I was already a bit late since the doors were supposed to open at 9 and I arrived at the venue just to catch the first support act, the Athenian KARMA VIOLENS on stage, already playing. Their dynamic melodic Death Metal/Metalcore sound proved to be a good choice, since the crowd got a bit warmed up. The quartet gave its best on stage, but due to some problems they had to cut down their set to four songs! Too bad cause I really wanted to see some more from these guys. All in all, they proved to be a strong and tight as fuck unit that can stand next to any band out there. Already waiting for their next show and their debut album.

The next support act that took on the role of warming up the crowd was the also Athenian Grindcore band SLAVEBREED. SLAVEBREED unfortunately had to play a short set, too, but since their songs are short it didn't seem like a real problem to them. The guys were surely energetic, with their singer Smirnoff having an energy burst! The guy was insane on stage! The band earned a warm applause from the audience and surely some new fans.

It was time for the band we all were there to see, the high and mighty FEAR FACTORY who visited us for the first time 20 years! With a new album and a line up that kills. The US Industrial Metal band with its Death Metal roots got on stage with "Mechanize" just to get the party started. With Cazares unleashing his violent riffs, Stroud being the most solid unit I have ever seen, Hoglan being a real beast behind his drum kit and Bell in a great mood and shape, FF pleased every single fan of theirs that night. Even though I was expecting cold professionalism, the band was interacting with the crowd and the crowd of course didn't miss the chance to sing every single word, especially when Bell gave us the chance to accompany him. One more good thing (for me at least) was the setlist, since it contained many songs from different albums that ranged from groovy ("Shock") to fast and brutal ("Christploitation") and "atmospheric" ("Resurrection"). From sing along parts to brutal moshpits, everyone left the club more than pleased. This really was one of the few times that I didn't hear any negative comments…

The attendance, the band's stage presence and the overall sound were better than expected. What else can a metalhead ask? Only a kind of better organized event from the organizer's or the band's side (I am not trying to accuse someone in specific) so as the support acts can get the time and respect they deserve.

FEAR FACTORY setlist:

Encore: