Run Out Groove is going heavy with its next fan-voted reissue.  That title is Fear Factory's 1992 debut release Soul of a New Machine, originally issued on Roadrunner Records.  This landmark metal album is expanded by ROG for a 30th anniversary 3-LP presentation including an additional EP and previously unreleased instrumental tracks.  It's available for pre-order only through November 16 at which time it will be pressed to the number of orders received.  (The album will arrive in 2022 for the actual 30th anniversary.)

While Soul of a New Machine was released first, it was actually Fear Factory's second album.  Their first, Concrete, was recorded in 1991 but shelved.  (It received a belated release in 2002.)  Soul introduced the trio of vocalist Burton C. Bell, guitarist/bassist Dino Cazares, and drummer Raymond Herrera, establishing Fear Factory as a potent voice in the industrial metal genre.  The band's live bassist Andrew Shives was credited on the original LP but did not play on it.  Taking in other metal influences including death, thrash, and grindcore, Soul of a New Machine was praised for its fusion of both "death growls" and more traditional "clean vocals," or singing.  Samples from the films Apocalypse Now, Blade Runner, and Full Metal Jacket were heard on the album, adding to its singular atmosphere; one track from the LP was later used in The Crow: City of Angels.

ROG's edition is the album's North American vinyl debut.  It's expanded across three LPs with the 1993 Fear Is the Mindkiller EP (featuring remixes of songs from the album) and two previously unreleased instrumental mixes.  It will be pressed on black vinyl (with a color variant available exclusively from the label; the standard black vinyl will be released to participating stores) and include a fold-out poster as well as a patch.

To date, Fear Factory has released nine full-length albums, and a tenth is arriving soon.  Here's a chance to listen to where it all began for the band.  Also, don't miss your chance to vote on what should be ROG's next release.  Voting is open for these three titles:

Steel Pulse, Babylon the Bandit: A 2-LP set from the British roots-reggae band would add bonus tracks.  This album has been out of print on vinyl since 1985.

Labelle, Labelle: The debut album of Labelle (formerly Patti LaBelle and The Bluebelles, featuring Patti, Sarah Dash, and Nona Hendryx) features such classic songs as "Wild Horses," "Time and Love," and "You've Got a Friend" in the trio's inimitable style.  This oft-overlooked set would be expanded to 2 LPs with previously unreleased bonus tracks.

Superfly: 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition: Curtis Mayfield's epochal soundtrack would get the ROG treatment with the original album lacquers cut directly from the master tape source; a second LP of bonus tracks; a tip-on jacket; new liner notes; previously unpublished photos; a fold-out movie poster; and a felt turntable mat.

Here's the link and track listing for Fear Factory's Soul of a New Machine.  Pre-orders close on November 16.

Fear Factory, Soul of a New Machine (Roadrunner RR-9160-2, 1991 - reissued Run Out Groove, 2021)

Side A

1. Martyr 4:05
2. Leechmaster 3:54
3. Scapegoat 4:32

Side B

1. Crisis 3:47
2. Crash Test 3:46
3. Flesh Hold 2:31
4. Life Blind 3:51

Side C

1. Scumgrief 4:07
2. Natividad 1:04
3. Big God/Raped Souls 2:38
4. Arise Above Oppression 1:51
5. Self Immolation 2:46
6. Suffer Age 3:40

Side D

1. O.E. 2:33
2. 2Desecrate 2:35
3. Escape Confusion 3:58
4. Manipulation 3:29

Side E

1. Martyr (Suffer Bastard Mix) 7:14
2. Self Immolation (Vein Tap Mix) 5:33
3. Scapegoat (Pigf*ck Mix) 4:36

Side F

1. Scumgrief (Deep Dub Trauma Mix) 6:20
2. Self Immolation (Liquid Sky Mix) 6:07
3. Scapegoat (Pigf*ck Mix) Instrumental Version 4:37 (previously unreleased)
4. Scumgrief (Deep Dub Trauma Mix) Instrumental Version 6:21 (previously unreleased)

Side E, Tracks 1-3 and Side F, Tracks 1-2 from Fear Is the Mindkiller, Roadrunner RR-9082-2, 1993

Side F, Tracks 3-4 previously unreleased