Fear Factory
Transgression

THE REVIEW

Mah!

Those who know and appreciate the skills of these four individuals will have heard or informed themselves about this "Transgression." A Fear Factory album without new members but with Chris "Olde" Wolders on guitar instead of bass, and in the latter's place, Byron Stroud from Strapping Young Lad. The novelty of this album is precisely the sound, which is what a band should do: explore and not repeat the same past sounds; but the experimentation now is not characterized by synths or perhaps a drum machine, something they never did, but rather by Burton's use of his voice.

His singing is not aggressive and powerful but sweet and linear with many high tones and often various high notes scattered here and there. This type of melodic singing does not suit his magnificent voice, which never before had tried such melodic pieces; it is famous mostly for its ability to alternate powerful and effective growls with clean tones, but despite this, the result is disappointing and definitely unimpressive, almost like a flat Serj Tankian. Burton possesses one of the best voices in metal but from song number 4 to number 10, he does not demonstrate it at all, or at least we know what he can do, and he hasn't done it here.

For the rest, the sound has changed, as it always does on their albums, there's a damned harmony between the guitar, which plays schematically as it always has, even if here, at times, it even exceeds in repetitiveness and monotony and incredibly delves into a solo in "Echoes Of My Scream", which is the most experimental track of the album, and the real drum machine of the earth "RAYMOND," but this time he limits himself to accompanying the group without spectacular intros or sudden rhythm changes, to be clear, he doesn't stamp, doesn't break the snare drums, doesn't do anything, he just moves the double pedal in sequence like a magnetic preset. No title was more fitting "Transgression" -> "Step back".

It consists of 11 songs which become nine if we subtract the two covers. "I Will Follow" by the legendary U2 is practically identical, but Burton's voice tone is not suitable for this type of song, the same problem mentioned above arises here, and this is Fear Factory's tribute to U2. "Millennium" by Killing Joke is a song that recalls the cyberpunk themes they have always followed, with entire works dedicated to man vs. machine "I was born to live 2000 years/of man's effects on the planet/extinction is a possible risk...".

In any case, it's an album that leaves a very bitter taste, uniquely sad but so sad that it makes you want to see them live because it might be the last time. There is something in many bands that tends to exalt themselves, to be seen or to sign contracts and be dictated how to make music by their producers, which they have never done; they are a humble band that makes them immense in their musical sphere. In fact, a title to consider, a special song to keep forever in your playlist is also here, it's called "Moment Of Impact" listen to it.
Oh, please delete the name Fear Factory from this album.