Live Review: Fear Factory - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
28th October 2023
Support: Ghost of Atlantis, Ignea, Butcher Babies
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
We head to KK's Steel Mill in Wolverhampton for a night of industrial metal mayhem that left fans in awe. The stage was set, the lights dimmed, and the line up was stacked with talent, including Ghosts of Atlantis, Ignea, Butcher Babies, and the headliners, Fear Factory.
The evening began with Ghosts of Atlantis, who set the mood with a haunting and atmospheric performance. Their setlist included tracks like ‘The Curse of Man’, ‘Sacremental’ and ‘The Lands of Snow’. The band's ethereal melodies and powerful vocals were a captivating introduction to the night's metal onslaught and in complete contrast to the evenings headliners.
Following Ghosts of Atlantis, Ukrainian metallers Ignea took the stage, providing a change of pace with their unique fusion of metal, electronic elements and most importantly a keytar! Their setlist was a blend of heavy and melodic tunes, including ‘Dunes’, ‘Daleki Obriyi’ and ‘Leviathan. Ignea's energetic performance and charismatic stage presence showcased their versatility and left us hoping for the bands swift return to the Black Country.
Butcher Babies turned up the intensity with their ferocious set, made unique with the absence of Carla Harvey, sitting out of the tour due to a health issue. This left Heidi Shepherd to take up vocal duties on her own and what a sterling job she did. The crowd went wild as the band tore through tracks like ‘Red Thunder’, ‘King Pin’, and ‘Last December’. Despite the dual vocal attack being missing, Heidi took care of it all and for the uninitiated you wouldn’t have know they were down a member.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived as Fear Factory took the stage, launching into their signature brand of industrial metal. They kicked off their set with the hard-hitting ‘Shock’ and never let up, delivering a relentless barrage of heavy riffs, pulsating rhythms, and Milo Silvestro's distinctive vocals.
The band's performance featured a powerful selection of fan favourites, including ‘Edgecrusher’, ‘Martyr’ and ‘Demanufacture’. Having recently taken over vocal duties from Burton C. Bell, comparisons will obviously be made and whilst Milo is no Burton, he brings his own style to proceedings and rather than compare the two we should just enjoy the moment we are in.
The show was a true testament to Fear Factory's enduring legacy and somewhat of a nostalgia trip for those of us filling the Steel Mill tonight. Dino Cazares' guitar work was relentless, and Pete Webber’s drumming was a thunderous force that drove the performance.
Fear Factory's show was a night of unadulterated industrial metal, packed with energy, intensity, and a setlist that catered to long-time fans. Fear Factory's return to the stage was triumphant and reminded everyone why they continue to be a powerhouse in the metal world.
Photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
