little too familiar as the elongated, slowed-down “Expiration Date”, reminds you that “nobody lives forever.” Immortality aside, Fear Factory is a force to be reckoned with.