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Pit Magazine
Ryan Ogle

Oakland, Ca four piece, DOWN FACTOR , delivers an uncompromising brand of razor sharp death/thrash metal on their sophomore effort, Murder the World. Take one part Burn My Eyes-era MACHINE HEAD, one part TESTAMENT, add in a healthy dose of Eruo-thrash for good mesure and you've got one bad ass collection of tunes. Guitarists Brooks Rocco and George Anderson marry concrete-smashing crunch and a sharp sense of melodic technicality to churn out a well balanced six-string slam. Anderson fills the vocal position with a style that give a nod in the direction of Rob Flynn, in that he's harsh enough to convey his seething anger yet skilled enough to add depth to the sons as opposed to simply barking over the music. Apparently, the group has earned themselves a strong supporter in NEVERMORE/DRAGONLORD shredder Steve Smyth, who pops in for a guest solo on the track "Blinded." DOWN FACTOR's smart use of dynamics and ability to write solid and finely crafted songs give the album a good flow from start to finish. Murder the World is a solid album that will kick your ass with each and every listen.


Underground-Empire
Walter Scheurer
http://www.underground-empire.com/ Reviews --> Do It Yourself -->Down Factor
(translated from German)
The US quartet Down Factor has demonstrated that it is able to handle the job quite professionally. This is true for the look of "Murder the World" (which can compare itself with some major releases), as well as the sound, which is more powerful than that of some of the big names currently on the scene. As far as their music is concerned, Down Factor does not need to hide from any comparisons. All ten songs range somewhere between various types of Thrash Metal and Death Metal (the latter recognizable only in some pieces). And within this range, they are absolutely convincing. The intro piece titled "Wake" (based on Schubert's Opus 100) precedes the two-part opener "Blood of Patriots." The latter, very powerful in its style, lets the listener look forward to the Slayer Album, which we can hopefully expect sometime in the future. Other influences are recognizable in the technically sophisticated "Nevermore," and thrashers such as "Exodus." Down Factor seems to be influenced by Machine Head, with whom they seem to share more than just their hometown of Oakland. Especially "Gods of War" and the title piece remind of Machine Head's early phases, even though singer George Anderson has a coarser voice than Rob Flynn. Regardless of these other influences, the Americans have managed to deliver a fairly original work. The raw power of the songs, the Band's will to succeed, and the professional presentation, might possibly in the near future result in a well-deserved deal.

Metal-Rules.de
DOWN FACTOR

"Murder The World"

2005 Scourge (43:30)

The band's second release is more than just a good record. Killer riffs, a great shouter and melodic guitar leads hitting the point. These were partly recorded by Steve Smyth (former VICIOUS RUMORS, TESTAMENT; now NEVERMORE). A murderous sound and a nice booklet including very interesting and what is most really intelligent lyrics complete this album. This one's the Bay Area sound's missing link between EXODUS' brilliant "Tempo Of The Damned" and MACHINE HEAD's well-done Comeback "Through The Ashes Of Empires". IT IS A REAL KILLER !!! Get more information about this cool band on the Down Factor homepage.

HOLGER

Translation: Peter Schulien

Powermetal.dk
Down Factor: Murder the World
Release date: November 2005
Label: Scourge Records
Distribution: See band’s website
Website: www.downfactor.com
Style: Thrash
Rating: 87/100
Reviewed by: Thomas Nielsen
Date: December 28th 2005

With wonderful chugging riffs and efficient blast beats, this Oakland four-piece delivers a solid performance on their second effort, “Murder the World”. The Bay Area legacy is easy to detect throughout the ten tunes on the album (apart from opener “The Wake”, a mellow rendering of Schubert’s “Opus 100” ) – you hear a lot of Testament, Nevermore plus stints of Exodus and a bit of death metal in there. It’s very appropriate that that Steve Smyth has chipped in with a solo on this album – says a lot, not only about the style but also about the general quality of the material.

The closest comparison I can give you to vocalist/guitarist Anderson’s voice is a rough version of Kurt Brecht from D.R.I., but that said, this is where every comparison with said outfit stops: Down Factor is more technically controlled and complex than anything D.R.I. ever did.

The fact that even the instrumental “The Root of all Evil” doesn’t incite to boredom is clearly a sign that Down Factor know how to put together music. In my view this album is a must-own for many a thrash fan.

Recording Review - Powerslave.com
Down Factor
Murder The World
December 29, 2005

Down Factor mastermind George Anderson’s status in the NorCal scene belies that of his band. The guitarist/vocalist has earned the respect of musicians and fans alike for his dedication to his craft and to the well-being of the scene, dating back to the late 1990s when he would stand outside the much-missed Cactus Club handing out two song samplers (on cassette, nonetheless). That his band has not found greater success is due in large part to a revolving door of musicians, which has at times included bassists Adam Lozano (Stagnant) and Damien Lewin (3 Hrs. Old), and drummer Jon Riggs (Primate/G2K). Their debut full-length, Pure, was a solid slab of thrash, but the production left a bit to be desired. It didn’t help matters that it was released in the wake of 9/11 and ended up flying just below the radar of the masses. Subsequent re-releases helped but could only take the band so far. Now in 2005, Anderson has a whole new crew backing him up, and a new album that makes the last one sound like a garage demo. To be blunt, this album does exactly what it says – it murders.

After an ambient intro, the two-part “Blood of the Patriots” slams out of the speakers, with the band firing on all cylinders. The band’s power comes courtesy not only of the strong rhythm and lead work of Anderson and guitarist Brooks Rocco, but also from the crushing rhythm section of bassist Waylon Ford and one of the area’s top drummers, Ramon Ochoa (ex-Maladiction/Total Eclipse). As a quartet, these guys are damn near flawless. “Gods of War” is an older track that gets a fresh face here, as is “Seethe”, sounding better than ever now. “Blinded” slows the tempo down just a bit without sacrificing anything, and features guest appearances by Vile vocalist Juan Urtega (who co-produced the album with Anderson) and Nevermore/ex-Testament guitarist Steve Smyth. Coincidentally, the dirgy instrumental “The Root of All Evil” sounds like a mid-era Testament outtake. In the end, it’s fitting that the title track closes the album, because when the disc finishes, you’ll be thinking “FUCK! This album KILLS!” Then of course you’ll groan at your own pun, but hopefully it will be a moment that you’re by yourself and thereby avoid the ridicule of your friends (I, on the other hand, have just welcomed it by stating this in the first place).

I knew this album would be good, but I didn’t expect this. Down Factor have crafted an album of damn near thrash perfection. As far as I’m concerned, no independent band in NorCal released a finer album this year. Murder the World is essential listening for any metal fan, so do yourself a favor and get this one any way you can – preferably by paying for it. It’s worth every cent.

- The Madman

Maximum Metal Review

Down Factor - Murder The World - 2005 - Scourge Records

The Bay Area of Oakland dishes out a smokin' thrash affair from the underground called Down Factor. The band cuts the chains on their sophomore effort, "Murder The World", through Scourge Records. This is the follow-up to the band's "Pure" release from 2003. Aligning themselves with famed recording mastermind Juan Urteaga, known for his work with Exodus, Sadus, and Vile in years past, has helped the group put together a very strong outing that is forceful, straight ahead US thrash that is both modern sounding while still firmly grasping the old school vibe put down two decades ago by thrash pioneers.

It is really alarming that the band has yet to pick up a major recording deal, especially considering just how moving and vengeful this solid second effort really is. The group plunder through ten solid tracks of pulverizing might and power, each track invigorating with it's groove laden riffs and brutal "urban" lyrics that tackle everything from religion to politics. Vocalist George Anderson, who also plays guitar, is very much in the Rob Flynn mold (Machine Head), really using some hardcore vocals crossed up with a rough thrash delivery. His guitars, combined with lead axeman Brooks Rocco, really charge to the front, recalling the days of early Testament, mid-era Slayer, and Forbidden with fantastic solos and thunderous, mid-tempo groove stomps. Waylon Ford checks in with lower mixed bass lines (I'm looking for higher mix bass), and Ramon Ochoa runs through some Brazilian styled drum work, kicking in with some needed double-bass in the quick parts.

Opener "The Wake" is an atmospheric intro taken from Franz Schubert's "Opus 100". Following that is a short instrumental in "Blood Of The Patriots I" before the album EXPLODES with "Blood Of The Patriots II". It is this song that firmly implants that Machine Head vibe, almost sounding like this cut, along with the title track", could have been lifted from MH's "Burn My Eyes" album. That is held in high regards by most modern metal fans, including me, and in my opinion Down Factor is following that exact same soundscape here. Other cuts like "The Root Of All Evil" and "Gods Of War" are wall smashing thrash entries, all perfectly delivered in Anderson's rough demeanor. Current Nevermore axe-slinger (wish you well!) Steve Smyth stops in for a blazing solo on "Blinded".

Bottom Line - Check this band out, attend their shows, and let the metal labels know that Down Factor is on the verge of breaking through! Solid US thrash that is sure to please Slayer, Exodus, Forbidden, Testament, and modern Vicious Rumors fans.

Eric Compton
Maximum Metal

www.maximummetal.com
ec@maximummetal.com

I also dug the creepy layout and design of the booklet, and it's obvious they put some time and effort into it, which basically sums up the whole album. This is quality stuff that probably won't set the world on fire but will definitely raise some eyebrows in a positive way.

Track Listing
1. The Wake
2. Blood of the Patriots - Part I
3. Blood of the Patriots - Part II
4. Gods of War
5. A Song About Insanity
6. Blinded
7. Eye Consume
8. Seethe
9. The Root of All Evil
10. Murder the World

Added: December 9th 2005
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score: 3.5 of 5
www.seaoftranquility.com

ERIK TOMAS
Down Factor: Murder the World : Metal Reviews

Scale: 1-6
Production: 6.0
Songwriting: 4.5
Musicianship: 5.0

Like Beneath the Remains/Arise era Sepultura? Like Dew-Scented? Like tight, modern, slightly deathy thrash metal (Machine Head maybe?) with a rhythm section tighter than Dakota Fanning’s honey pot? Then you will like Down Factor’s no-nonsense, no frills take on modern thrash metal. Though hardly creative, it’s tight, razor sharp and free from ego, core or pretentiousness.

Admittedly, Down Factor isn’t quite as relentless as Dew-Scented, as they actually have some variety and pacing akin to their native Bay Area sound (Sacred Reich namely), but their overall backbone and rhythm section reminded me of the German moshers. Also, this isn’t the most unique or challenging album you will hear in 2005, but it's one of the stoutest and most straight up honest to goodness thrashy ones.

If there was a ‘weak’ link for Down Factor it would be the vocals of George Anderson, as his gruff, monotone shout is pretty flat and doesn’t match the power and delivery of the music, still it’s serviceable and appropriate within the confines of the genre. The strongpoint has to be drummer Ramon Ochoa and bassist Waylon Ford whose rigid backbone reeks of classic thrash and a new snarling veneer.

The songs themselves are what you would expect in a modern thrash album; a mix of fast, high octane bruisers (“Blood of the Patriots pt 1 and 2”, “A Song About Insanity”) and slower, more paced and precise salvos (“Gods of War”, “Blinded”, “Eye Consume”, “Seethe”) and to their credit, Down Factor, other than brief instrumental opener “The Wake” and “The Root of All Evil” which snarls with instrumental menace, veer away from any sort of piecemeal break, interlude or wanton acoustics. The closing title track is the nail in the coffin; a superb mix of both afore mentioned styles.

Rounded out by a Michael Rosen (Testament, Death Angel, Vio-lence) production that delivers the chug and crunch, Murder the World is, in their own words, ‘angry refined and accessible’, but it also certainly brings the pain.
MetalReviews.com

--------------------Reviews for PURE-----------------------

Metal Mike...............................................................9/10
HOME
WWW.DOWN-FACTOR.COM

AUTHOR: Toni (01/2003)
RATING: 7
Review from Xtreemmusic.com

This band comes from the USA and they perform a very powerful kind of Thrash Metal in the vein of other American bands like MACHINE HEAD or BIOHAZARD. Absolutely heavy and brutal rhythms mixed with good melodies and a production that put a lot of emphasis in the guitars and the rhythm section. The songs are true "bombs" to the ear. Other interesting point is the musicianship, that's really awesome. The skill of the 4 musicians is incredible and it shows many hours of practice in their backs. The band is promoting themselves very well (as it must be for every band that really want to get something in the extreme scene) and they sent us a dossier full of info, a T-Shirt and the promo CD. The general layout of the CD is impressive too. If you're into the true, powerful Thrash vein (do not think that this is some kind of Nu Metal band or something like this, just because they have nothing to do with this!), try to get this piece of well done music. I'm sure most of you, fans of the Thrash Metal movement will like this one, as it brings memories of the old days, when it was more important to make good aggressive music than trendy shit.

Author: Rafal/Tymothy
review from Polish "Satanahia" webzine
I always little afraid when I receive stuff from USA. Why? Because I dont know what kind of music i can find on CD, this may be nu-metal like Linkin Park, what I hate. I had a sigh of relief when I was reading to what bands Down Factor is compare by label. I listen this CD and I am in seven hell, and yet in USA still can record great music. That what happen in Down Factor musi I can compare only to head-on collision Slayer, z Fear Factory, old Macine Head, Skinlab and older Sepultura... Scourge Records that kind of music call thrash metal, but in my opinion this is a big generalization, of course in Down Factor
music are many thrash elements just listen intently to riffs but everything is pass in new "sauce", with new "spices" and on new "tray". "Pure" it is very dynamic music what sparks fire, initial riff in "Brother 6" is sharp like a razor and cut on face, and riffs like that is many on this CD. Songs are aggressive, vemomous, they are play with verve and imaginativeness.

There is no mercy all time sharp metal "drive". Additionaly very good production, instruments sound amazing, strong bass line whitch guts knock over, destructive drums hammer in ground. This album is excelent work, paly with energy and kick, just great. I am delight "Pure". This album is like a fresh breath in thrash metal, I supose this kind of metal in USA will come in that modern way.

Submitted by Denis 'Shadow' on 12/23/2002.
The heaviest band in the bay area.

The titled of this review is how the very nice and professional promo package that came with the album describes Down Factor and their debut, “Pure”. I don't know about the Metal scene from Oakland, but I can tell you that this is amongst the heaviest album I received thus far as a reviewer.

Led by founding member George Anderson (vocals, rhythms and lead guitar), Down Factor gathers in its ranks with some of the most talented and extreme Metal musicians, namely Damian Lewin (bass), John Santos (rhythmn guitar) and Jon Riggs (drums). There is also a guest appearance by Steve Smyth of Testament.

They call their music Thrash/Death Metal. I'll buy that, but I'll also have to add a certain Urban Metal touch with social awareness, especially when considering the meaning of the lyrics. Here we are facing a band that not only play heavy music, but also a band that has something important to say. To emphasize this, the package included a description of each of compositions filled with insights. Subjects covered include law and politics (‘Open Your Eyes,’ ‘Judicial Hunt’), homelessness (‘Broken Shell’), drugs (‘In Vein’), the inner workings of a killer's mind (‘13 Crosses,’ ‘Psycho Killer’), and various other topics.
“Pure” is made mostly of straightforward but complex Metal that is heavily driven by guitar riffs and the crude but understandable Death vocals of Anderson. The rhythm section is highly syncopated and, as I found as being the case with many extreme bands, the guys are very talented, since the task is quite demanding for a human being. Still, this aggressiveness manages to be melodic enough, but not too catchy, to become suitable for some radio stations. Two instrumentals are going to open and close this opus of urban horror. ‘Pure’ is the dark intro made up of samplings that sound like industrial elements, vocal effects, and percussion. At the other end, ‘I, Mental’ is a musical massacre in the pure Death Metal tradition. In between you'll get plenty of numbers of the extreme nature that will bring any hardcore fan through hell (or heaven). Loads of guitar riffs and acrobatic drumming is waiting for the listener on songs like ‘In Vein,’ ‘Judicial Hunt,’ and ‘Broken Shell.’ ’Psycho Killer’ is a great song with a very good Death and Doom Metal atmosphere, conveyed by a slower pace but the riffs are incredibly “groovy" and the vocals are perfectly chilling.

Bottom Line: These Californian butchers have cut some excellent pieces of raw meat for your bloody taste.

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Originality: 8
Production: 9
Overall: 8

Rating: 8.4 out of 10

Review from www.metalbite.com

DOWN FACTOR
"PURE"
RELEASE DATE "FEBRUARY 2002"

FROM THE EAST BAY, (OAKLAND, CA.) COMES A  BAND CALLED DOWN FACTOR WITH THEIR DEBUT RELEASE PURE. WHEN I RECEIVED THIS BANDS ALBUM I POPPED IT INTO MY CD PLAYER IN MY CAR AND CRANKED IT UP, EXPECTING A LOUD AND EXTREME DOSE OF METAL. INSTEAD ALL I RECEIVED WAS SOUND EFFECTS WHICH REALLY PISSES ME OFF. WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU WANT TO PUT OUT A DEBUT ALBUM WITH SOUND EFFECTS? I MADE IT THROUGHT THE 1:40 OF SOUND EFFECTS WHICH DIRECTED TO ME TO TRACK #2. TOTALLY IMPRESSIVE IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY FROM TRACK #2-#10. THIS IS A BRUTAL, BONE CRUNCHING ALBUM! THERE ARE VERY FEW DEBUT ALBUMS THAT DELIVER A PUNCH AND CAN WITHSTAND THE TEST OF TIME, MARK THIS ALBUM AS ONE OF THEM. PURE IS VERY ORIGINAL AND DELIVERS MESSAGES ABOUT OUR FUCKED UP WORLD. BROTHER6 ABOUT THE CLONING OF HUMANS AND MAN BECOMING GOD. OPEN YOUR EYES A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE ABOUT TRYING TO BEAT PEOPLE AT THEIR OWN GAME. 13 CROSSES ABOUT BEING OSTRACIZED AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU FINALLY CLICK, INSPIRED BY THE COLUMBINE TRAGEDY. IN VEIN ABOUT DRUG ADDITION NEEDLE WISE. JUDICIAL HUNT ABOUT LAWS UPON LAWS PASSED THAT DIMINISH OUR FREEDOM BECAUSE A FEW STUPID FUCKS GO BEYOND THEIR BOUNDARIES. BROKEN SHELL HOMELESS VETS THAT LINE OUR STREET BECAUSE OF LOST PRIDE AND SANITY. HATE INC. OUR GOVERNMENT IS FOLDING IN ON ITSELF BECAUSE OF THE LAWS THAT ARE PASSED THAT ARE ERODING OUR RIGHTS AWAY. PSYCHO KILLER A PSYCHOPATH WHO KILLS TO PURIFIY. I, MENTAL A KICK ASS INSTUMENTAL JAM! ALL IN ALL A VERY DESTRUCTIVE ALBUM, AND I RECOMMEND IT TO ANY TRUE UNDERGROUND METAL FAN!!!!

Review From:
-http://www.geocities.com/realmofdarknesszine/Reviews.html

Down Factor - Pure
This band from Oakland California surprised the fuck out of me with one of the most professionally put together packets I've ever seen! They not only included a full length cd that was incredibly well produced (by lead singer/guitar player George Anderson), but coupled it with a nice concise compilation of promotional material to really give some insight on how together they are. "Pure" is a collection of some seriously heavy, slamming metal that brings back the days of yore, when thrash metal ruled this brutal world. Hailing from the same state as some of the greatest thrash metal bands of all time, Down Factor recruited veteran metal producer Michael Rosen (Testament, Death Angel, Vio-lence) to mix the cd. Even Testament guitarist Steve Smyth does a few guest guitar solos for good measure!

Musically the cd is excellent, and the song writing is very tasty. They know when to throw in a mosh-inducing riff and when to slow it down a bit with a killer moody guitar lead. I took this cd to a friend's house to listen to it on a nice stereo and the whole place was shaking and heads were banging hard. I hear glimpses of old Machine Head, a little Testament, and even some old school Exodus at times. Down Factor will grind you into the carpet with this killer full length release.

review by Pete - http://www.lowtwelve.com/

DOWN FACTOR
F**k!! I love track number 2 "Brother 6" right from the first growling "wwhhooaahh!!" with the double bass accent and thick guitar."13 Crosses" was the next tune I found my head banging to. 

I know I haven't really said much about drummers in the past but this guy is fucking awesome! Double bass, off beats, rolls, rhythm, got it all. These guys are ranked pretty high by my standards along the likes of slipknot and mudvayne. The entire CD great combination of heavy vocals, screaming guitars, and deep ass rocking drums.

Top 3 : 1 - "Bother 6"  2 - "Broken shell"  3 - "13 Crosses" This Is a Must Have CD

Review By Dawg -www.cdsmash.com