'New Breed (Revolutionary Designed mix)' by Fear Factory was released as part of the 1997 remix album 'Remanufacture', which reimagined tracks from their landmark album 'Demanufacture'. This period marked a significant moment in the band's trajectory as they melded elements of industrial metal with electronic influences, a hallmark of their sound. The 'Revolutionary Designed mix' in particular takes the aggressive, machine-like precision of the original and enhances it with deeper electronic textures and a more pronounced rhythmic foundation. This remix not only showcases the band's willingness to experiment but also reflects the broader trends in metal during the late 1990s, where genre boundaries were increasingly blurred.
Lyrically, 'New Breed' delves into themes of evolution and the intersection of humanity and technology. Lines such as "We are the new breed / We are the new breed of life" suggest a transformation that is both empowering and unsettling, encapsulating the band's exploration of a future where human and machine coexist. The lyrics evoke a sense of rebellion against traditional human limitations and question the nature of existence in an increasingly mechanized world. The song serves as a commentary on the potential for technology to redefine humanity, highlighting both the promise and peril of this new era.
The critical reception of 'New Breed (Revolutionary Designed mix)' has generally been positive, with many reviewers praising its innovative sound and the way it encapsulates Fear Factory's ethos. The remix's ability to retain the intensity of the original while introducing new elements has been lauded as a testament to the band's creative vision. Over the years, the track has also gained a legacy within the industrial metal genre, often cited as an example of how remix culture can enhance and reinterpret musical works. Fear Factory's willingness to embrace and challenge the conventions of their genre has cemented their place in the annals of rock history, influencing countless bands that followed.