Review: Fear Factory's 'Genexus' weak on production line (Grade: D)

Fear Factory brings its signature sound of machine-gun drums, high-pitched shrieks and techno-laced beats to “Genexus,” released Aug. 7.

It's not until about a minute into the opening track, "Autonomous Combat System," that the album really gets going. The space until then is filled with an ominous organ as the listener settles in. It's passable, but I've heard better introductions.

The lyrics of the second song, "Anodized," refers to evisceration. But the only thing being eviscerated are the listener's ears; the chorus is that forgettable.

Waiting behind three stage setters is “Soul Hacker,” arguably the musical equivalent of firing an intercontinental ballistic missile.

It’s loud and deep on guitar, with a unique amount of distortion adding to the grit. It’s exciting and likely the best song on the record. It’s also the album’s single.

"We chose the song ‘Soul Hacker’ for the first single ’cause it's heavy, catchy and has a lot of groove," Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares told Blabbermouth.net in June.

At 12 tracks, "Genexus" is a listen that evokes a special kind of corybantic energy, with a pace and feel most similar to a Static-X release – berserk.

That’s not a bad thing, but I expected better.