One can’t overstate the size of the Fear Factory boot print on the neck of heavy metal. Unleashing influential albums with devastating anthems for over 30 years, Fear Factory is widely recognized as both crucial and innovative in extreme metal circles. Fear Factory manufactured, demanufactured, and remanufactured a sound that reverberates across several subgenres. They perfected an explosive blend of staccato paint-stripping riffs, industrial-tinged drums, electronic flourishes, and a scream/sing dichotomy, all of which became staples in heavy music, ever since the group first emerged in L.A. Fear Factory headline major festivals; earned several awards from the international sales charts; toured with legends like Black Sabbath, Slayer, Iron Maiden, and Metallica; performed at three Ozzfests; and influenced generations of bands who achieved multiplatinum success. But it’s the group’s commitment to unrelenting extremity and creative authenticity which ensured its place in heavy metal history, from the touchstone masterpiece Demanufacture to the similarly dominating Genexus.

Byzantine are the most criminally underrated, superb, metal band that have earned all the accolades, but not yet the mainstream they truly deserve. The Byz are the bridge between the old-school & modern metal. Proficient in technique, melodic at their core, they wear their hearts on their sleeve. We are blessed to have this band being still active & making music that defies the ages and genres. This is pure kick ass metal. Love it or leave it.

Rotted Remains is a metal band based in Panama City, Florida. Out now: “The Last Testament” EP

Northeast Tennessee Metal Band