Fear Factory @ The Spring & Airbrake – 03/08/2010

Having spent the better part of the last decade omitting Belfast from their tour itinerary, Fear Factory had to deliver the goods this evening. Anticipation of this legendary act was massive and the stage was set for what could potentially be an iconic appearance. Northern Ireland’s metal populous would surely remark in years to come, “ Aye, but did you see Fear Factory when they blew the roof off of the Spring and Airbrake?”. History in the making for all concerned…

As it was, the turnout for this landmark date in the metal calendar was remarkable. Hordes of devoted fans occupied every square inch of the venue. If ever there was a barometer for the esteem in which this band is held, then this is surely it. Sardines have more breathing room than this…

Regardless of the cramped conditions, we, the sweaty metal brethren, wait with bated breath. The lights are killed and the music begins. The acute excitement that permeated the venue is replaced by pandemonium and any hope you had that you might escape without near fatal injuries tonight are immediately dashed. They take to the stage.

Fear Factory are well aware of their long overdue appearance tonight and subsequently set about trying to make amends in the form of a perfectly executed performance. The set list is as expansive as it is intense, spanning their entire career. As is the custom, they open with the title track from new album “ Mechanize” before launching headlong into earth shaking numbers like “ Shock” and “ Edgecrusher”. Fortunately for long time fans they do not overlook their early recordings and indulge in classic tracks like “ Martyr” and live staples, “ Self Bias Resistor” and “ Lynchpin”.

It seems as though all the issues of personnel changes and the notorious clashing of egos that had stunted the original line up have been put aside. The band seems revitalized and focused again. In fact, a certain drummer was making it look all too easy up there while Burton C. Bell’s supposedly “suspect” vocals were as powerful as they’ve ever been. Not to mention he was a consummate pro with the crowd. The only possible criticism of this performance was the lack of any sort of encore but then, when you can leave a gig bloody, bruised and soaked in sweat, with the strains of  “ Replica” resonating in your head, who really cares? See you in nine years then?

By Ryan Bentley