"…System:FX's self-released Overdrive EP offers up plenty of hard dance beats, punk vocals, grinding guitars and infectious electronics. It's the kind of music that won't fail to get the bodies moving in clubs. The end result is a simple and effective take on electro-industrial that harks back to the likes of Cubanate and The Prodigy."
- Dominion
System:FX is an industrial project from London, combining 'old-skool' 90s industrial with modern EBM sounds. They have been described as "distinctive English-sounding industrial", "a relentless wall of sound", and "reminiscent of how The Prodigy, Ministry and Cubanate would sound if thrown into a blender!"
Initially the brainchild of Steve Alton on keyboards, he was joined by vocalist Mike and drummer Debs in 2007.
Their first self-released demo, Virus, was an instant dancefloor hit in the legendary Slimelight nightclub, and was also been played in clubs all over the world. In late 2008 they released their self-financed EP High:Definition:Violence which has 4 original tracks plus 4 remixes from other top UK acts. This was very well received by various websites and zines, being described as "refreshing", "intriguingly addictive" and "energetically aggressive".
In 2008 and early 2009 System:FX gained a reputation as an aggressive but entertaining live act supporting a number of notable and diverse bands such as Panzer AG, 32Crash, Warren Suicide, Client, Implant and DAF.
In 2009, Mike left the band and Steve took over on vocals. In 2010 they introduced live guitar into their work as an evolution of the System:FX sound. Steve’s punk-edged vocal style is often compared to The Prodigy's Keith Flint and works seamlessly with his unique guitar style.
More support slots with top bands followed in late 2009/2010… Agonoize, Combichrist, Armageddon Dildos, Nitzer Ebb, Assemblage 23, and also a UK tour with Grendel and Aesthetic Perfection. 2010 was crowned with a hugely successful UK tour as main support for Leæther Strip, which saw them consolidate their reputation as one of the UK's top live industrial bands.
Steve also gained a reputation for creating aggressive yet danceable remixes in 2010. Remixes for Implant and Inertia have both proved hugely successful on the dancefloor and is in great demand for remix and production work.
2011 saw them take a step forward, headlining the Dark 7 festival at the Camden Underworld, London as well as other headline club shows, a second highly successful support slot with Combichrist, and a support slot for KMFDM. 2011 also saw them break into Europe, with shows at Terra Gotha in The Netherlands (playing with 32Crash) and the prestigous Dark Dance Treffen in Lahr, Germany (supporting Blutengel and Soman).
Their second EP, Overdrive was released worldwide on 4th July 2011, featuring remixes from some of the scene’s big names, Straftanz, Caustic and Implant, and becoming an instant dancefloor favourite!
"…(Overdrive) is great, beyond all expectations"
- Brutal Resonance
2012 saw them concentrating on a handful of live shows; playing at the inaugural Hardwired festival (Brighton, UK) and being invited to play at the UK’s top industrial festival, Infest, where they were one of the most successful UK bands for several years. Another main support slot with Grendel and a co-headline show at Cybersonik in London closed the year.
For System:FX, 2013 started with the release of their third EP, 21st Century to high demand. It was launched at their first show of the year, as main support for Hocico at an exclusive London show, where they were described by Intravenous magazine as "One of the UK's stand out acts for sure".
Further shows are scheduled for 2013 including a headline show in London; supporting Funker Vogt and playing the Nortanz festival. They also intend to release another two EPs during the year.
Prepare yourselves, Alt-Festers - System:FX is bringing industrial back to the masses!
