Vocalist Burton C. Bell explained Powershifter's lyrical content: "Change … Read Full Bio ↴Vocalist Burton C. Bell explained Powershifter's lyrical content: "Change is an inevitable course in nature and humanity. This world has seen much change as of late, and it is true globally, nationally, and personally. This is a true story of a personal struggle against a controlling and ineffectual organization. There is always a choice, and the choice is never easy." (Source Songfacts).

Powershifter
Fear Factory Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Feared your control and excessive greed
Abuse of your power disgraced me
You want war
You got war
More than you bargained for
I damn you and leave defiantly
Cut you out and take it all with me
You want war?

You got war
More than you bargained for
Always question authority, control my own destiny
Forcing change, breaking free
From the gears of the machine
Changing my world so I can live
Execution, powershift
I will forge my place in this time
Contention is sharply refined

I will expose you and force your demise
To take control of what is truly mine

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Powershifter" delve into themes of power struggle, rebellion, and taking control of one's own destiny. The lyrics begin with the singer expressing their fear of someone else's control and excessive greed which has led to the abuser disgracing them. Not willing to be subservient, the singer declares war on their tormentor, warning that they will get more than they bargained for. They then sever ties with the abuser and take what is theirs.

The second half of the song is a declaration of independence in which the singer asserts their right to question authority and control their own destiny. They refuse to be cogs in the machinery of the system and seek to break free from its gears. With a fiery determination, they pursue their goals and forge their place in the world. They vow to expose the abuser and bring them down, taking control of what is truly theirs.

Overall, the lyrics speak to the human desire to be in control of one's own life and destiny, and the struggle against the forces that seek to oppress and control.

Line by Line Meaning

Feared your control and excessive greed
I am afraid of your desire to control everything and take more than you need

Abuse of your power disgraced me
Your misuse of authority has caused me great shame

You want war
You are eager for conflict

You got war
You have provoked a battle

More than you bargained for
The consequences of your actions are greater than you expected

I damn you and leave defiantly
I strongly condemn you and depart with a bold attitude

Cut you out and take it all with me
I will sever our ties and take everything that is rightfully mine

Always question authority, control my own destiny
I will never blindly obey those in power and will take charge of my own fate

Forcing change, breaking free
I am determined to make a difference and escape from oppressive constraints

From the gears of the machine
I refuse to be just another cog in the system

Changing my world so I can live
I will transform my surroundings so that I can truly thrive

Execution, powershift
I will make decisive moves and shift the balance of power

I will forge my place in this time
I will create my own space and make my mark in this era

Contention is sharply refined
My conflict with you is becoming more focused and intense

I will expose you and force your demise
I will reveal your wrongdoing and bring about your downfall

To take control of what is truly mine
I will claim what is rightfully mine and take control of my own destiny

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BURTON C. BELL, DINO A.M. CAZARES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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01Mechanize4:41

02Industrial Discipline3:36

03Fear Campaign4:52

04Powershifter3:49

PT3M49S

Fear Factory

05Christploitation4:58

06Oxidizer3:42

07Controlled Demolition4:22

08Designing the Enemy4:52

09Metallic Division1:28

10Final Exit8:14

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Malak Brood

8y↑14

In my opinion, this song is better than it really is because of GENE HOGLAN!!!

Feared your control and excessive greed
Abuse of your power disgraced me

You want war
You got war
More than you bargained for

I damn you and leave defiantly
Cut you out and take it all with me

You want war
You got war
More than you bargained for

Always question authority
Control my own destiny
Forcing change
Breaking free
From the gears of the machine

Changing my world so I can live
Execution, powershift
Changing my world so I can live
Execution, powershift
Powershift
Powershift
Powershifter!

Break!

I will forge my place in this time
Contemption is sharply refined
I will expose you and force your demise
To take control of what is truly mine

Changing my world so I can live
Changing my world so I can live

Always question authority
Control my own destiny
Forcing change
Breaking free
From the gears of the machine

Changing my world so I can live
Execution, powershift
Changing my world so I can live
Execution, powershift
Powershift
Powershift
Powershifter!

All comments from YouTube:

Fear Factory

3y↑94

The new FEAR FACTORY album, Aggression Continuum, is out June 18, 2021 via Nuclear Blast.
ORDER AT: https://fearfactory.com/aggression-continuum
LISTEN AT: https://nblast.de/FearFactory-AC
SUBSCRIBE to FEAR FACTORY on YouTube: https://nblast.de/subs-ff-yt

moondaft

Disruptor!!

Wild Bill

Come to Toronto after quarantine ends!

wayne keer

Dino have played fear factory with Max

zef

is not Fear factory. The song is Divine heresy '_^.

4 More Replies...

Spkr4TRUTH

4y↑110

Such a powerful song. I discovered this after the army, struggling with PTSD, and found this song. Decided to change my paradigm from a hurt self, to looking outward to help others make it.
Love these guys, a big part of saving my own life.

Louis Csanko

4y↑6

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND I MEAN IT \,,,/

Spkr4TRUTH

4y↑4

Louis Csanko thank you sir, would do it again for this great nation of people. Not for government, but for the people.

Stellarion Prime

lucky you, i don t find anyone who is truly capable of this !

Spkr4TRUTH

Stellarion Prime
Capable of what? Changing your outlook?

Louis Csanko

4y↑4

@Spkr4TRUTH YES THE PEOPLE ARE WHAT MAKES A NATION// THE GOVERNMENT UNFORTUNATELY IS OPEN TO CORRUPTION AT HIGH LEVELS, WHICH HURT THE PEOPLE!! THANK YOU AGAIN AND MAY WE ALL GET THROUGH THIS EPIDEMIC( 3-20-2020) PEACE \,,,/

12 More Replies...

Alan Webb

6y↑736

Gene Hogland is without question one of the greatest drummers in rock history

obadiah650

5y↑75

Metal

Zachary Werner

5y↑26

And I wish they had kept him for future records... The Industrialist while having solid drums even though they came from a drum machine would’ve been intense.

Sop

5y↑7

Gene the Genius

All4Spall

4y↑22

Came through my line when I worked at Trader Joe’s, couldn’t be a nicer and more humble guy. He was touring with Testament at the time.

Quir Dana

4y↑1

Of course. He is the best.

85 More Replies...

makemebad35

13y↑90

Myles and FF for the win!

Daimanhard

3y↑3

It's just insane! It's you! My two legends came together!

Samuel Wetz

3y↑3

Well this was definitely unexpected to see you here 😂

sKiDuNSKiE

Holy fuck even your here 😳

Bersernerd

5y↑245

Seriously, these guys deserve more respect & credits in the metal community and media

T E

5y↑14

FF have been relatively unsung for their original tight knit concept and inventive scifi lyrics.

Rafael Malaquias

4y↑3

Agree

Axel

4y↑2

Agreed

LE H

4y↑2

Heavy fuqin metal 🤷‍♀️

Mika Salinto

4y↑6

They already got that with Demanufacture in 1995. Didn't you watch MTV's Headbangers Ball with Vanessa Warwick? Everybody into metal knew them. At least that was my experience but this is Finland. People being in posting lists on that modem dial-up time before (affordable) broadbands, it was very community-like.

5 More Replies...

Jordo246

7y↑554

Burton is easily the most underated vocalist in metal, and in music in general. His cleans are pure awesomeness.

Chris F

7y↑82

Have you heard him live? Seriously, big FF fan speaking here, but Burton C. Bell definitely cannot sing a fuckin ´ note straight...but I guess it´s absolutely okay to depend on tech in the studio, according to the band´s general concept...;)

First time I saw ´em was 1990 or 1991 near Karlsruhe,Germany with Unleashed and , I believe it was Nocturnus...Burton sucked "bigly" live, the keyboarder was busy changing sound disks the entire time, only Cazares delivered.

Despite that, I still am a huge fan, have all of their albums and am eagerly waiting for the next one. Albums superb, with only a few minor and one major disappointment (Archetype), but live....won´t waste any more money on them after I´ve seen them , well, for the tenth? eleventh? time live and Burton always sucked at the clean parts.

Jordo246

7y↑92

one day I hope I can write something on the internet and someone won't give me an essay on why I'm wrong.

Chris F

7y↑41

10 simple lines are an essay for you? Might explain a lot...

Ian Honour

7y↑33

JoRdOguitarman1 check out some live stuff from the mid 90's up to the early 2000's. there's lots of really good performances from Burton, especially the obsolete tour in 98/99, he was at his absolute vocal prime then. contrary to popular belief he didn't always suck live, his voice is just so badly damaged now.

Jordo246

7y↑31

I don't think people realise how much doing harsh vocals really does fuck your voice up especially when you're always on tour. The only guy I can think of that hasn't lost his voice after touring so much is Randy Blythe.

46 More Replies...

Fractal Squid

5y↑69

Gene, Byron, Dino- Literally the heaviest rhythm section in metal.

richard dietl

8y↑415

Fear Factory is a timeless metal band. They can make a casual music listener into a metal-head.

Gage Clark

7y↑3

richard dietl so true

Amanda Walton

6y↑5

Great point! They have such a range of music they have played over the years. I think personally they have a sound for everyone out there. Love these guys

gojeta1999

5y↑6

Nah, Metallica is for the casual non metal head

PlantDesigns78

5y↑4

Funny, I checked out Fear Factory for their cover of cars. Fell in love with that album and haven't looked back. Metallica and Megadeth were the heaviest bands I had really listened to before that. I was disappointed in Archetype and Digimortal. Too casual for FF. Mechanize was a breath of fresh air.

Raven / Fuck Antifa

5y↑1

@PlantDesigns78 Transgression was my only real disappointment when I first went through their discography but since then I've grown to like that album more.

11 More Replies...

Paulo Riquelme Pará

41w↑1

Fear factory el grupo mas infravalordo de la historia y son tan buenos!!

Rogelio Palos

42w↑2

Gene Hoglan is playing the most violent drum track I’ve ever heard yet it looks like a walk through the woods for him.

JRSinCT

3y↑47

This short chapter of FF with Mr. Gene Hoglan is, IMHO, an absolute gem in metal history.
Even so, Herrera was THE FF drummer.

Volodymyr Bilyk

2y↑1

imagine Gene Hoglan team-up with prime Einstuerzende Neubauten - that would've been so intense Hanatarash seemed tame

Grim

1y↑7

Love that rapid fire rhythm and those absolutely killer vocals

Metal Warriors United

6y↑28

This is really addictive, I listen to it again and again without getting bored!

Yvonne Gonzalez

4y↑2

The bestest drug replacement ever.

billyboyblue665

9y↑47

I saw them with this lineup at the Electric Ballroom in London on the Mechanize tour. When they dropped this the place damn near exploded. Videos don't touch the power of this band with a good sound on stage. It's like sticking your head in the afterburner of an F-22 Raptor at takeoff.

Legends.

Racing Haarrley Keen

2y↑24

Good old Gene on Drums never fails , perfect/spot on all the time

Matt Kolbinsky

3y↑8

This is real metal! Thunderous drums, killer vocals and crunchy as hell.
I love it. Metalhead Matt approved.

-Stealthy-Cricket

42w

Gene is a drummer that belongs in a band like this. I know he steps in when a band is needing someone, however he 's earned a home in one of these well known headliners.

Paulo Maia

48w

Brutal. Vi numa cena fechada muito fixe 🤟😊

Andrew Russo

9y↑8

Fear Factory crushes so hard. Seriously, how many metal bands do these guy's make look tame?! Gene + Dino = Destruction!

Louis Csanko

Andrew Russo Do you mean metal legends DESTRUCTION/ Check out the song mad butcher by the legendary band called DESTRUCTION from Germany

Evin P

9y↑517

Every song by this band is incredible

nacho9010

9y↑6

yes!!!

Con Xouliaras

9y↑2

I know

Airyn Hitsugaya

8y↑4

This person gets it.

Andrew Woodhead

8y↑6

Except Dog Day Sunrise. That's a skipper for me, every time.

Evin P

8y↑4

Andrew Woodhead right?! I wish they had left that off Demanufacture. Takes the wind out of everything.

26 More Replies...

Brian Smith

11y↑5

Burton Bell is awesome! He was the pioneer of the metal frontier that forged beautiful, clean vocals that were blended perfectly with the heavy, distorted sound of metal. I remember the Soul of a New Machine tour.

Tobias Neal

4y↑21

Working from home, suddenly I stand up and start headbanging. My wife looks over at me like WTF...it's these drums babe!!!...the DRUMS!!!! AHHHH!!! Glad these guys are still around and making music!

Malak Brood

8y↑14

Louis Csanko

2y↑2

Malak, I saw them back in 1992 with Raymond Herrera and they kicked ass Live. Does Gene Hoglan add some Quality to any band? Yes, but , there is no ( i ) in Band!!!!

ExtremeRecluse

1y↑1

The drummer and his feet give this band it's signature sound.

Ghost gobblers And Stuff

4y↑15

This song fits nicely with the times nowadays!!!🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

Blake Northrup

3y↑14

Favorite band ever. No one gets you pumped like FF💪💪💯💯

asdasdfasdf asdfgsdfgsdfg

12y↑4

This vocalist amazes me. He actually has a voice within all that growl and you can actually understand what he's saying.

General Kenobi

12y↑1

Gene is as big as he is because of the need to store his massive talent. If he was smaller every drum kit he touched would explode from his sheer awesomeness.

Sidartha Gaur

47w

This is the song that got me into Fear Factory. One of the best tracks ever produced by the band. Each time I listen, it reminds me of the time I first heard it in London. Time flies but some songs are forever etched in our memories. God bless Fear Factory.

Theo Schmidt

2y↑1

With Tool, Metallica & a very few select others: One of the only bands to actually „move“ something in me!

CafeNightster

3y↑1

We'll all miss you Burton, you were awesone in Fear Factory! Good luck on your future indevours and stay Metal.

Louis Csanko

5y↑4

I HAVE BEEN A FAN SINCE (SOUL OF A NEW MACHINE) THEY ARE AWESOME LIVE\,,,/

Ricardrums

4y↑1

Una decada y aún me re encanta esta banda que me inspiro a seguir en el mundo del metal dando cara en la batería lml!!!!!!

Xero Signal

12y

Saw these guys live last year and it kicked major ass!!!!

A War

Very surprise by this band, every time. Very good... and also very unique. One of the top metal band I have listen in my entire life... and I have listened to thousands of them. FF stands out as an extraordinary group, among the best.

Hertsman50

11y↑1

I'm used to hearing Dino in Divine Heresy and Tim Yeung is a machine but this guy sounds every bit as good as Yeung. He is an amazing musician....makes it look effortless.

braca977

11y↑1

Gene Hoglan is killing it! What a drummer!!!!!!

The One n' Only KG 1996

4y↑6

In my high school days, Fear Factory were my Metallica and Fear Factory were always blasted!!!!!!

Ben Street

11y↑1

Everybody in this band looks like he just found the place he truly belongs. A friend showed me this video once, then I bought some tickets and we drove a whole day to see them. It felt like crossing something of a life long list of things to do on this planet that are most terrific. I never felt so much SERENITY after a concert ever. cheers Myromax :D

neftali Rodriguez

52w

Gene is on of the GOT!!!
Dark Angel, DEATH, FEAR FACTORY, TESTAMENT & OTHERS......... I been watching played since the 80's and he gets better as time progress.

Miguel Primo

5y↑1

This live performance should be used as an example of quality and charisma in an stage!
This is by far aphoteosic !

Lannie Browning

6y↑2

They have a groove and vocals that never fade

meethead

First song I ever heard of u guys... HELL YES! I can't wait for march

Rocco Ciccone

6y↑3

This song is pure energy!!!

Zahmbie Horde

12y

Awesome video! Fear Factory Fan for life!

Maycon Carlos

6y↑1

A voz dele e muito foda 😎🤘

Papa Karlo

Fear Factory forever ! 90's forever !

sandmanssicjoke

12y

I love Fear Factory's albums....but if have never seen them live, GO NOW!!! They are one of the few bands that actually sound far better live than they do on the album. These guys are f*cking amazing!

Kyr Kak

2y↑1

perfect song! full of energy!

Alex Marshall

9y↑3

I remember hearing this song when I was in grade 9 and it blew me away hahahahaha great song and great band!!

Oliver John

13y↑1

love his vocals. so clean and metal

Ethan Doig

11y

Hell yeah, Hoglan's a beast! I would even say this song is only a moderately fast tempo for him to be playing at :)

Katherine Diaz

Seeing them live was a blessing.
Fear Factory Forever!!!

mc2alfawolf

12y↑1

no, seriuosly this band just straight up rocks, they have a great unique sound and awesome live shows

floyd semlow

There is No Fear Factory without Burton C. Bell!! 💯

Dom Ikarus

9y↑697

I think there are two things Fear Factory loves to do. 1. Making great music 2. Eating

Rat Vomit

9y↑162

Dom Ikarus Literally putting the "heavy" in heavy metal.

Spiritus Maximus

8y↑36

+Dom Ikarus God bless Golden Coral and Fear Factory

Shogun Rua

7y↑19

Lmao! Fear Factory for President

Joseph Bastidas

7y↑6

Dom Ikarus Can't go wrong with either

jj righteous

6y↑6

Dom Ikarus who doesn't love those things!

31 More Replies...

only1clover

12y

I absolutely love Fear Factory!! Oh and by the way great job on the new album The Industrialist

Chris Meier

12y↑2

Gene "the Atomic Clock" Holgan one of the worlds best drummers ever!

Krzysztof Szulczyk

Na setki kapel ,ktore znam ,ta jest z tych zespolow ,ktore rozpoznam .daja chlopaki ogien .,oby tak dalej .

Alexander 'drpe90' Dymov

12y

It's truly amazing how 4(!) people? or let's better say only 1(!) rhythm guitar can kick so much ass! One of the best old-school projects that managed to survive through the time and space!

tattedvipermn

Fear Factory is so underrated. Albums, fire.... Live, fire...

Louis Csanko

6y↑5

fear Factory are badass.Saw them 3 times,love this lineup.metal Lou

Jody Farrelly

12y

I honestly have no Idea how the drummer can keep going. Even the whole band they fucking rule!

nnubb

I maintain that this is the best song Fear Factory has ever recorded.

No0tyHir0shi

3y↑2

Dino's riffs are amazing

awesomecheetos

10y↑1

Sound hasn't changed ever and I love them for that!

Raoh

10y

What? Have you heard there first albums? They use to be death metal and 100 times better.

Scott Willie

Powerful song!

Tr1ppyDJ4L.A.

4y↑3

I love this band!!😈🤘👊

LoGJoker6

12y

This is my favorite Fear Factory song of all time!!! \m/

Mr. Hiram

The heaviest metal band on 🌎... Literally! 😯

jawsincorporated

I wish all live metal vids were shot perfectly in sync like this. Wow. Perfection. FF is a beast.

crash

12y

Agreed. If you can find someone doing these kinds of vocals before 1992 then you're a winner.FF was so far ahead of its time it's mind boggling when you think about it. Also keep in mind, Burton does BOTH kinds of vocals. 99% of the bands imitating FF have one guy who does the clean vocals and another to do the lower end growls. He remains a pioneer even today.

Gonzalo Venom

4y↑2

Buena canción tienen un sonido muy bueno

marisa massimi

2y↑3

Endless power.amazing video.excellent song.

Big_Sweetness

11y↑1

Yes Gene Hoglan is amazing, he has played with Testament, Opeth Fear Factory (obviously) and he did the drums for the 3rd dethklok album. He is highly sought after

Louis Csanko

46w↑1

He actually has played in so many Major Label bands that He once forgot one of the bands he was in!!!!!

Sticksman78

There is absolutely no let up in this song,gene is an absolute master behind the kit.

Molotov Bat Radio

3y↑1

YEEEEEEESSSSSS!!! Fear Factory for life \m/ this is on this weeks show

Sudsy Sutherland

12y

Dam these guys are tighter than a Nuns bird! The Atomic clock Gene Hoglan makes it look so effortless & art like,he's mesmerizing to watch. I also like when Gene plays in Devin Townsend's band which is pretty wild stuff to play with all kinds of different time signatures & Devin's funky tunings.

rahmat hidayat

Masterpiece album

TavenPrower

8y↑6

Just discovered these guys today, this is BY FAR the best song ive heard in a long time!

-Straight Edge, True Til Death

Vermillion Gates

8y↑2

Listen to other godly songs by these guys, like Archetype, Securitron, Demanufacture, Ressurection, Designing the Enemy, etc. Easily one of the most unique metal bands out there.

TavenPrower

Will do!

nacho9010

For me is the best metal band. The lyrics of the all songs are amazing!

Vatroslav Morbidović

8y↑2

You must be young. I kinda envy you. I remember when I started listening FF. Good ol' dayz... Hope you will enjoy! \m/

Juan Rodriguez

11y

i do not know that many bands in the speed metal genre but they caught my attention as a contemporary group. i am not the purist with all the bands that emulate them but found their sound to be exciting and appealing, yielding a new sound and face for metal that outdoes many of the older bands that are now sounding obsolete. i especially like the bass drum flurries and imagine that the drummer may be using a double bass drum set with mallets as thin as timpani drum mallets for the flurry sound.

Robert Manship

Gene can add some insane heaviness to any band he plays in!

CosmicCherrry

Great live! I highly recommend! I was fortunate enough to see them in Atlanta in the late 90s.. it was a great show! Anyone else see them at the International Ballroom?

BigMuff75

I saw this lineup at the Columbia Club, Berlin. Probably 2009 or early 2010. One of the best shows I have ever seen. Hoglan is insane.

Dan Eaton

As expected Fear Factory always delivers.

cuatbarbq

1y↑4

Deserves definitely way more views and likes

Rodrigo Squella

9y↑2

...igual q Corey Taylor, Burton C. Bell le pone de lo suyo en los cantos líricos y los gritos metaleros..... gran combinacion, gran front man... GRANDE FEARFACTORY

Edu Lopez

9y↑1

Inmensos FEAR FACTORY! Burt es un fuera de serie y lo demuestra en cada entrega (me importa una mierda si en vivo no es lo mismo) este disco es muy Demanufacture y Obsolete, una verdadera joya loco! LONG LIVE THE NEW FLESH \m/

Ramonky_NL []

11y

i simply cant get enough of this epical track \m/

Tears of Finality

That must be quite the work out playing drums for Fear Factory. Brutal as usual.

g russell

12y

love this,gene,byron and dino,what a band to back burton,seen them supporting ozzy back in 95,was fucking awesome,but i loved the line up back then,christian and raymond,what a rhythm section !!

HARD LOOK

Love Fear Factory! HUGE influence!

Top Secret

6y↑99

Funny thing is Gene Hoglan actually taught Dave Lombardo how to use double bass drums while working as a drum tech when Slayer was coming out with their first album Show No Mercy. Seriously, look it up.

Rafsanjany Ahmad

4y↑6

not taught.just some tips

JimmyGSI16V

12y

love this song!

Ollonskog

12y

Easily the best song on Mechanize. If they manage to fill The Industrialist with songs on par with this one, they are truly back to Demanufacture form!

Karen Borrero

You slay all day since 1994 omg I loved hanging with you guys at The Off Ramp in Seattle 💯❤️You're so bad ass

Yvonne Gonzalez

Im so envious of U4that epic occassion yo.

law white

12y

i saw them live not long ago in pittsburgh, its awesome how he puts one leg on the stage edge, we were so close i could touch his boot and even his hair at times, he sang directly into my camera at point blank range!! ill post video if anyone wants to see!!