Fear Factory
Obsolete
Shock
2076 A.D. Everything that you believe to be true is a contradiction. Imagine a world that is
suffering a slow decay, and a culture on the edge of extinction. A world in chaos brought to obedient
order by the machines that man created. The linear programming that the system machine created to
bring order is failing steadily due to the one variable the machines cannot compute... humanity.
In this time, man has become a docile creature herded into submission under the mechanical laws that
apply, programmed and desensitized for their convenience. However, there are certain persons drawn
together for reasons that are grounds for punishment, or even death. These people long and yearn for
a change within the infrastructure, a better way of life, and a logical existence. These people
create factions that congregate in total secrecy in places random and unknown. These factions
maintain chaos in society in order to disrupt the system, locate the weak spot, and trigger a
collapsing effect. Their anger is only superseded by their will to exist, and nothing could be
stronger.
Scene I
Fade from black into a dim, tungsten-let room. The walls are the texture of rust, and the color of
dried blood. Below the light stands a man in the center of the room, and he is surrounded by various
persons, sitting or squatting on the floor. The dim light scarcely highlights his harsh exterior. He
is rigid in form, and severe in his expression. The people around him seem intent to hear what he is
saying, for this is the eve of their attrition.
Prepare for auditory illusions in the spatial environment,
Welcome to my world
Headfirst to the earth
With my sight on the goddamned kill switch
I've become a fuse
Charged with attitude
Fixed and dialated by my anger
I have become a direct
I have become a current
I have become a direct
I have become a insurgent
I will be the power surge
Shock to the system
Electrified, amplified
Shock to the system
Alternate my wires
Heat my core desire
I will not stand for condemnation
I've become the volts
To lead the revolt
Fuck with me ensues certain danger
I have become a direct
I have become a current
I have become a direct
I have become a insurgent
I will be the power surge
Shock to the system
Electrified, amplified
Shock to the system
I am the power surge
I am the insurgent
Electrified, amplified
Electrified, amplified
Shock!
Edgecrusher
Cut to an angle directly in front of a viewing monitor. A large screen flush-mounted to the wall.
There are no knobs, buttons, or ON/OFF switch.
The screen is flat black, and there is no sound. Suddenly there is a "pop" sound, and then a low
electrical hum. An image is slowly coagulating on the screen, and the hum turns into scrambled jargon.
After a few more seconds, the image has solidified, and we see something that resembles a news report.
The sounds have been decoded, and we listen in to what the report is about:
- Newscaster -
"This is programming Channel 5 bringing you the latest update on the Maxi-Security Containment
Facility Breach."
On the monitor, we see an image of a massive structure. The sounds of sirens and red alert alarms
echo in the background. Smoke drifts in and out of the camera, occasionally obstructing the view.
There are squads of enforcers in front of the structure preparing anti-terrorist tactics and
maneuvers.
- Newscaster -
"We have live coverage and a correspondent at the scene."
A well-groomed, well-dressed reporter steps into camera view, his plasticity shrouded behind his
winning grin.
- Reporter -
"It is mass hysteria down here at the MSC facility. Only moments ago did this well-ordered facility
explode into a structure of crumbling chaos. We have been tipped by reliable informants from within
the facility that the breach was instigated by the Faction; however, no claim has been forwarded.
The actual breach was caused by EDGECRUSHER from inside protected walls. He has been serving a
sentence for Public Disorder and Infrastructure Sabotage. Could we roll the clip?..."
Due to the graphic nature of this program listener discretion is advised
Conceived in a hell beyond your depth of perception
Chaotic case of conquering domination
Psychopath snaps fired chains of imprisonment
A bludgeoning force that's undermining the government
Inflict strain upon the structure
Collapsing below my pressure
Inflict strain upon the structure
Collapsing below my pressure
Break of the edgecrusher...
The purist, non-conformist, jaded subhuman terrorist
From flesh to steel and blood to blade I fight to exist
A rival of justice, extreme rush of hatred
Survival in a twisted world where nothing is sacred
Inflict strain upon the structure
Collapsing below my pressure
Inflict strain upon the structure
Collapsing below my pressure
Break of the edgecrusher...
Smasher / Devourer
The file footage ends abruptly, and the reporter is once again center screen.
Reporter
"We now have word that EDGECRUSHER has eluded the enforcers, and has fled the area. Much damage has
been sustained by the facility, and quite a few civilian and state casualties has been accounted
for."
Images of bodies strewn across the grounds of the facility. We see enforcers picking through the
debris. The camera manages to pick up every detail of suffering.
Reporter
"The state has allocated reinforcements for the tracking, apprehension, and custody of EDGECRUSHER.
We have been informed that a SMASHER/DEVOURER module has been issued for reconnaissance."
On the monitor appears an image that looks like solid and mechanical. A bi-pedal design with an
egg-shaped, armoured mainframe. What appears to be arms are actually weaponry for protection. The
camera follows this machine as it lumbers across the landscape of the facility.
Reporter
"Now that SMASHER/DEVOURER is on the scene, we will hopefully see an end to the violence, and our
city will sleep in safe comfort tonight."
The images from the facility remain on the monitor. The live coverage of the event continues to be
transmitted for all to see. The sounds of the area are still loud and clear. The chaos is enhanced by
the demonstrators outside the facility. Demonstrators that support EDGECRUSHER's route for a change.
The camera continues to follow SMASHER/DEVOURER's search. Over the noise of the chaos, we hear the
commands of the machine to the hostile congregation:
Fear me not but fear my hell
Man made me so I could kill
Praise me in the name of war
I destroy both rich and poor
I am the way, prepare for salvation
I am the way, prepare for salvation
Strength in time of suffering
Man alone is a weakling
Ascension is what you ask
I will be the fall of man
I am the way, prepare for salvation
I am the way, prepare for salvation
Salvation...
Those of you who dare to stray
I will tear your mind away
Those of you who dare to stray
I will take your life away
Salvation...
I am the way, prepare for salvation
I am the way, prepare for salvation
Salvation...
Securitron (Police State 2000)
The scene cuts to a dark alleyway. There is garbage scattered across the ground, and the only light
available creeps around the corners of various structures. Sounds of helicopters and sirens are
nearly inaudible. EDGECRUSHER traverses over the city with tenacity and stealth, constantly aware of
the watchful monitors of the SECURITRON system. The visible red glow of the camera eye is purposely
conspicuous, to maintain the order. To let you know you are clearly under surveillance.
EDGECRUSHER is forced to take flight underground. He descends into the shadows below street level.
The only refuge he can find is within the refuse. He knows that he is safe from incident from any
enforcer among the trash. He proceeds onward despite his odds.
Invade and encompass to judge and dissect
Witness and persecute to serve and protect
To serve, and protect to serve
To serve, and protect to serve
Watchful and aware, contrain every movement
Admit the consequences, freedom's an illusion
Where is security governed through scrutiny?
Your privacy denied, organized and confined!
No place to hide!
No place to hide!
There is no place to hide
Plugged in your mind
Conformed design
To concede your rights
Concede your mind
Surrender to authority
"All must abide and all must adhere"
Future oppression becoming more clear
This is a warning so you must take heed
This coming vision is reality
Where is security governed through scrutiny?
Your privacy denied, organized and confined!
No place to hide
No place to hide...
Descent
The scene fades out with EDGECRUSHER running down a deserted street, away from the camera and into
the night.
Scene II
Fade from black to the same monitor as before. Already flashing across the screen are multiple images
of violence, depravity, and despair. These are auditory illusions that will relate to mechanisms
normally enhancing accuracy of perception
EDGECRUSHER is alone. He has grown tired, and appears worn out. He has been running for so long from
the grasp of SMASHER/DEVOURER, and evading the scope of SECURITRON.
His situation is looking bleak, and the stress and angst wear on his face heavily. He ponders his own
outcome, calculating every living moment of his life with the variables of his own actions. He dwells
upon his life, and what it actually amounts to. He asks himself if he is merely becoming a repetition
in the overall machine. Has his quest for freedom become a meaningless descent into oblivion?
EDGECRUSHER stops in an abandoned building to rest himself. As he falls to sleep on a cold, flat
floor, he repeats the same words as he does every night:
Falling victim from neglect
Designed thoughts and intellect
Forgotten and displaced
The crux of my dismay
I feel nothing
I am nothing
I feel nothing
Nothing
How deep I descend?
Until I reach my end?
How deep I descend?
Deeper into this abyss
Weighted down and sinking fast
Life did not offer me
More than false destiny
I feel nothing
I am nothing
I feel nothing
Nothing
How deep I descend?
Until I reach my end?
How deep I descend?
I am nothing
I feel nothing
I am nothing
I feel nothing
Nothing
Nothing...
How deep I descend?
Until I reach my end?
How deep I descend?
Hi-Tech Hate
EDGECRUSHER lifts his head and looks to the night sky. He realizes that his life is worth the effort,
so he maintains, to arise...
Scene III
This scene begins in a room that reeks of sterility. It appears to be an office of someone with
ranking authority. On the walls of the office are neatly framed pictures in a uniform design. All the
photographs are of men in dark suits extending plastic hands as if they were welcoming you inside.
The camera closes in tight on one man in a particular photo, and focuses on his frigid smile and
steely eyes. From this angle, the camera pulls back from the photograph through the office, and out
through the window. Focusing into shape is an official, heavily guarded building. As the view
continues to pan backward, the structure resembles an abstract fortress. Enforcers patrol the
compound, while in the distance, we hear a commotion, like many voices chanting in unison. We
continue backward, beyond the compound's boundaries, and we finally see what is causing all this
noise. It is a large group of angry protesters holding signs with anti-war slogans. Factions of
various dissensions. The harsh man emerges forward from the seething crowd. He turns to face the
people, as if they have turned into an audience, and raises the megaphone in his hand to his mouth.
He begins to orate:
These weapons of mass destruction
Around our world, threat to us all!
Operated by fears, cold over years
Systematic death, terminal breath!
Leaders of our time just stand behind
An arsenal to end us all!
Fighting a war, we can't ignore
Destined to fall, cowards to all!...
We are losing, weapons controlling
This is the hour of your reckoning
These weapons of mass destruction
Around our world, threat to us all!
Fighting a war, we can't ignore
Destined to fall, cowards to all!...
We are losing, weapons controlling
This is the hour of your reckoning
No more arsenal threatens all
Heading for a downfall
Mass destruction, mass destruction
Mass destruction for all
Freedom or Fire
As the man is finishing his statement, SECURITRON's enforcers move in on the crowd. Brandishing guns
and laden with heavy armour, they surround the people, huddling them together like a mass of rats
preparing for annihilation. Panic ensues, and it spreads like wildfire. Like a cornered animal,
freedom is the object.
The same harsh looking man that had spoken before to the people about the state's unwarrantable plans
of genocide is suddenly thrust into the realm of deciding his own fate: freedom or captivity. This
man sees in his mind that true freedom is impossible in this scrutinized society, and the choice of
capture is imminent, an outcome that is a living death. He knew of this possibility before he arrived
at this place.
Without hesitation, he grabs a large metallic container and unscrews the cap. As the enforcers move
in closer, the man raises the container above his head as an act of defiance. Liquid instantly
drenches the man as te smell of gasoline permeates the area. He has prepared himself for this destiny.
As he holds a single match in his fingers, we listen to his final words:
How can you accept social suppression
This weak state of mind in our time
I demand release from hypocrisy
I'd rather die than be held down, forced down
Freedom or fire
Freedom or fire
I'm on the threshold of revolution
I'd rather burn than be held down, forced down
Freedom or fire
Freedom or fire
Unrestrained determination
Set ablaze for liberation
Locked in chains of this sovereignty
Let me be 'cause I long to be
Free! Free!
Unrestrained determination
Set ablaze for liberation
Set ablaze
Set ablaze
Obsolete
His final words become screams of laughter as the horrified mass looks on, only to visualize his
actual release from this oppressive society. A burning memory, emblazoned in the pages of
history.
We are sorry.
You are now experiencing pitch segration by interaural phase due to momentary amplitude disparity.
Please stand by.
After the flames subside, members of the crowd disperse in order to escape detainment of the
enforcers. Others are rounded up into custody only to await further proceedings of injustice. One
enforcer marches up to the charred remains as if he was inspecting for life signs.
Enforcer
"Negative..."
He spots the megaphone laying near the body, and with gloved hands, picks it up. The instrument that
once was the voice of reason has suddenly transformed into a melted, mutated vision of disorder.
Speaking out against the people it had previously tried to sanctify. The words are hateful and
arrogant. Imperious and mechanically calculated:
Nothing is the way it seems
Discerning man from machines now
Dominate as to erase
Wiping man off earth's face now
Defaced by all inept justice
Shamed by the mental abuses
Branded "inferior weakness"
Ordered to cease and desist!
Man is obsolete!
Our world, obsolete!
Man is obsolete!
Erased, extinct!
Obsolete!
Fueling engines through deceit
To eradicate humanity
Defaced by all inept justice
Shamed by the mental abuses
Branded "inferior weakness"
Ordered to cease and desist!
Man is obsolete!
Our world, obsolete!
Man is obsolete!
Erased, extinct!
Obsolete!
Resurrection
Among the shadows, EDGECRUSHER witnesses the entire event. The unnecessary maximization of
injudicious power. He thinks to himself:
"How weak... where did our humanity disappear to? Where does the soul of man reside now? Locked away
inside the fear, the machine that perpetuates ignorance? In order to save humanity, we must first
give a damn! We must respect ourselves as a free-thinking culture and procreate compassion for one
another. Without compassion, man will certainly become obsolete. A vague reflection of a long dead
existence..."
As he eludes the enforcers, he unknowingly enters an abandoned building. It is dark, cold, and
deserted. There is a ray of light piercing the darkness from a window high above. The light exposes
rows of old, wooden seats. One row on either side. In the shadows, behind the ray of light, he sees
a statue of a man, hanging vertically with his arms spread out side to side. He has seen this image
before, but a very long time ago. Almost like a faded memory. He contemplates whether it was a myth
or a legend. As he walks up to the figure, he views the colored glass on the walls, and the paintings
of man with glowing orbs around their heads. Now standing adjacent to the statue, he extends his arm
with a curious hand to touch the tired-looking face of the forgotten man.
Consumed with memories that precede today
Given a chance to bereave life that's slipping away
Suffered through tragedy of my slow decay
Deceptive tendencies dragged my soul away
All that I know there was no God for me
Force that shatters all, absence of mortality
Revive all my fears
Revive wasted tears
Revive void within
Revive once again...
Forsaken by destiny, forsaken by my own mind
I must remove my skin to see belief in your eyes
All that I know there was no God for me
Force that shatters all, absence of humanity
Revive all my fears
Revive wasted tears
Revive void within
Revive once again...
Reach for the sky
Touch the sky
Revive a hope
For mankind
Timelessness
As he walks away from the hanging figure, he glances back for a moment. The dampness in the air
appears to be affecting the statue, for the beam of light is now hitting the face, and it seems as
though he he has been weeping.
"Lest we forget the lost..."
Our world is on the verge of a temporal displacement, and it will be humanity that falls victim to
the repercussions. The few humans remaining desperately search for answers to their infinitesimal
existence. Searching for others that long for the touch of something real and definitive, not blind
and contrived. Searching for something that will break the vast loneliness of humanity.
The camera cuts to the SECURITRON monitor. The screen is black and deep. All you see is your own
reflection, mirrored in space. Alone in a solitary void.
You are floating outside your own existence, looking at yourself through eyes other than your own.
Voices from a nether part of your subconscious echo into the chasm of your conscious mind. You reach
for the screen and...
I've felt darkness
Closing in on me
Chilling shadows
Surrounding me
I've had the poison
Leak into my skin
And it corroded
My heart away
Blew away
Cut away
Dark night of my soul...
The camera fades to black as the monitor fades out with a low electrical hum and a small white dot in the centre of the screen
End program
Lyrics in plain text format
