FEAR FACTORY w/ DAYSEND

After twenty-years of spreading their infections industrial inspired death, metallers FEAR FACTORY have returned to their Australian audience to re-introduce their skull shattering live show. Rejoining with guitarist Dino Cazares, vocalist Burton C. Bell, drummer Gene Hoglan and bassist Byron Stroud came with an onslaught, underlining that after their silence they are crushing forward, and this audience was ready for it.

January 18th was a gig where anticipation seethed from the crowd. As the Manning Bar began to fill up, it was time for the only support of the night; Sydney’s thrash outfit DAYSEND.

Last time I had the pleasure of seeing the quintet I was a wee young lass, and was obviously excited to witness them live again. From their opening notes, DAYSEND showed that this was going to be an amazing night. The crowd grew steadily closer to the stage, blown away by the energy from the five-piece and their flawless and tight performance.

Playing a mix from their first two releases; 2003's 'Severance', 2007's highly acclaimed 'The Warning' [voted the second metal release of 2007 by JJJ's Full Metal Racket] and the brand new, 'Within the Eye of Chaos' due to be released on the 19th of February, DAYSEND showed their musicianship through their dynamic structures, and forward moving rhythms.

Vocalist Mark McKernan brought out faultless clean vocals juxtaposed with harsh screams, set off by memorable guitars and blasts from drummer Wayne J. Morris. As always, lead guitarist Aaron Bilbija showed his technical proficiency with speedy finger work and awesome stage presence. The stance brought on by bass player Meredith Webster, shows that she is one of the strongest females in metal. She may be petite, but she can kick anyone’s arse whilst on stage, and if not, I am sure she will undermine you with her talent.

Personal highlight of the night was “The Blood of Angels” off 'Severance'. From the opening of the thrashing riffs, the frenzied drums, to the initial harsh lines of “Take this meager offering”, one is truly blown away. As DAYSEND finished their set, the crowd gave an awesome response to a fantastic and raw performance from a band that has to be checked out. Setting off on their national tour from the 12th of February in support of the forthcoming 'Within the Eye of Chaos', there should not be an excuse to miss them.

When filled with anticipation, any sound check feels overtly longer than usual. This indeed was the case on the night. As the lights grew dim all rushed to find a place with the best view, and I ended up at the back with the sound desk.

Coming on to the stage FEAR FACTORY were met with a mass wall of yells and applause. Opening their set with what I found to be a brilliant surprise, “Shock”, the crowd grew with madness, as the centre of the pit exploded with the violent adoration of punters. Following this intensity was “Edgecrusher” and “Smasher/Devourer”, which were met with what became a consistent esteem and thrashing of the crowd.

During the first few songs of their set, guitarist Dino Cazares had to endure some technical difficulties due to equipment rather than own fault, which was something that one can presume would have been more of a comedown for him than anyone in the crowd, who were still in absolute awe by what was in front of them.

Proceeding with their set, FEAR FACTORY gave a vast mix from their discography, including tracks off their latest release 'Mechanize' in the form of "Powershifter" and "Fear Campaign". The strength and aptitude witnessed on stage shows that this quartet is not slowing down, as evidently exposed through their latest singles; filled with a current of speed and a forceful wall of sound.

Edging my way closer to the action, the crowd was definitely felt and observed as the insanity one can guess. No surprise was the want to hear 'Demanufacture', and this machine delivered with an onslaught of offerings from the ’95 release. "Demanufacture", "Self Bias Resistor", "Zero Signal" were there, with a harshness that resonated throughout the walls of the venue, and for this the atmosphere was mimicked from the music to the ears of the people, who erupted in a chorus.

Finishing their set with “Pisschrist” and “Replica” FEAR FACTORY gave it their all, as the crowd became a sea of hair edging closer to the four-piece. With a performance that highlighted the remarkable talent and vigor of this band, FEAR FACTORY have shown their rightful place in metal, and left us walking away truly wanting more.