Demanufacture

Fear Factory | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 13, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Roadrunner Records
• ASIN: B000000H64
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (153 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,548 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #27 in Music > Alternative Rock > Goth & Industrial > Industrial > Alt Industrial
  • #60 in Music > Hard Rock & Metal > Death Metal
  • #89 in Music > Hard Rock & Metal > Thrash & Speed Metal

Track Listings

1. Demanufacture

2. Self Bias Resistor

3. Zero Signal

4. Replica

5. New Breed

6. Dog Day Sunrise

7. Body Hammer

8. Flashpoint

9. H-K (Hunter-Killer)

10. Pisschrist

11. A Therapy For Pain

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece of modern metal., February 19, 2004

By 

The Wickerman (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Demanufacture (Audio CD)

Fear Factory was one of the first "serious metal" bands I ever heard, and it was a good place to start, because they are also among the best. "Demanufacture" is one of the most revered metal albums of the 90's, and it's easy to see why. The album is packed with crushing, thrash-inspired riffs that continue the tradition of bands like Slayer, Pantera, Metallica, etc. But Fear Factory are not just rehashing the sounds of those bands, not in the least. They are one of the most original bands in the genre, and their innovation is just as evident as their ability to make your head bang.

The album starts off with the title track, beginning with frontman Burton C. Bell singing softly over a thrashy industrial riff, finally elevating into a brutal growl. In this one song, we get a glimpse of the extent of Bell's amazing versatility. He can sing in a unique, ethereal voice, and switch to unbridled aggression in the blink of an eye. "Self Bias Resistor" is further proof of his vocal ability, featuring an excellent melodic chorus to contrast with the overall heaviness of the song. Likewise, electronic keyboard sounds underscore the crushing riffage, adding unique flavor to the familiar metal-isms.

From here, the greatness is nearly nonstop. "Zero Signal" begins with an eerie, ambient intro, finally erupting into ferocity by the end. "Replica" and "Body Hammer" are crunchy groove-monsters, while "New Breed" and "HK (Hunter-Killer)" are fast and relentless. The album is propelled by Dino's machine-gun-like rhythms, and Ray Herrera's pounding drums. Both are accused of being "simple" musicians, due in large part to Ray's lack of conventional fills, and Dino's lack of shredding solos. However, both are undeniably skilled. Listen to Dino's jackhammer of a right hand, or Ray's impeccable double bass control, and you'll see what I mean.

The album ends on an unexpectedly soft note, with the incredible 9-minute "A Therapy for Pain". The song is uniformly slow and moody, with overwhelming ambience and beauty. The guitars and keys lay down a huge, encompassing backdrop, and Burton's vocals are just unreal. The song gives the feel of being surrounded by a dark, cold, futuristic setting (think "The Matrix", minus Keanu Reeves). Maybe I say this a lot, but this is one of those songs that you just have to hear for yourself.

Despite all of the things that make this album so incredible, there are a few small shortcomings. The cover track "Dog Day Sunrise" is glaringly weak, as compared to the rest. It's not really bad, per se, but amid all the other great songs, it definitely stands out. Even if you aren't aware that it's a cover, it still feels as though it shouldn't be there. Also, the production is a little weak. Burton's vocals feel a little too pushed back in the mix, and they don't pack quite the punch that they should. On the follow-up release, "Obsolete", the growls just hit you like a freight train, and here the music almost drowns them out at times. But that's a minor complaint. It's really not that distracting for the most part.

Anyway, the important thing is this: "Demanufacture" is a masterpiece of metal, with few flaws. If you love music that's equally heavy and creative, you have no excuse not to have this in your collection. Buy it, or forever be unmetal.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The FEaR FactORY CD to have!, April 1, 2000

By 

"demonoid" (???????????????????????????????????) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Demanufacture (Audio CD)

Well to start off this cd is badass! If you like Death Metal, Industrial Metal, and Harcore Metal you'll love this CD! With songs like Demanufacture, Zero Signal, and Replica it's headbangers bliss. The band is also very orignal with Dino (the gutairst) doing those machine gun riffs (best example of that would be in the beginning of PISSCHRIST) and Burton (the vocalist) when he changes his voice from that real deep voice (something like the guy in Cannibal Corpse) to that softer more melody like voice is sweet and kinds odd. And Raymond (the drummer) at how he uses those foot pedals to make the drums keep up with Dino. To put all this simple BUY THIS NOW!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Absolutely PHENOMENAL album!!, July 10, 2001

By 

Mike Neuberg (Parsippany, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Demanufacture (Audio CD)

Fear Factory's "Demanufacture" is without question, the greatest Fear Factoy album recorded. No filler tracks here. Just spine-crushing riffs by Dino, INCREDIBLE drumming by Raymond, AWESOME bass playing by Christian and great singing and screaming by Burton C. Bell on EVERY track. You can't go wrong on this album - it's too damn great!

Tracks are:

1. Demanufacture: MASSIVELY heavy song. Set's the mood for the rest of the album. Dino riffs are AWESOME! Burton C. Bell proves he can sing as well as scream on this song.

2. Self Bias Resistor: This song should be a drummer's anthem. Raymond's work is Unbelievable! This is many people's favorite track on the album and rightfully so! Awesome riffs, but Burton C. Bell vocals stand out in this song. This Song has one of the, if not THE greatest chorus in Metal music history. A plain GREAT song.

3. Zero Signal: GREAT SONG! One of the best on the album. This should have been a single!!!! Dino's work on this song is GREAT with bone-breaking riffs. Raymond also is great on this song. Great use of Synthesizers as well.

4. Replica: The album's most popular song. Fear Factory even did a video for this song. It's an great song. Awesome intro and great lyrics. Again, a great song.

5. New Breed: A interesting mix of Techno and Metal. This is probably my least favorite track on the album, but it still is pretty cool. Great use of Synthesizers to get that Techo sound. It's kinda weird at first listen, but you'll start to like it as you listen to it more.

6. Dog Day Sunrise: A cover from the band Head Of David. GREAT SONG! Very cool riffs (although there are only 2 in the whole song. They definelty blew the original version away.

7. Body Hammer: AWESOME riffs! A great song with good lyrics and Raymond again kickin' massive @$$ on the drums.

8. Flashpoint. One of the most Brutal, Fast, and INSANELY heavy songs EVER. And all packed in under 3 minutes. AWESOME bass intro and Massive vocals by Burton. Too bad they don't play this live often.

9. H-K (Hunter-Killer): My favortie song on the Ablum! INCREDIBLE SONG! HEAVY guitars and GREAT lyrics and singing by Burton. They need to play this live more often. Just a plain great song.

10. Pisschrist: Wow. That's all I can say about this song. I never knew how opposed to religious hypocrisy Burton is. An GREAT song and Dino has some of his best work on this song. But be warned, if you are deeply relgious, you will most likely be offened by this song. However, it still rules!

11. A Therapy For Pain: A Nice, slow way to finish the album. Clocking just under 10 minutes, this song seems VERY long. When Burton stops singing, we hear the Synthesizers yet again for 4-5 minutes. A very moving song.

Well, like I said, This is the BEST Fear Factory album. All Fear Factory beginners should start here. All fans of Techo Metal will love this as well as just-metal lovers. One of the greatest metal albums EVER. Definetly check it out.