FEAR FACTORY “Concrete” /CD/

For those who don't know, “Concrete” was originally supposed to be Fear Factory's first release. The band wasn't happy with the recording contract, however, and after some legal battling, Ross Robinson ended up with the rights to the actual recordings while the band had intellectual and publishing rights, making a release impossible at the time. That said, much of the material found here was re-recorded for Soul of A New Machine, with a few tracks finding new lives on later albums, if only partially.
“Concrete” is quite a treat for those who aren't too interested in post-“Demanufacture” Fear Factory, and is also interesting look at a very influential band defining their Napalm Death inspired sound. Perhaps this album doesn't stand the test of time like their other 90's albums have, but make no mistake, it's one hell of a listen, even surpassing their later work in some respects. This is Fear Factory at their most primitive and raw state, so those who are turned off by the usual cold, overly polished sound of the band may find this album to be a highly enjoyable listen. If you derive pleasure from somewhat gritty, hard-hitting, industrially influenced death metal with a hint of clean vocals – pick this up!
Metal Mind Records, 2002 (MASS CD 0889). Polish edition.