LIMERICK, PA. (Chipster PR/ www.fearfactory.com) - Fear Factory has announced that it will release its newest album Transgression on August 23rd through Calvin Records, an imprint of Liquid 8 Records that was created specifically for the band and upcoming metal acts.
A much-anticipated follow up to Archetype, which received critical acclaim in 2004 when it sold over 125,000 copies nationwide, Transgression is already being hailed as one of the band's most explorative works to date, displaying a more mature and experimental sound.
'This release is very precise and heavy,' said drummer Raymond Herrera. 'This album is reminiscent of Obsolete, in that it is has a big, cinematic sound to it.'
This sound, which can be partially attributed to producer Toby Wright's (Alice in Chains, Korn, Metallica) influence, embodies the distinctive combination of Herrera's machine-like drumming and vocalist Burton C. Bell's trademark bipolar vocal style. Guitarist Christian Olde Wolbers and bassist Byron Stroud round out the group's sound with bludgeoning assaults as the band's usual backing keyboards add a surreal atmosphere to the 12 songs.
'Toby is a really big fan,' says Herrera. 'It's not like we're bringing in a heavy hitter just for the sake of doing it. He understands what the band is about.' Bell seconds that opinion: 'We are all very, very excited about the collaboration with Toby.'
A truly notable feature of Transgression is the presence of an impressive guest musician: former Faith No More bassist Billy Gould, who contributed his talents to 'Echo of My Scream' and 'Super Nova'.
'Billy brings a different vibe to the music, the way his bass lines move around the beat and drive the songs with a unique element,' said Bell.
Other big plans for Fear Factory in the summer of 2005 include their participation on the main stage of Gigantour. The band was hand picked by Dave Mustaine, the mastermind behind speed metal legends Megadeth, who will be co-headlining the tour. Also featuring Dream Theater, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Nevermore on the main stage and Life Of Agony, Symphony X, Dry Kill Logic and Bobaflex on the second stage, Gigantour promises to be one of the most impactful tours of the summer.
Gigantour dates include:
7/21 Fresno CA Selland Arena
7/22 Las Vegas NV Thomas and Mack Arena
7/23 Sacramento CA The Cove at Cal Expo
7/24 Concord CA Chronical Pavillion
7/30 Tucson AZ Casino Anselmo
8/2 Dallas TX Nokia Live
8/4 Corpus Christi TX Concrete Street Amphitheatre
8/6 Orlando FL Hard Rock Live
8/7 West Palm Beach FL Sound Advice Amphitheatre
8/10 Detroit MI DTE Energy Amphitheatre
8/12 Chicago IL Tweeter Center
8/19 Portland ME Civic Center
8/20 Manchester NH Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8/23 Wantagh NY Jones Beach Amphitheater
8/24 Holmdel NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
8/26 Boston MA Bank of America Pavilion
9/2 Montreal QC Bell Centre
9/3 Toronto ON Molson Amphitheatre
