mankind review from uranium:

Yes, I do realize that Factory 81 released "Mankind" over 6 months ago, but I'm giving them a second listen, and a second chance... as should you. I'll admit that when I first came across the band, I read various reviews that were quick to lump them together with other genre-mates, and quick to dismiss them as a band with nothing new to offer.

These claims are true to a degree, although I found that these reviews' claims were exaggerated, and too harsh.

Factory 81 is a culmination of various nu-metal and hardcore influences. They draw heavily from bands such as Tool, Deftones, Glassjaw, and more. But it is important to realize that they are by no means a blatant copy of any of these influences. They take what elements they see fit, and add their own twist to the mix. Their musical personality is there, but is by no means the focus of what they play.

Song writing is one thing that Factory 81 have mastered. They don't build songs around a chorus as so many other nu-metal bands are quick to do; they keep song direction and progression in mind, and will refrain from throwing in a bridge or verse merely for the sake of standard progression. It's nice to listen to a song without an idea of where it's going or what will happen along the way.

Vocally, Factory 81 is very strong. The tattered shouts of vocalist Nate Wallace are raw and powerful, while his tranceful, desperate wails of harmony lead to beautiful choruses. The guitar and bass work, courtesy of Bill Schultz and Kevin Lewis feature drawn out, powerful rips that tear through a song's canvas, often stepping back in a menacing withdrawal during verses before once again exploding in a calculated barrage during choruses and bridges. The various guitar effects play into the music nicely, adding variety when needed, and only when needed. That is Factory 81's strength; they are keenly aware of what a song is doing and where it is going, adding spice and removing redunancy.

There is room for improvement, as there should be for almost any young band. As good as Factory 81's song writing is, the album often runs together. The band have used the same fine-tuned formula for a good number of their songs, and therefore while songs themselves can hold their own, the album often repeats itself. Only years of experience can add to the band's musical repetoire, which will show in their next album.

Highlights of the album include "Nanu", the albums strongest track, Ephedrine, whose various tempo changes make for a dynamic song, and "Diary Of A Serial Killer", which features beautiful harmonies and great slowdowns. "Diary Of A Serial Killer" has a good number of guitar effects (i.e. Flanger) that only adds to the meticulous nature of Factory 81.

Holistically, "Mankind" is a strong effort on the part of Factory 81, and although it is redundant and heavily influenced by their musical heroes, they have potential to be taken advantage of. I am looking forward to their next album.

uraniummusic.com