Back in 2002 the departure of the guitarist Dino Cazares made Fear Factory's future unpromising. His slot was quickly replaced by Christian Olde Wolbers. Christian was initially a guitarist but was playing the role of the bassist in Fear Factory, so he already knew how the band was working. Former Strapping Young Lad bassist Byron Stroud joined the Factory team and combined to the rest, threw his own Fears away..
Before the release of Archetype the band had stated that it would be even stronger than Demanufacture, but everyone else had some reservations about this statement. These reservations were alleviated once the album was out. It can be described as one mighty, big, both middle fingers extended album. Even from the first song Slave Labor their mood for a combination of killing drums, riffs and melodic vocals can be seen, a mood that is carried out throughout Archetype.
Burton Bell's vocals are once again excellent. In each song he is giving out vocal lessons to all the genre singers. Christian seems excited in his new position and it can be seen through the amazing riffs. Byron Stroud used his experience gained in Strapping Young Lad and is now an inseparable band member. Last but not least, the tower behind the drum kit, the one who gave Fear Factory their distinctive sound and made them beloved, continues spreading his talented drumming.
This album marks the return of Fear Factory that every fan wanted. Fear is always welcome when it comes with a price...
Release date : April 20th, 2004