Released 26 years ago, on July 28, 1998, Obsolete is Fear Factory's third studio album, heralding a groundbreaking moment in the industrial metal genre. Conceptually, it explores a dystopian future where humanity has become subservient to machines, blending a potent narrative with intense musical execution. The lineup features Burton C. Bell's unique vocal dynamics, Dino Cazares' precise and aggressive guitar work, Christian Olde Wolbers' deep bass lines, and Raymond Herrera's complex drumming.

The album includes standout tracks such as "Shock," "Edgecrusher," and "Descent," which showcase the band's signature fusion of aggressive riffs, mechanical rhythms, and melodic elements. Fear Factory collaborated with producer Rhys Fulber (Conjure One/Delerium/Front Line Assembly) to enhance their futuristic soundscapes, resulting in a critically acclaimed record that combines heavy metal intensity with electronic atmospheres.

Largely due to the popularity of the band's rendition of "Cars", which reached No. 57 on the UK charts, Obsolete gained significant commercial success. As of 2002, the album had sold over 406,000+ copies. It is Fear Factory's best selling album to date and was certified gold in Australia and also in the US.

Obsolete achieved commercial success, marking Fear Factory's highest chart position at the time and solidifying their influence in the metal community. The album's narrative and sound continue to resonate, emphasizing themes of resistance and technological dominance that remain relevant today.

Obsolete (Roadrunner Records – RR 8752-2)

DISCOGS

On this day, 33 years ago, the Scottish electro band The Shamen conquered the fist position on the UK independent single charts (27 July 1991) with “Move Any Mountain”, where it stayed for 5 consecutive weeks. Although initially released under the title ‘Pro>gen’, in 1989 the song was re-released in the UK on 15 July and got remixed by numerous various artists. It also became The Shamen’s first top-ten single, in the regular UK Singles Chart reaching as high as number 4.

Move Any Mountain (Pro>gen 91)

Move any mountain, move any mountain
I will not fail nor falter, I shall succeed
My perception is altered, I do believe
Faith is so strong now nothing shall bar my way
Firm conviction is no fiction
This is my day

I can move move move any mountain
I can move move move any mountain
I can move move move any mountain
I walk so tall, ascending I stand so high
Earth below me revolving above the sky
I feel no fear to be here is oh so fine
Shining brightly, like sunlight inside my mind

Well you know that any mountain is capable of moving
The Shamen and the new generation who are proving
You can be what you want to be
Let your soul and your body and your mind be free
Well never mind, we all are that
And going all the way is where I'm at
With delivery smooth like water from a fountain
That's why I can move any mountain

Move any mountain
I can move move move any mountain
I can move move move any mountain
I can move move move any mountain
I can move move move any mountain

Move any mountain
Move any mountain

Future feeling, new sensation
Body is rocking and the mind is reeling
And rolling race changing motion
Flowing like a river into the ocean
Better get yourself ready for the new vibration
My vision, one nation, one tribe
One day'll come the might to move any mountain

Move any mountain
Move any mountain
I can move move move any mountain

I walk so tall, ascending I stand so high
Earth below me revolving above the sky
I feel no fear to be here is oh so fine
Shining brightly, like sunlight inside my mind

I can move move move any mountain
I can move move move any mountain
I can move move move any mountain
I can move move move any mountain
I can move move move any mountain
I can move move move any mountain

I can move move move any mountainSongwriters: Colin Gilbert Angus / Richard West / Will Sin

Pro-Gen © Tairona Songs Ltd

DISCOGS

On this day, 44 years ago, Closer, Joy Division's second and final studio album reached number 1 in the UK Official Indie Albums Charts. Closer was released on July 18, 1980, by Factory Records. The album is a seminal work in the post-punk genre, often hailed for its profound influence and haunting beauty. Tragically, it was released two months after the suicide of lead singer Ian Curtis, imbuing the album with a sense of melancholy and poignancy.

Musically, Closer is characterized by its brooding atmosphere, intricate basslines by Peter Hook, atmospheric synthesizers by Bernard Sumner, and Stephen Morris's precise drumming. Tracks like "Atrocity Exhibition," "Isolation," and "Heart and Soul" explore themes of existential despair, alienation, and inner turmoil.

Closer received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and innovation. It reached number 1 on the UK Independent Albums Chart and has since been regarded as a landmark in alternative music. The album's legacy endures, influencing countless artists and solidifying Joy Division's place in music history.

Closer (Tracklist)

Atrocity Exhibition 6:03

Isolation 2:53

Passover 4:44

Colony 3:52

A Means To An End 4:04

Heart And Soul 5:48

Twenty Four Hours 4:26

The Eternal 6:01

Decades 6:08

DISCOGS

"Only," a single by Nine Inch Nails, was released on July 25 2005 as part of their fourth studio album, With Teeth. The song epitomizes Trent Reznor's blend of industrial rock with a catchy, electronic groove. Lyrically, "Only" delves into themes of existential angst and self-realization, showcasing Reznor's introspective style. Musically, it features a driving beat, layered synths, and a minimalist yet infectious melody.

Singer Trent Reznor said the song is about the music business clashing with his artistic desires.

When you get on this path of trying to sell records it becomes about selling more records and playing bigger venues.... It's like, 'Wait a minute!' The goal has to be about making the best music possible or else it becomes something that will make you implode.... Should I say yes to that Microsoft commercial because I could use a new house? Or do I say no because this is something precious that would be tarnished if I did that? I find myself saying this to record labels and business manager guys, and they're like, 'You won't do what because of what?'

The track was well-received, praised for its accessibility and innovative production. It reached number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, underscoring Nine Inch Nails' continued relevance in the alternative rock scene. The music video, directed by David Fincher, further cemented its impact with its groundbreaking use of CGI, visualizing Reznor's vocal performance through an animated pin art display.

Like the previous single, "The Hand That Feeds", "Only" was only widely released in Europe. European releases include a CD, a DVD, and a 9" vinyl. The only United States release is a vinyl format—a remix record with mixes from Richard X and El-P.

"Only" stands out not only for its chart success but also as a testament to Reznor's ability to evolve his sound while maintaining the dark, introspective edge that defines Nine Inch Nails.

Only

UK single

1. "Only" 4:24

2. "The Hand That Feeds" (The DFA Remix) 9:01

3. "Love is Not Enough" (Live at Rehearsals) 3:50

4. "Only" (music video) 4:27

UK single/DVD

1. "Only" 4:24

2. "Love is Not Enough" (Live at Rehearsals) 3:50

3. "Only" (music video) 4:27

UK 9" vinyl

1. "Only" 4:24

2. "The Hand That Feeds" (The DFA Remix) 9:01

12" vinyl and promo CD (Interscope Records B0005465-11)

1. "Only" (Richard X Remix) 7:24

2. "Only" (El-P Remix) 4:21

3. "Only" (Richard X Dub) 7:51

4. "Only" (Richard X Edit) 3:46

5. "Only" (El-P Instrumental) 4:21

DISCOGS

"Arabian Knights" is a standout single by Siouxsie and the Banshees, released on this day, 43 years ago, and taken from their fourth studio album JuJu. This track encapsulates the band's dark, gothic post-punk style, blending Siouxsie Sioux's distinctive vocals with evocative lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation.

"Arabian Knights" is characterized by its haunting melody, driven by John McGeoch's swirling guitar riffs and Budgie's rhythmic drumming. The production, handled by Nigel Gray, balances the eerie, echoing soundscapes with a tight, cohesive structure, making the song both haunting and memorable.

The lyrics of "Arabian Knights" delve into themes of Orientalism and critique the Western perception of Eastern cultures. Siouxsie Sioux's vocal delivery is both alluring and critical, weaving a narrative that challenges stereotypes and evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue.

Upon release, "Arabian Knights" was well-received, praised for its atmospheric sound and Siouxsie's enigmatic performance. It reached number 32 on the UK Singles Chart, cementing its place in the post-punk canon. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to the band's innovative approach to music and lyrical content.

In summary, "Arabian Knights" by Siouxsie and the Banshees is a quintessential post-punk single that combines haunting melodies with thought-provoking lyrics, leaving a lasting impact on the genre and its listeners.

Siouxsie And The Banshees
Arabian Nights (7" Polydor – POSP 309)

Siouxsie And The Banshees
Arabian Nights (12" Polydor – POSPX 309)

*The 12" mix "Arabian Knights" is a different mix to the album and 7" version.

DISCOGS