Fear Factory - Digimortal

Fear Factory’s 2001 release Digimortal went Top 40, but it’s only come out in Germany on vinyl back in 2007. And its reissue now couldn’t be more timely. Another in a string of concept albums that began with Demanufacture and continued with Obsolete, “Digimortal” was short for “Digital Mortality,” presciently exploring the theme of man and machine melding into one (spoiler: it doesn’t end well). Musically, the band simplified its sound and added a touch more melody, but make no mistake: this is nu metal/death metal at its most intense, with an interesting techno overlay. Maybe “cybercore” would be the best term to describe this album, now coming out on its 25th anniversary for Record Store Day in an expanded edition featuring four bonus tracks never before on vinyl and exclusive to this Record Store Day edition, remastered for the format, pressed on blue splatter vinyl, and housed in a gatefold jacket.