About this album

Sound: "A relentless barrage of industrial rhythms and death metal aggression defines Fear Factory's brutal sonic landscape."

Where they were

Concrete is Fear Factory's debut album, released in January 1991, marking the band's introduction to the metal scene. At this point, they were establishing their unique blend of death metal with industrial elements, setting the stage for their future influence on the genre.

Why it matters

Concrete is significant for its pioneering fusion of death metal and industrial sounds, which laid the groundwork for the nu-metal movement that emerged in the late '90s. The album garnered critical attention, influencing a generation of heavy music artists and solidifying Fear Factory's role as innovators within extreme metal.

Essential tracks

  • "Big God / Raped Souls" — This opening track sets an aggressive tone with its intense riffing and harsh vocals, showcasing the band's signature sound right away.
  • "Crisis" — The song addresses feelings of societal pressure and personal struggle, encapsulating the album's thematic depth while delivering a powerful auditory experience.
  • "Piss Christ" — With its provocative title and lyrical content, this track exemplifies Fear Factory's boldness in tackling controversial themes head-on.
  • "Self Immolation" — This track features a blend of melodic passages with aggressive instrumentation, illustrating Fear Factory's ability to juxtapose different musical dynamics effectively.

Release Date

January 1, 1991

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Big God / Raped Souls 2:37
  2. 2 Arise Above Oppression 1:57
  3. 3 Concrete 2:28
  4. 4 Crisis 3:33
  5. 5 Escape Confusion 4:08
  6. 6 Sangre de niños 2:03
  7. 7 Soulwomb 2:33
  8. 8 Echoes of Innocence 3:04
  9. 9 Dragged Down by the Weight of Existence 2:42
  10. 10 Deception 0:29
  11. 11 Desecrate 2:38
  12. 12 Suffer Age 3:45
  13. 13 Anxiety 1:39
  14. 14 Self Immolation 2:33
  15. 15 Piss Christ 2:41
  16. 16 Ulceration 2:43