View source for Front Line Assembly

{{short description|Canadian electro-industrial band}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2014}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Front Line Assembly
| image             = Rhys Fulber, Bill Leeb Front Line Assembly.jpg
| caption           = Rhys Fulber (left) and Bill Leeb
| image_upright     = 1.2
| origin            = [[Vancouver, British Columbia]], Canada
| genre             = {{hlist|[[Industrial music|Industrial]]|[[electronic body music|EBM]]|[[electro-industrial]]}}
| years_active      = {{start date|1986}}–present
| label             = {{hlist|[[Third Mind Records|Third Mind]]|[[Wax Trax! Records|Wax Trax!]]|[[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner]]|[[Cleopatra Records|Cleopatra]]|[[Off Beat (label)|Off Beat]]|[[Metropolis Records|Metropolis]]|[[Dependent Records|Dependent]]|[[Zoth Ommog Records|Zoth Ommog]]}}
| spinoffs          = {{hlist|[[Delerium]]}}
| associated_acts   = {{hlist|[[Cyberaktif]]|[[Delerium]]|[[Equinox (electro-industrial band)|Equinox]]|[[Fauxliage]]|[[Fear Factory]]|[[Intermix (band)|Intermix]]|[[Noise Unit]]|[[Pro-Tech]]|[[Chris Peterson (producer)|Revelstoker]]|[[Skinny Puppy]]|[[Synæsthesia (Canadian band)|Synæsthesia]]|[[Unit 187]]|[[Will (band)|Will]]}}
| website           = {{URL|https://www.frontlineassembly.com/}}
| current_members   = [[Bill Leeb]]<br />[[Rhys Fulber]]
| past_members      = Michael Balch<br />[[Chris Peterson (producer)|Chris Peterson]]<br />[[Jeremy Inkel]]<br />[[Jared Slingerland]]
}}

'''Front Line Assembly''' ('''FLA''') is a Canadian [[electro-industrial]] band formed by [[Bill Leeb]] in [[1986 in music|1986]] after leaving [[Skinny Puppy]]. FLA has developed its own sound incorporating elements of [[electronic body music]] and [[electro-industrial]]. The band's membership has rotated through the years, including Michael Balch, [[Rhys Fulber]], and [[Chris Peterson (producer)|Chris Peterson]], all of whom are associated with several other acts.

Since their inception, the group have produced over a dozen studio albums and EPs, several of which have charted on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'''s Top Dance/Electronic Album chart. The albums ''[[Tactical Neural Implant]]'' and ''[[Hard Wired]]'' are two of the group's most successful records, the former being considered a classic among industrial music fans. They have also produced soundtracks for video games such as ''[[Quake III: Team Arena]]'' (a collaboration with [[Sonic Mayhem]]) and ''[[AirMech]]''.

Over the years, the band's name has sometimes been published as "Front Line Assembly", and sometimes as "Frontline Assembly". The former spelling is the most common, and the band's members have stated that the version with three separate words is preferred.<ref name="sonicenvelopefulberinterview2">{{cite web | url=http://www.sonicenvelope.com/interviews/fulber2.html | title=More "Stuff" Than "Dat" – an interview with Rhys Fulber of Front Line Assembly | publisher=Sonic Envelope Magazine | last=Blink | first=Anastasia | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030926015307/http://www.sonicenvelope.com/interviews/fulber2.html | archive-date=September 26, 2003 | access-date=July 21, 2014}}</ref>

==History==

===Formation (1985–1986)===
Between 1985 and 1986, Bill Leeb performed with [[Skinny Puppy]] under the name Wilhelm Schroeder, a combination of his first name and the name of the [[Schroeder (Peanuts)|Peanuts character]] and was meant as a joke.<ref name="eklectiqueinterview">{{cite web | url=http://www.darkwaver.com/eklectique/two/frontline.html | title=Front Line Assembly | publisher=Eklectique Magazine | last=Porter | first=Alicia | date=November 8, 1998 | access-date=July 13, 2014}}</ref> Leeb had no musical training, and learned to play synthesizer while contributing [[bass synth]] and backing vocals for the band.<ref name="barcodeinterviewkey">{{cite web |url=http://www.barcodezine.com/Cevin%20Key%20Interview.htm |title=cEvin Key interview |date=2003 |publisher=Barcode |access-date=August 7, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407055306/http://www.barcodezine.com/Cevin%20Key%20Interview.htm |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="phoenixnewtimesinterview">{{cite web |url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2011-06-02/music/front-line-assembly-leads-cyborg-armies-through-post-apocalyptic-soundscapes/full/ |title=Front Line Assembly Leads Cyborg Armies Through Post-Apocalyptic Soundscapes |last=Raven |first=Daniel |date=June 2, 2011 |website=Phoenix New Times | access-date=August 7, 2014}}</ref> He also supported their 1985 tour.<ref name="joeradiointerview1988">{{cite web | url=http://www.darkdb.com/eklein/intervw/fla1.html | title=Interview: Front Line Assembly | last=Radio | first=Joe | date=April 24, 1988 | access-date=March 31, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416174519/http://www.darkdb.com/eklein/intervw/fla1.html | archive-date=April 16, 2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Not prepared for another tour, Leeb left Skinny Puppy in early 1986.<ref name="barcodeinterviewkey" />

Having developed some instrumental skills and music industry experience,<ref name="mphistory">{{cite web | url=http://www.mindphaser.com/archive/history/ | title=History | publisher=Mindphaser.com | access-date=March 31, 2014 | archive-date=February 4, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204084113/http://www.mindphaser.com/archive/history/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> and wanting to do more vocal work,<ref name="mplivelyartsinterview" /> Leeb decided to take the risk of starting his own project.<ref name="phoenixnewtimesinterview" /><ref name="chaoscontrolinterview93">{{cite web | url=http://www.chaoscontrol.com/front-line-assembly-3/ | title=Front Line Assembly | publisher=Chaos Control Magazine | date=1993 | access-date=July 21, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411143127/http://www.chaoscontrol.com/front-line-assembly-3/ | archive-date=April 11, 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref>  Leeb decided to call the project Front Line Assembly to reflect his belief that strength lies in working together.<ref name="mplivelyartsinterview" />

Leeb started by producing a demo tape, ''[[Nerve War]]'', which was distributed on a limited basis. Contacts in the music scene he had gathered while with Skinny Puppy led to contract offers from the first two labels that Leeb later approached with cassettes.<ref name="chaoscontrolinterview93" />

Around this time, Leeb and Rhys Fulber became friends when they discovered they both had a similar interest in underground music. As an unofficial member at this time, Fulber partnered with Leeb during the production of ''[[Total Terror]]'' and was credited for the song "Black Fluid" on the demo. Both demo releases were limited to 100 and mostly distributed amongst friends.<ref name="joeradiointerview1988" />

===Early releases and Michael Balch (1987–1989)===
The band members were influenced by early electronic and [[industrial music|industrial]] acts from Europe such as [[Kraftwerk]], [[Cabaret Voltaire (band)|Cabaret Voltaire]], [[Portion Control (band)|Portion Control]], [[Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft|D.A.F.]], [[Test Dept]], [[SPK (band)|SPK]], and [[Severed Heads]],<ref name="mplivelyartsinterview">{{cite magazine | title=Front Line Assembly | last=Armstrong | first=Emily | magazine=Lively Arts | year=1987 }}</ref><ref name="mtv120minutes1990">{{cite interview |last=Leeb |first=Bill |subject-link=Bill Leeb |title=Bill Leed {{sic}} 'Frontline Assembly |work=[[120 Minutes]] |date=1990 |publisher=[[MTV]]}}</ref> but mainly by the electronic body music style of [[Front 242]].<ref name=Johnson2012>{{cite web |url=https://somethingelsereviews.com/2012/06/01/on-second-thought-front-line-assembly-civilization-2004/ |title=On Second Thought: Front Line Assembly – Civilization (2004) |last=Johnson |first=Tom |date=June 1, 2012 |website=Something Else Reviews |access-date=May 14, 2021}}</ref>

The first appearance of Front Line Assembly was the track "Aggression",<ref name="darkdbcomp">{{cite web |url=http://www.darkdb.com/eklein/comp/compf.html#278 | title=Compilations F |last=Klein |first=Ed |publisher=Ed Klein |access-date=August 7, 2014}}</ref> which was included on the compilation ''For Your Ears Only'', released in 1987 by [[United Kingdom|British]] [[independent record label]] [[Third Mind Records|Third Mind]]<ref name="reclamationbooklet">{{cite AV media notes |title=Front Line Assembly - Reclamation |others=Front Line Assembly |year=1997 |pages=2–3 |publisher=[[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner]] |last=Levermore |first=Gary |type=booklet |location=[[New York City|New York]]}}</ref> showcasing the label's repertoire at the time. The  track would be re-released the following year on the ''[[Disorder (EP)|Disorder]]'' EP. Although the contact to Third Mind would later develop into a long-standing collaboration, the band debuted its first album ''[[The Initial Command]]'' with credited assistance by Fulber and Michael Balch on [[Belgium|Belgian]] [[independent record label]] KK at the end of 1987. The album had been produced on a tight budget which would determine whether or not cuts would be done with an eight track system or split into two four track cuts.<ref name="interviewaltpress">{{cite interview |last=Leeb |first=Bill |subject-link=Bill Leeb |interviewer=Mike Shea |title=Interview with Bill Leeb |work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]] |location=Cleveland |year=1988}}</ref> 
With the next album ''[[State of Mind (Front Line Assembly album)|State of Mind]]'', released in January 1988, the band switched to [[Germany|German]] independent label Dossier.<ref name="allmusicstateofmind">{{AllMusic | class=album | id=state-of-mind-mw0000674566 | label=Front Line Assembly: ''State of Mind'' > Overview | access-date=March 31, 2014}}</ref> They changed labels as Leeb did not want to be bound to one label,<ref name="chaoscontrolinterview93" /> so the releases were issued only on European labels.<ref name="joeradiointerview1988" />

In 1988, Balch became an official band member<ref name="joeradiointerview1988" /> and began writing songs alongside Leeb for the next few albums. Balch mostly contributed by providing keyboards and programming.<ref name="mphistory" /> This partnership produced the releases ''[[Corrosion (album)|Corrosion]]'' and ''[[Disorder (EP)|Disorder]]''. A planned release on the [[Canada|Canadian]] label [[Nettwerk]] fell through,<ref name="interviewaltpress"/> and the two finished masters were issued instead by Third Mind in 1988.<ref name="convulseinterviewlevermore">{{cite web | url=http://obsolete.com/convulsion/interviews/convulse/2.11.html |title=Third Mind Records |last=Bains |first=Jon |publisher=Convulse |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990505072734/http://www.obsolete.com/convulsion/interviews/convulse/2.11.html |archive-date=May 5, 1999 |access-date=August 7, 2014}}</ref> After the releases in 1988, Third Mind signed Front Line Assembly to a three album deal.<ref name="relmagcausticretro">{{cite interview |last=Leeb |first=Bill |subject-link=Bill Leeb |last2=Fulber |first2=Rhys |subject-link2=Rhys Fulber |last3=Levermore |first3=Gary |interviewer=Johan Carlsson |title=Front Line Assembly "Caustic Grip" Retrospective |url=https://www.releasemagazine.net/caustic-grip-retrospective/ |work=[[Release Magazine]] |publisher=Release Musik & Media |location=Gothenburg |date=December 18, 2015 |access-date=February 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151221210311/https://www.releasemagazine.net/caustic-grip-retrospective/ |archive-date=December 21, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Through Levermore ''Corrosion'' was licensed to [[Wax Trax! Records|Wax Trax!]]. Both records were re-released together with three more unreleased tracks on the [[Compilation album|compilations]] ''[[Convergence (Front Line Assembly album)|Convergence]]'' later that year and ''[[Corroded Disorder]]'' in 1995.

Adhering to Third Mind for Europe and Wax Trax! for North America resulted in better availability of the albums in both places,<ref name="joeradiointerview1988" /> and the signing with Third Mind attracted the attention of established music magazines, including ''[[Melody Maker]]''<ref name="melodymakerrevcorrosion">{{cite magazine | last=Stubbs | first=David | date=February 20, 1988 | title=Front Line Assembly - Corrosion | magazine=[[Melody Maker]] | publisher=[[IPC Media]] | location=London }}</ref><ref name="melodymakerrevdisorder">{{cite magazine | last=Stubbs | first=David | date=May 28, 1988 | title=Front Line Assembly - Disorder | magazine=[[Melody Maker]] | publisher=[[IPC Media]] }}</ref><ref name="melodymakerrevconvergence">{{cite magazine | author=The Stud Brothers | title=Front Line Assembly - Convergence CD | magazine=[[Melody Maker]] | publisher=[[IPC Media]] | location=London}}</ref><ref name="melodymakerrevgashed">{{cite magazine | last=Smith | first=Mat | title=Front Line Assembly - Gashed Senses & Crossfire | magazine=[[Melody Maker]] | publisher=[[IPC Media]] | location=London}}</ref> or ''[[NME]]''<ref name="nmerev">{{cite magazine | last=Lamacq | first=Steve | date=May 7, 1988 | title=Front Line Assembly - Corrosion | magazine=[[NME]] | publisher=[[IPC Media]] | location=London}}</ref> as well as the underground magazine ''Music From the Empty Quarter''.<ref name="emptyquarterrev">{{cite magazine | author=Deadhead | title=Front Line Assembly - Convergence | magazine=Music From the Empty Quarter}}</ref>

Front Line Assembly produced their next album ''[[Gashed Senses & Crossfire]]'' in 1989.  This album introduced their first single ''[[Digital Tension Dementia]]'' which became their first chart success and peaked at position 45 of the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Hot Dance Club Songs]] chart.<ref name="billboarddtd">{{cite magazine |url={{BillboardURLbyName |artist=Front Line Assembly |chart=Dance/Club Play Songs}} |title=Front Line Assembly Album & Song Chart History |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 7, 2014}}</ref>  In support of their latest release, the band, together with Fulber as live metal percussionist, headed out to Europe and North America for their first tour.  However, during the show in London in July 1989 their first live album ''[[Live (Front Line Assembly album)|Live]]'' was recorded under unfavourable circumstances. Presumably not well attended, the audience's reactions at the show had to be reworked.<ref name="reedassimilate3">{{cite book | last=Reed | first=S. Alexander | date=2013 | title=Assimilate: a critical history of industrial music | location=New York | publisher=Oxford University Press | page=[https://archive.org/details/assimilatecritic0000reed/page/3 3] | isbn=978-0-19-983260-6 | url=https://archive.org/details/assimilatecritic0000reed/page/3 }}</ref> For Balch it was also the last Front Line Assembly tour because he parted ways to join [[Ministry (band)|Ministry]] and [[Revolting Cocks]].<ref name="mphistory" /><ref name="reclamationbooklet" />

===Rhys Fulber and growing popularity (1990–1999)===
Filling the void left by Balch's departure, Fulber officially joined.<ref name="mphistory" /><ref name="posttvinterview">{{cite interview|last=Leeb |first=Bill |subject-link=Bill Leeb |last2=Fulber |first2=Rhys |subject-link2=Rhys Fulber |title=Front Line Assembly |location=Palo Alto |date=1991 |work=Post!}}</ref> The two musicians had similar tastes, both being enthusiastic about electronic music.<ref name="joeradiointerview1990">{{cite web | url=http://www.darkdb.com/eklein/intervw/fla5.html | title=Interview: Front Line Assembly | last=Radio | first=Joe | date=November 23, 1990 | access-date=March 31, 2014}}</ref> The duo recorded their next album, ''[[Caustic Grip]]'', in the first half of 1990. Accompanied by the release of two singles in 1990, "Iceolate" and "Provision", the album raised Front Line Assembly's profile in the industrial music scene and in the media considerably.<ref name="chaoscontrolinterview93" /><ref name="reclamationbooklet" /> [[Melody Maker]] elected both album singles ''Single of the week''<ref name="reedassimilate3"/> while the promotional video for "Iceolate"<ref name="coma101songs">{{cite web |url=http://coma-online.com/feature-101-greatest-industrial-songs-101-81/ |title=101 Greatest Industrial Songs of All Time' |last=Schock |first=David |publisher=COMA |date=March 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821162902/http://coma-online.com/feature-101-greatest-industrial-songs-101-81/ |archive-date=August 21, 2014 |access-date=August 24, 2014}}</ref> received some airplay on [[MTV]].

On ''Caustic Grip'' the band started working with [[Greg Reely]] which would evolve into a long-term partnership.<ref name="reclamationbooklet" /> The tour in support of the album started in January 1991 in the United States<ref name="convulseinterviewfla">{{cite web | url=http://www.obsolete.com/convulsion/interviews/convulse/1.2.html |title=Front Line Assembly |last=Barr |first=Stuart |date=May 1991 |publisher=Convulse |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127143602/http://obsolete.com/convulsion/interviews/convulse/1.2.html |archive-date=November 27, 2010 |access-date=August 24, 2014}}</ref> to be followed by a European leg in February which was accompanied by the release of stand-alone single ''Virus'' the same month.<ref name="reclamationbooklet" /> Chris Peterson, who would later become a full-time member of Front Line Assembly, gave his debut for the band on this tour, completing the live line-up as percussionist.

[[File:20160305 Oberhausen E-Tropolis Frontline Assembly 0015.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Rhys Fulber performing with Front Line Assembly at the  2016 E-Tropolis Festival|Rhys Fulber performing with Front Line Assembly in 2016]]

In [[1992 in music|1992]], Front Line Assembly reached a turning point in the band's musical style with the album ''[[Tactical Neural Implant]]''. The media, including ''[[Melody Maker]]'',<ref name="melodymakertnirev">{{cite magazine |author=The Stud Brothers |year=1992 |title=Front Line Assembly - Tactical Neural Implant | magazine=[[Melody Maker]] |location=London}}</ref> Siren Magazine<ref name="sireninterview">{{cite interview |last=Leeb |first=Bill |subject-link=Bill Leeb |interviewer=Ian Cheek |title=Interview |work=Siren |date=April 1992 |issue=9}}</ref> and fanzine Industrial Strength<ref name="industrialstrengthtnirev">{{cite magazine |year=1992 |title=Front Line Assembly: Tactical Neural Implant |magazine=Industrial Strength |location=DeKalb, Illinois |issue=2 |page=27}}</ref> all commented particularly on the more melodious approach featured on the album and noted the use of multi-layered sounds which would become a trademark of the band. Asked about this composing style by [[Industrialnation|Industrial Nation]], Leeb explained that the band continually experimented with new ways to use technology to make each recording different, and had focused on clarity and sustain in their instrumentation and structure in their songs.<ref name="interviewindnation1992">{{cite interview |last=Leeb |first=Bill |subject-link=Bill Leeb |interviewer=Kim Traub |title=Interview |location=Oakland, California |work=[[Industrialnation|Industrial Nation]] |publisher=Paul Valerio |issue=5 |year=1992}}</ref><ref name="interviewWCRD1992">{{cite interview |last=Leeb |first=Bill |subject-link=Bill Leeb |interviewer=Michael Tressler |title=Interview with Bill Leeb of Front Line Assembly Live on WCRD |publisher=CRD |location=Muncie, Indiana |date=March 19, 1992}}</ref>

The video for the first single off the album, "Mindphaser", was awarded "Best Alternative Video" at Much Music's 1992 Canadian Music Video Awards.<ref name="reedassimilate6">{{cite book | last=Reed | first=S. Alexander | date=2013 | title=Assimilate: a critical history of industrial music | location=New York | publisher=Oxford University Press | page=[https://archive.org/details/assimilatecritic0000reed/page/6 6] | isbn=978-0-19-983260-6 | url=https://archive.org/details/assimilatecritic0000reed/page/6 }}</ref> In August 1992, Front Line Assembly embarked on a tour that covered Northern America and Europe.<ref name="flipside1992">{{cite interview |last=Leeb |first=Bill |subject-link=Bill Leeb |interviewer=Dan |title=Interview with Bill Leeb |date=September 1992 |issue=80 |work=Flipside}}</ref> The album continues to be played in [[industrial music|industrial]] and [[electronic music]] [[dance club]]s and is considered a classic among listeners and musicians of industrial music.<ref name="allmusicrev">{{AllMusic | class=album | id=tactical-neural-implant-mw0000093595 | label=Front Line Assembly: ''Tactical Neural Implant'' > Overview | last=Kavadias | first=Theo | access-date=March 31, 2010}}</ref><ref name="reedassimilate4">{{cite book | last=Reed | first=S. Alexander | date=2013 | title=Assimilate: a critical history of industrial music | location=New York | publisher=Oxford University Press | page=[https://archive.org/details/assimilatecritic0000reed/page/4 4] | isbn=978-0-19-983260-6 | url=https://archive.org/details/assimilatecritic0000reed/page/4 }}</ref>

In 1993, the band contributed 5 remixes to [[Fear Factory]]'s EP ''[[Fear Is the Mindkiller]]'';<ref name="industrialnationint1995">{{cite interview |last=Fulber |first=Rhys |subject-link=Rhys Fulber |interviewer=Josh Finney |title=Front Line Assembly |work=[[Industrialnation|Industrial Nation]] |date=1995 |publisher=Moon Mystique |location=Iowa City, Iowa |page=49 |url=https://archive.org/details/IndustrialNation10/page/n50/mode/1up |issue=10 |issn=1062-449X |oclc=25623835}}</ref> working on the EP would eventually influence the band's next album ''[[Millennium (Front Line Assembly album)|Millennium]]'' ([[1994 in music|1994]]),<ref name="allmusicstateofmind" /> which featured a combination of [[heavy metal music|metal]] guitars, electronic music, and media sampling (much of which was taken from the [[Michael Douglas]] film ''[[Falling Down]]'') which had become one of the characteristics of [[industrial rock]] and [[industrial metal]] during the 1990s. ''[[Hard Wired]]'' ([[1995 in music|1995]])<ref name="allmusicstateofmind" /> and the [[Concert tour#Concert tour|world tour]] following the release was FLA's most successful commercial and critical period. Leeb has stated he was influenced to pursue this style of music after listening to [[Pantera|Pantera's]] "[[Walk (Pantera song)|Walk]]", which he later incorporated into the single "[[Surface Patterns]]".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Front Line Assembly Interview - June 2011 - COMA Music Magazine|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbHrraQwFec| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/YbHrraQwFec| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|access-date=2020-08-10|website=YouTube|language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In September 1996 the band made a live performance in Vancouver for the [[iHeartRadio MMVAs|MuchMusic Video Awards]] which was broadcast via satellite.<ref name="mmva1996billboardannounce">{{cite magazine |last=LeBlanc |first=Larry |title=MuchMusic To Launch M3 In '97 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |location=New York |publisher=Howard Lander |date=September 14, 1996 |volume=108 |issue=37 |page=47 |issn=0006-2510 |oclc=67058557}}</ref>

In 1997, Fulber left the band to concentrate on producing [[Fear Factory]] with other bands. [[Chris Peterson (producer)|Chris Peterson]], who had already supported the band's live shows, replaced Fulber. Soon after Fulber's  departure, the album ''[[FLAvour of the Weak|&#91;FLA&#93;vour of the Weak]]'' was released. Yet again, the album was stylistically divergent from previous releases. The metal influences found in ''[[Millennium (Front Line Assembly album)|Millennium]]'' gave way to a more [[electronica]] sound within the new release.

Front Line Assembly returned somewhat to their former sound with the album ''[[Implode (album)|Implode]]'' ([[1999 in music|1999]]).  Front Line Assembly composed the soundtrack for the video game, ''[[Quake III Arena|Quake III Team Arena]]'' and was composing music for the video game [[Millennium Four: The Right]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/Level_08_Apr-1998/page/n7/mode/2up|title=Millennium Four: The Right|magazine=[[Level (magazine)|Level]]|language=ro|page=9|date=April 1998|accessdate=February 20, 2025}}</ref> that was later cancelled. In October 1999, it was made public that the band had left their label Metropolis.<ref name="sidelinenews19991028">{{cite news | url=http://www.side-line.com/news13.htm | title=Front Line {{sic|Asse|mbley|nolink=y}} have left Metropolis | work=Side-Line | date=October 28, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010709081342/http://www.side-line.com/news13.htm |archive-date=July 9, 2001 | access-date=February 26, 2017}}</ref>

===Success in the new millennium (2000–2011)===
The band followed up ''Implode'' with the 2001 album ''[[Epitaph (Front Line Assembly album)|Epitaph]]''. This was the final album worked on by Peterson before departing in 2002.<ref name="RMM">{{cite web |last1=Carlsson |first1=Johan |title=All Light on Chris Peterson |url=http://www.releasemagazine.net/Spotlight/spotlightfla.htm |website=[[Release Music Magazine]] |access-date=31 December 2018}}</ref> The album was a critical success<ref>{{cite web |title=Epitaph by Ront Line Assembly |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/epitaph/frontline-assembly |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=31 December 2018}}</ref> and spawned the single "Everything Must Perish".<ref>{{cite web |title=Everything Must Perish - Front Line Assembly |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/everything-must-perish-mw0000014958 |website=[[AllMusic]] |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=31 December 2018}}</ref> The album also marked the band's return to Metropolis records.<ref>{{cite web |title=Epitaph - Front Line Assembly: Releases |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/epitaph-mw0000015029/releases |website=[[AllMusic]] |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=31 December 2018}}</ref>

[[File:FrontLineAssembly.jpg|thumb|right|alt=[[Jeremy Inkel]] (left) and [[Bill Leeb]] (right) performing live at [[Majestic Theater (Detroit, Michigan)|Magic Stick]] in [[Detroit]] in 2007 as Front Line Assembly|Bill Leeb and Jeremy Inkel performing in 2007]]

Fulber rejoined the band in [[2003 in music|2003]].  The reunited duo released the single "[[Maniacal (song)|Maniacal]]" in October of that year. The single peaked at No. 15 on ''Billboard''{{'}}s [[Dance/Electronic Singles Sales|Hot Dance Singles]].<ref name="billboardhotdance">{{cite magazine |date=November 15, 2003 |title=Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KA8EAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Front+Line+Assembly%22&pg=PA49 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[VNU Business Publications]] |location=New York |volume=115 |issue=46 |page=49 |access-date=31 December 2018}}</ref> The next year, they released the studio album ''[[Civilization (album)|Civilization]]'', which landed the No. 2 position on the German Alternative Albums chart.<ref name="dac1">{{cite web | url=http://www.djcharts.de/jahrescharts2004/DAC/album.html | title=Deutsche Alternative Charts Jahrescharts 2004 Top 50 Alben | publisher=Public Music & Media Ltd. | language=de | access-date=31 December 2018}}</ref> Peterson later rejoined the band to release ''[[Artificial Soldier]]'' in 2006. It was the first album to feature new members [[Jeremy Inkel]] and [[Jared Slingerland]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Artificial Soldier - Front Line Assembly: Credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/artificial-soldier-mw0000538936/credits |website=[[AllMusic]] |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=31 December 2018}}</ref> The album peaked on ''Billboard''{{'}}s [[Top Dance/Electronic Albums]] chart at No. 19.<ref name=chart>{{cite magazine |title=Front Line Assembly Chart History |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/Front-Line-Assembly |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=Billboard |access-date=31 December 2018}}</ref> After a problem with the tour bus company, the US tour that year was cut short, and the band returned home to [[Vancouver]]  after playing roughly half of their scheduled dates; performances in [[New York (state)|New York]] and [[Canada]] were cancelled. The band toured in [[Europe]] in August [[2006 in music|2006]], playing in 18 cities.

In April 2007, Front Line Assembly released a remix album titled ''[[Fallout (Front Line Assembly album)|Fallout]]''. The album was released in a 4-panel [[digipak]] and featured three previously unreleased tracks ("Electric Dreams," "Unconscious," and "Armageddon") and nine [[remix]]es by several other [[Industrial music|Industrial]] acts and names.<ref name="sidelinefallout">{{cite web | url=http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=22358_0_2_0_C | title=Forthcoming Front Line Assembly remix album countdown starts | work=Side-Line | date=April 19, 2007 | last=Van Isacker | first=B. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906032254/http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=22358_0_2_0_C |archive-date=September 6, 2013 | access-date=March 31, 2014}}</ref> After the release of the [[remix]] album, the band went out to tour [[North America]] and [[Europe]].

In 2010, Front Line Assembly released two new singles, "[[Shifting Through the Lens]]" and "Angriff", and an album, ''[[Improvised Electronic Device]]''; ''I.E.D.'' saw the band embrace a heavier, more guitar-driven sound, much like ''Millenium''.<ref name="popmattersrev">{{cite web |last=Schiller |first=Mike |url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/128553-front-line-assembly-improvised-electronic-device |title=Front Line Assembly: Improvised. Electronic. Device. |publisher=[[PopMatters]] |date=August 9, 2010 |access-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref> The album reached No. 23 on ''Billboard''{{'}}s Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart<ref name=chart /> and was supported by a series of tours throughout North America and Europe.<ref name="sidelineiednatour2010cancel">{{cite web | url=http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=45212_0_2_0_C |title=Front Line Assembly cancel US tour | work=Side-Line | last=Van Isacker | first=Bernard | date=April 10, 2010 | access-date=31 December 2018}}</ref> Peterson once more left the band, starting a T-shirt company with his brother.<ref name="releaseinterview">{{cite news |url=http://releasemagazine.net/Spotlight/spotlightbillleeb2010.htm |title=Bill Leeb - a tortured soul |publisher=Release Musik & Media |last=Carlsson |first=Johan |date=July 8, 2010 |access-date=July 2, 2014}}</ref> The band completed the line-up with live drummer Jason Bazinet.<ref name="fbiednatour2">{{cite web | url=http://www.facebook.com/notes/front-line-assembly-official-fan-page/front-line-assembly-announce-first-north-american-tour-in-4-years/191162400926263 | title=Front Line Assembly Announce First North American Tour in 4 Years | work=Official Front Line Assembly Facebook Page | date=March 31, 2011 | access-date=31 December 2018}}</ref>

===Back to electronic roots and new influences (2012–2018)===
Having integrated guitars into their sound since the late 1980s, either sampled or as live guitars, FLA returned in 2012 to making exclusively electronic music. This change was heard on the soundtrack album ''[[AirMech (soundtrack)|AirMech]]'' for the video game of the same name at the end of 2012.<ref name="airmechonsteam">{{cite web | url=http://store.steampowered.com/app/216173/ | title=AirMech Soundtrack on Steam | publisher=Steamworks | access-date=April 2, 2014}}</ref> Comprising only instrumental tracks, ''AirMech'' laid some grounds for 2013 full-length album ''[[Echogenetic]]''<ref name="interviewrocksinsechogenetic">{{cite web | url=http://www.rocksins.com/2013/09/interview-bill-leeb-front-line-assembly-18283/ | title=Interview with Bill Leeb (Front Line Assembly) | publisher=Rock Sins | last=Hill | first=Matt | date=September 2013 | access-date=April 2, 2014}}</ref> ''Echogenetic'' was widely praised by critics, who also noted the [[dubstep]] influences on the record, and hit the charts in the United States<ref name="echogeneticchartsus">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/302513/front-line-assembly/chart | title=Front Line Assembly | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | access-date=April 2, 2014}}</ref> and in Germany. Entering the official German charts was a first in the band's history. On the occasion of the release of ''Echogenetic'' Front Line Assembly announced a remix album<ref name="releaseechoesannounced">{{cite news |last=Carlsson |first=Johan |date=July 10, 2013 |title=Remix album from Front Line Assembly is on its way |url=http://www.releasemagazine.net/remix-album-from-front-line-assembly-is-on-its-way/  |work=[[Release Magazine]] |publisher=Release Musik & Media |location=Gothenburg |access-date=January 15, 2015}}</ref> which was released in May 2014 under the moniker of ''[[Echoes (Front Line Assembly album)|Echoes]]''.<ref name="bloodyechoesannounced">{{cite news |last=Barkan |first=Jonathan |date=April 29, 2014 |title=Front Line Assembly To Release 'Echogenetic' Remix Album 'Echoes' |url=http://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3291099/front-line-assembly-release-echogenetic-remix-album-echoes/ | work=[[Bloody Disgusting]] |publisher=The Collective |location=Beverly Hills, California |access-date=January 15, 2015}}</ref>

[[File:20160305-Frontline-Assembly-E-tropolis-Oberhausen-5690.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Bill Leeb and Jeremy Inkel performing with Front Line Assembly in 2016.|Bill Leeb (right) and Jeremy Inkel performing in 2016]]

Shortly after the release of ''Echogenetic'' the band started promoting the album with an extensive tour schedule in Europe and North America. In August 2013, Front Line Assembly covered dates in Russia, Germany, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and the UK. They continued their tour in Europe in June 2014, playing shows in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, Finland and France, this time also in support of ''Echoes''.<ref name="releaseflatour2014a">{{cite news |last=Kahrle |first=Mikael |date=March 7, 2014 |title=Front Line Assembly and Architect on European tour in June |url=http://www.releasemagazine.net/front-line-assembly-and-architect-on-european-tour-in-june/ |work=[[Release Magazine]] |publisher=Release Musik & Media |location=Gothenburg |access-date=January 15, 2015}}</ref> Former member  Fulber joined the band for their last European leg in October and November 2014 in Poland and Germany, where they performed with a philharmonic orchestra in Leipzig, a first for the band.<ref name="regenklassik2014">{{cite news |last=Vaudo |first=Zak |date=October 16, 2014 |title=Front Line Assembly to tour with Rhys Fulber, joins Gothic Meets Klassik |url=http://regenmag.com/news/front-line-assembly-tour-rhys-fulber-joins-gothic-meets-klassik/ |work=ReGen Magazine |location=College Park, Maryland |access-date=January 15, 2015}}</ref>

The same month Front Line Assembly returned from Europe, they were asked on short notice to join Leeb's former band Skinny Puppy on their ''Eye vs Spy'' North American tour as supporting band after [[VNV Nation]], previously booked for the slot, had opted out.<ref name="regenflareplacevnv">{{cite news |last=Vaudo |first=Zak |date=November 7, 2014 |title=Front Line Assembly replaces VNV Nation on upcoming U.S. tour |url=http://regenmag.com/news/front-line-assembly-replaces-vnv-nation-upcoming-u-s-tour/ |work=ReGen Magazine |location=College Park, Maryland |access-date=January 13, 2015}}</ref> On some dates, Fulber joined them. At the Vancouver show Leeb performed with Skinny Puppy on their encore song [[Bites (album)|Assimilate]].<ref name="vancityskcommodore">{{cite web |url=http://www.hellovancity.com/music/skinny-puppy-at-commodore-ballroom/ |title=Skinny Puppy at Commodore Ballroom |last=Boos |first=Jordan |date=December 26, 2014 |work=Hello Vancity |access-date=January 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150117223718/http://www.hellovancity.com/music/skinny-puppy-at-commodore-ballroom/ |archive-date=January 17, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Resuming tour activities, the band gave a number of concerts in September and November 2015. They started off with a show in Vancouver<ref name="westenderflashow">{{cite magazine |date=September 14, 2015 |title=What's on this Week: Sept. 17 |url=http://www.westender.com/what-s-on/what-s-on-this-week/what-s-on-this-week-sept-17-1.2058413 |magazine=Westender |publisher=[[Glacier Media]] |location=Vancouver |access-date=October 30, 2015}}</ref> and went on to headline the second day of the Cold Waves industrial festival in Chicago.<ref name="nncoldwaves4">{{cite news |last=Shrum |first=Tony |date=April 15, 2015 |title=Cold Waves IV Announces Full 2015 Lineup |url=http://newnoisemagazine.com/cold-waves-iv-announces-full-2015-lineup/ |magazine=New Noise |location=Berkeley, California |access-date=October 30, 2015}}</ref> The accompanying festival CD, released in October, featured an exclusive remix of ''Next War'' from Slighter.<ref name="sidelinecoldwaves4cd">{{cite magazine |date=October 7, 2015 |title=Limited run 'Cold Waves IV' compilation available feat. exclusive tracks from Pop Will Eat Itself, Lead Into Gold, Front Line Assembly, Cocksure, High-Functioning Flesh (remixed by Covenant) and more |url=http://www.side-line.com/limited-run-cold-waves-iv-compilation-available-feat-exclusive-tracks-from-from-pop-will-eat-itself-lead-into-gold-front-line-assembly-cocksure-high-functioning-flesh-remixed-by-covenant-an/ |magazine=Side-Line |access-date=February 25, 2018}}</ref> In November the band followed up with their first show in [[Mexico City]], supported by [[Mexico|Mexican]] electro-industrial band [[Hocico]], and a gig in [[Guadalajara]] both of which were also supported by Canadian electro-industrial group [[Decoded Feedback]].<ref name="sidelineflamexico">{{cite magazine |date=October 29, 2015 |title=Front Line Assembly to play Mexico City for the first time ever |url=http://www.side-line.com/front-line-assembly-to-play-mexico-city-for-the-first-time-ever/ |magazine=Side-Line |access-date=October 30, 2015}}</ref>

October 2014 saw the return of former long-time band member Rhys Fulber, joining Front Line Assembly on their European tour.<ref name="relmageutour2016">{{cite news |last=Carlsson |first=Johan |date=February 5, 2016 |title=Front Line Assembly to tour Europe in March – with Rhys Fulber |url=http://www.releasemagazine.net/front-line-assembly-to-tour-europe-in-march-with-rhys-fulber/ |work=[[Release Magazine]] |publisher=Release Musik & Media |location=Gothenburg |access-date=February 25, 2018}}</ref> In late October 2016, the band announced that a new album was in the making, including contributions by Rhys Fulber,<ref name="mpnewfla">{{cite web |url=http://www.mindphaser.com/new-fla-in-the-works/ |title=New FLA in the works! |date=October 28, 2016 |publisher=Mindphaser.com | access-date=February 25, 2018}}</ref> In March 2017 an announcement followed that the successor of sound track album ''[[AirMech (soundtrack)|AirMech]]'' was ready for release.<ref name="mpairmech2waiting">{{cite web |url=http://www.mindphaser.com/airmech-ii-completed/ |title=Airmech II completed |date=March 10, 2017 |publisher=Mindphaser.com | access-date=February 25, 2018}}</ref> The band supported industrial rock band [[Revolting Cocks]] on their North American tour the same year.<ref name="natour2017">{{cite news |last=Pearis |first=Bill |date=June 21, 2017 |title=Revolting Cocks playing 'Big Sexy Land' in full on tour with Front Line Assembly |url=http://www.brooklynvegan.com/revolting-cocks-playing-big-sexy-land-in-full-on-tour-with-front-line-assembly/ |publisher=[[BrooklynVegan]] |location=New York City |access-date=April 7, 2018}}</ref>

Keyboardist Jeremy Inkel died January 23, 2018, due to complications resulting from an asthma condition, at the age of 34.<ref name="sidelineinkeldead">{{cite magazine |date=January 25, 2018 |title=RIP Front Line Assembly co-writer Jeremy Inkel |url=http://www.side-line.com/rip-front-line-assembly-co-writer-jeremy-inkel/ |magazine=Side-Line |access-date=February 25, 2018}}</ref>

===Leeb and Fulber continue as duo (2018–present)===

In March 2018 the band announced a joint European tour with German electro-industrial band [[Die Krupps]] under the moniker of "The Machinists United Tour 2018".<ref name="eutour2018">{{cite news |last=Kahrle |first=Mikael |date=March 14, 2018 |title=Front Line Assembly and Die Krupps on joint tour |url=http://www.releasemagazine.net/front-line-assembly-and-die-krupps-on-joint-tour/ |work=[[Release Magazine]] |publisher=Release Musik & Media |location=Gothenburg |access-date=April 7, 2018}}</ref> The tour will be preceded by the release of the soundtrack album ''[[WarMech]]'', successor of 2015's [[AirMech (soundtrack)|AirMech]], in June. Also, the band completed work on their 17th studio album, ''[[Wake Up the Coma]]'', which was released in February 2019.<ref name="warmechrel2018">{{cite news |last=Carlsson |first=Johan |date=March 23, 2018 |title=Front Line Assembly to finally release "Warmech" |url=http://www.releasemagazine.net/front-line-assembly-to-finally-release-warmech/ |work=[[Release Magazine]] |publisher=Release Musik & Media |location=Gothenburg |access-date=April 7, 2018}}</ref>

In October 2020, the band announced a brand new album, called ''[[Mechanical Soul]]'' is due out on January 15, 2021. It will reportedly feature guest appearances from [[Jean-Luc De Meyer]] of [[Front 242]] and [[Dino Cazares]] of [[Fear Factory]].<ref name="sidelinemechsoul2021">{{cite magazine |date=October 20, 2020 |title=Front Line Assembly announces new album |url=http://www.side-line.com/front-line-assembly-announces-new-album-mechanical-soul-for-january-2021-release/ |magazine=Side-Line |access-date=November 9, 2020}}</ref>

The band were set to perform as a part of the industrial strength tour, alongside bands [[Ministry (band)|Ministry]] and [[Helmet (band)|Helmet]], scheduled for late 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-12|title=Al Jourgensen and Ministry Launches 2020 Giveaway Campaign To Encourage Voting -|url=https://music.mxdwn.com/2020/07/12/news/al-jourgensen-and-ministry-launches-2020-giveaway-campaign-to-encourage-voting/|access-date=2021-05-13|website=mxdwn Music|language=en-US}}</ref> [[KMFDM]] were originally planned to be a part of the tour, but were later replaced with Helmet. The 25-date tour was originally slated for July 2020, but was pushed to March 2021 due to [[COVID-19]]. This was pushed back again to October 2021, because of the ongoing uncertainty with the development of the [[COVID-19 pandemic|pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 19, 2021|first=Amanda|last=Hatfield|title=Ministry reschedule Industrial Strength Tour for fall 2021; Helmet replace KMFDM|url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/ministry-reschedule-industrial-strength-tour-for-fall-2021-helmet-replace-kmfdm/|access-date=2021-05-13|website=BrooklynVegan|language=en}}</ref> However, in September 2021, Ministry announced that they were once again postponing the industrial strength tour due to safety concerns related to the pandemic, this time with the [[Melvins]] and [[Corrosion of Conformity]] as support.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-24|title=Industrial metallers Ministry postpones autumn Orlando show - and tour - until 2022|url=https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2021/09/24/industrial-metallers-ministry-postpones-autumn-orlando-show-and-tour-until-2022|access-date=2021-10-10|website=Orlando Weekly|language=en}}</ref> In response to this, Front Line Assembly released a statement via social media, alleging that Ministry had never explained why they were dropping them from the tour or given them forewarning of this, and expressing disappointment with the way that the situation was handled. The band proceeded to announce a headlining US tour for Spring 2022 and a second European co-headline tour with Die Krupps scheduled for August 2022.<ref name="frontlineassemblyustour2022">{{cite magazine |date=November 1, 2021 |title=Front Line Assembly US tour 2022 |url=https://www.releasemagazine.net/rein-will-join-front-line-assembly-on-their-2022-us-spring-tour/ |magazine=Release |access-date=February 4, 2022}}</ref><ref name="frontlineassemblyeuropeantour2022">{{cite magazine |date=August 18, 2021 |title=Front Line Assembly European tour 2022|url=https://www.kulttempel.com/kt-dp/2795 |magazine=Kult Tempel |access-date=February 4, 2022}}</ref>

Coinciding with "The Machinists Reunited Tour" in August 2022, [[Cleopatra Records|Cleopatra]] issued a remastered collection of Front Line Assembly's early works.<ref name="permanentdata">{{cite news |last=Van Isacker |first=Bernard |date=July 28, 2022 |title=Front Line Assembly team with Cleopatra Records for a 6cd box holding earliest recordings |url=https://www.side-line.com/front-line-assembly-team-with-cleopatra-records-for-a-6cd-box-holding-earliest-recordings/ |work=Side-Line |location=Belgium |access-date=September 24, 2022}}</ref> "Permanent Data 1986-1989" comprises the demo compilations ''[[Total Terror#Total Terror I|Total Terror I]]'' and ''[[Total Terror#Total Terror II|Total Terror II]]'', the regular releases ''[[State of Mind (Front Line Assembly album)|State of Mind]]'', ''[[Corrosion (album)|Corrosion]]'' and ''[[Disorder (EP)|Disorder]]'' as well as the band's [[Live (Front Line Assembly album)|first live album]]. At the same time, Cleopatra re-released the band's remastered first demo ''[[Nerve War]]''.

== Musical style ==
The band has explored many music genres across their releases, including: Industrial, [[industrial rock]], industrial metal, electronic body music and electro-industrial.<ref name=Johnson2012/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/front-line-assembly-mn0000660941/biography |title=Front Line Assembly – Biography |last=Ankeny |first=Jason |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=May 14, 2021}}</ref>

=== Development ===
Although being established as a largely [[Industrial music|industrial]] project, the band is known to take liberty in adapting their sound across many of their releases over the years. The band's early catalogue has been largely described as electronic body music, industrial and electro-industrial from ''Total Terror'' to ''Gashed Senses and Crossfire''. Rhys Fulber has featured as a prominent collaborator with Leeb across many FLA releases, as both found they have a shared interest in electronic music. Fulber officially replaced longtime member Michael Balch on ''Caustic Grip'', who was busy with other projects at the time. Fulber has since worked on and off with the band across several releases, he rejoined as a member in 2014.

''Caustic Grip'' (1990) marked a shift to [[industrial rock]] on the single "Provision", featuring guitar work that would later be featured much more extensively on the next several albums. The opening track (''Resist'') also features guitar, which is uncredited and is possibly a sample. ''Tactical Neural Implant'' released soon after in 1992 and marked a major change in the band's sound, exploring more melodic and electronic styles throughout the album. The album was the first to feature widespread use of multiple film and instrumental samples, another element to be expanded on later. The release is considered one of the band's very best by fans and critics alike.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-05-10|title=Rediscover: Front Line Assembly: Tactical Neural Implant|url=https://spectrumculture.com/2016/05/09/rediscover-front-line-assembly-tactical-neural-implant/|access-date=2021-05-13|website=Spectrum Culture|language=en-US}}</ref>

''Millennium'' (1994) then followed and became the band's first industrial metal record, containing several guitar samples from prominent [[Heavy metal music|metal]] bands such as [[Pantera]] ("[[Walk (Pantera song)|Walk]]") alongside the [[Session musician|session]] guitar work of [[Devin Townsend]], who also appears on the follow-up ''Hard Wired'' (1995). The inclusion of guitars has since become common on recent FLA albums, such as ''Improvised Electronic Device'' (2010), though not a permanent change.

[''FLA]vour of the Weak'' (1997) is similar to ''Tactical Neural Implant'', though it has significant electronica and big beat influences and is possibly the band's most melodic and musically varied album in their entire catalogue. The album largely eschews previously used guitars and samples, featuring a more stripped-down sound. ''Flavour'' and the next two releases, ''Implode'' (1999) and ''Epitaph'' (2001), featured Chris Peterson as a collaborator (including future albums) before the return of Fulber on ''Civilization'' (2004). ''Echogenetic'' (2013) saw the band incorporate [[dubstep]] into their music, which was popular at the time.

The band released a [[soundtrack album]] titled ''AirMech'' in 2012, followed by ''WarMech'' in 2018. The albums feature a continuation of the electronica style of the band's later material. The first is the eponymous soundtrack of the game and the latter is for the game's sequel, titled ''AirMech Wastelands.''

==Members==
===Current members===
* [[Bill Leeb]] – vocals, keyboards, percussion <small>(1986–present)</small>
* [[Rhys Fulber]] – keyboards, programming, percussion <small>(1986, 1989–1996, 2002–2005, 2014–present)</small>
* Joey Blush – keyboards, turntables <small>(2024–present; live member)</small>
* Eli van Vegas – drums <small>(2024–present; live member)</small>

===Former members===
* Michael Balch – keyboards, programming, percussion <small>(1987–1990)</small>
* [[Chris Peterson (producer)|Chris Peterson]] – keyboards, programming, percussion <small>(1990–1992, 1996–2001, 2002, 2005–2009)</small>
* [[Adrian White (musician)|Adrian White]] – drums, guitars <small>(1995–1996, 2000–2006; live member)</small>
* [[Jed Simon]] – guitars, percussion <small>(1995–1999; live member)</small>
* [[Jeremy Inkel]] – keyboards, programming, percussion <small>(2005–2018; died 2018)</small>
* [[Jared Slingerland]] – guitars, keyboards, programming, percussion <small>(2005–2016)</small>
* [[Tim Skold]] – guitars <small>(2022–2023; live member)</small>
* Matthew Setzer – guitars <small>(2022–2024; live member)</small>
* Jon Siren – drums <small>(2022–2024; live member)</small>

===Timeline===
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  bar:Balch from:01/08/1987 till:05/01/1990 color:Keys
  bar:Fulber from:01/01/1986 till:01/01/1987 color:Keys
  bar:Fulber from:01/01/1989 till:01/01/1990 color:Keys
  bar:Fulber from:01/01/1990 till:01/01/1997 color:Keys
  bar:Fulber from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2006 color:Keys
  bar:Fulber from:05/07/2014 till:end color:Keys
  bar:Peterson from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/1993 color:Keys
  bar:Peterson from:01/01/1997 till:08/10/2001 color:Keys
  bar:Peterson from:01/05/2002 till:31/05/2002 color:Keys
  bar:Peterson from:01/01/2005 till:01/01/2010 color:Keys
  bar:Inkel from:01/01/2005 till:21/10/2017 color:Keys
  bar:Slingerland from:01/01/2005 till:31/12/2016 color:Guitar
  bar:Slingerland from:01/01/2005 till:31/12/2016 color:Keys width:3
}}

==Discography==
{{Main|Front Line Assembly discography}}

===Studio albums===

This listing only lists regular full-length studio albums.

*''[[The Initial Command]]'' (1987) 
*''[[State of Mind (Front Line Assembly album)|State of Mind]]'' (1988)
*''[[Corrosion (album)|Corrosion]]'' (1988)
*''[[Gashed Senses & Crossfire]]'' (1989)
*''[[Caustic Grip]]'' (1990)
*''[[Tactical Neural Implant]]'' (1992)
*''[[Millennium (Front Line Assembly album)|Millennium]]'' (1994)
*''[[Hard Wired]]'' (1995)
*''[[FLAvour of the Weak|[FLA]vour of the Weak]]'' (1997) 
*''[[Implode (album)|Implode]]'' (1999)
*''[[Epitaph (Front Line Assembly album)|Epitaph]]'' (2001)
*''[[Civilization (album)|Civilization]]'' (2004)
*''[[Artificial Soldier]]'' (2006)
*''[[Improvised Electronic Device]]'' (2010)
*''[[Echogenetic]]'' (2013)
*''[[Wake Up the Coma]]'' (2019)
*''[[Mechanical Soul]]'' (2021)

== Tours ==
* [[Live (Front Line Assembly album)|Gashed Senses & Crossfire tour]] (Europe and North America), 1989
* [[Caustic Grip]] tour (Europe and North America), 1991
* [[Tactical Neural Implant]] tour, 1992
* [[Live Wired|Hard Wired tour]] (World), 1995–1996
* [[Re-Wind]] tour, 1998
* [[Implode (album)#Touring|Implosion tour]] (North America), 1999
* [[Artificial Soldier#Touring|Artificial Soldier]] tour (Europe and North America), 2006
* [[Fallout (Front Line Assembly album)#Touring|Fallout]] tour (Europe and North America), 2007
* [[Improvised Electronic Device#Touring|Improvised Electronic Device]] tour (Europe and North America), 2010–2011
* [[Echogenetic#Touring|Echogenetic]] tour (Europe and North America), 2013–2014
* The Machinists United Tour, 2018 (with [[Die Krupps]])
* [[Mechanical Soul]] tour, 2022
* North American Tour, 2024 (with [[Gary Numan]])

== Side projects and associated acts ==
In the course of ''Front Line Assembly''<nowiki/>'s history, current and former band members have engaged in a multitude of musical activities besides ''Front Line Assembly''.

===Active bands===
* ''[[Conjure One]]'' is Rhys Fulber's project he started after leaving Front Line Assembly in 1997, venturing deeper into [[Ambient music|ambient]] and [[worldbeat]]. Fulber released the first album under this moniker in 2002 and has since hit the charts several times.
* ''[[Delerium]]'' started off as a side project in 1987. While Bill Leeb is the only constant member and band leader, collaborators include current and former Front Line Assembly personnel. The project is stylistically diverse ranging from [[Trance (music genre)|trance]], [[world music]] and [[Ambient music|ambient]] to electronic [[pop music]], features a number of female guest singers and had several chart entries and number one hits.<ref name="camusicblogmbo">{{cite web |url=http://musiccanada.wordpress.com/2012/11/04/music-box-opera-by-delerium/ |title=Music Box Opera by Delerium |author=shawnpt |date=November 4, 2012 |work=Canadian Music Blog |access-date=August 12, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[Fear Factory]]'' is an American industrial metal band with a long-standing working relationship with Fulber. He started off delivering remixes for Fear Factory at the beginning of the 1990s, eventually becoming their long-time producer, and was considered de facto member.<ref name="regenffinterview">{{cite web |url=http://regenmag.com/interviews/fear-factory-interview-life-in-the-industrial-age-part-1/ |title=Fear Factory Interview: Life in the Industrial Age, Part 1 | last=Yücel |first=Ilker |date=July 9, 2012 |publisher=ReGen |access-date=August 12, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[Left Spine Down]]'' is a Canadian [[digital hardcore]] band co-founded by Jeremy Inkel. Jared Slingerland is a former member.
* ''[[Noise Unit]]'' is an industrial spin-off of Front Line Assembly launched in the late 1980s by Leeb and including Marc Verhaeghen from [[Belgium|Belgian]] industrial band [[Klinik]] on their first two albums.<ref name="sputnikmusicnoiseunit">{{cite web |url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/bands/Noise-Unit/17679/ |title=Noise Unit |work=Sputnikmusic |access-date=August 12, 2014}}</ref> Other Front Line Assembly members joined at different times, the project also saw a collaboration with German industrial band [[Haujobb]].
* ''[[Cyberaktif]]'' is a collaboration between Bill Leeb and cEvin Key and [[Dwayne Goettel]] of Skinny Puppy in 1990 and 1991 which resulted in one album and two accompanying singles, released on Wax Trax!.<ref name="waxtraxtenebraevision">{{cite web |url=http://cherryberry321.wordpress.com/discography_2/wax_7118_cyberaktif/ |title=WAX 7118 – Cyberaktif – Tenebrae Vision |author=brandtgassman |date=February 11, 2011 |work=Wax Trax! Family Site |access-date=August 11, 2014}}</ref> The group reformed with Leeb, Key and Fulber in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://artoffact.com/news/cyberaktif-returns-after-over-30-year-break/|title=Cyberaktif returns after over 30 year break!|website=Artoffact Records}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/cyberaktif-endgame-interview|title=Reunited After 33 Years, Cyberaktif Reveal Their “eNdgame”|date=February 14, 2024|website=Bandcamp Daily}}</ref>
* ''[[Unit 187]]'' is a Canadian industrial metal band which Peterson wrote songs for in 2003 and later joined as full-time member.

===Inactive or defunct bands===
* ''Blackland'' was the main project of Michael Balch, launched in the first half of the 1990s after his departure from Front Line Assembly. Although having recorded a full-length album and an EP, Blackland never released officially through a label.<ref name="mpblackland">{{cite web |url=http://www.mindphaser.com/index.php?page_id=424 |title=Blackland |author=((Nicholas0)) |date=February 8, 2007 |work=Mindphaser.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120072822/http://www.mindphaser.com/index.php?page_id=424 |archive-date=January 20, 2013 |access-date=August 11, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[Skinny Puppy]]'' was Leeb's first band.
* ''[[Decree (band)|Decree]]'' is a [[Noise music|noise]] [[dark ambient]] [[industrial metal]] band Chris Peterson co-founded in 1991.<ref name="sputnikmusicdecree">{{cite web |url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/bands/Decree/26468/ |title=Decree |work=Sputnikmusic |access-date=August 12, 2014}}</ref> Their most recent album is the 2011 release "Fateless", and their website is no longer active.
* ''[[Equinox (electro-industrial band)|Equinox]]'' was a [[drum and bass]]-oriented side project of Leeb and Peterson that spawned an album and a single in 1998.<ref name="allmusicholon">{{AllMusic | class=album | id=holon-mw0000045612 | last=Huey | first=Steve | label=Equinox: ''Holon'' | access-date=August 12, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[Fauxliage]]'' is the name of the project and the album that Leeb and Fulber started and released in 2007 together with [[Sixpence None the Richer]] singer [[Leigh Nash]] whom they had worked with on past Delerium albums.<ref name="allmusicfauxliage">{{AllMusic | class=artist | id=fauxliage-mn0000496442 | tab=biography | last=Brown | first=Marisa | label=Fauxliage: ''Artist Biography by Marisa Brown'' | access-date=August 12, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[Intermix (band)|Intermix]]'' was a side project of Leeb and Fulber in the 1990s that focused on [[Techno music|techno]] and later on [[Ambient music|ambient]].<ref name="orphicmusicintermix">{{cite web |url=http://www.orphicmusic.com/AE/reviews.php?id=intermix |title=Intermix |last=Smootz |first=Derek |work=Orphicmusic.com |publisher=Derek Smootz |access-date=August 12, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[List of Skinny Puppy side projects|Mutual Mortuary]]'' was a collaboration between Leeb and Skinny Puppy's Nivek Ogre which resulted in two tracks released on compilations in 1986.<ref name="mpmutualmortuary">{{cite web |url=http://mindphaser.com/index.php?page_id=585 |title=Mutual Mortuary |author=((epidemic27)) |date=January 24, 2007 |work=Mindphaser.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825125538/http://www.mindphaser.com/index.php?page_id=585 |archive-date=August 25, 2012 |access-date=August 12, 2014}}</ref> Ogre was opposed to releasing any track of the project, claiming the tracks were unfinished.<ref name="brapspdisco">{{cite web |url=http://www.prongs.org/brap/other.html |title=Brap...The Skinny Puppy Discography – Other Projects |last=Lim |first=Stacy |work=Brap...The Skinny Puppy Discography website |access-date=August 19, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[Pro-Tech|Pro>Tech]]'' was a solo effort of Leeb in 1997 which spawned only one album that bore similarities with Front Line Assembly's ''[FLA]vour of the Weak''.<ref name="mpprotech">{{cite web |url=http://www.mindphaser.com/index.php?page_id=88 |title=Pro>Tech > History |author=Bahn™ |work=Mindphaser.com |date=September 7, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120072756/http://www.mindphaser.com/index.php?page_id=88 |archive-date=January 20, 2013 |access-date=August 12, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[Chris Peterson (producer)|Revelstoker]]'' was a drum 'n' bass side project of Chris Peterson that released only one track on a compilation of Vancouver-based label Xynthetic in 2007.<ref name="sidelinepurpose">{{cite web |url=http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=20335_0_2_0_C |title=Front Line Assembly member delivers exclusive track for compilation netlabel |last=Van Isacker |first=Bernard |date=January 25, 2007 |work=Side-Line |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713125217/http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=20335_0_2_0_C |archive-date=July 13, 2009 |access-date=August 21, 2014}}</ref> 
* ''[[Stiff Valentine]]'' is a Canadian metal band for which Jared Slingerland appeared as guest member. Their most recent release was the track "Coke Ah Cola" for the 2015 compilation [[Electronic Saviors Volume 3: Remission]].
* ''[[Synæsthesia (Canadian band)|Synæsthesia]]'' was an ambient side project of Leeb and Fulber in the 1990s.<ref name="sputnikmusicsynaesthesia">{{cite web |url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/bands/Synaesthesia-(CA)/31936/ |title=Synaesthesia (CA) |website=Sputnikmusic |access-date=August 12, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[Will (band)|Will]]'' was an industrial venture of Peterson and Fulber together with vocalist John McRae.<ref name="mpwill">{{cite web |author=Sokolov |first=Veronika |date=April 10, 2025 |title=Front Line Assembly: ‘Mechviruses’ Revisits Game Soundtrack Through Remixes |url=https://www.atmostfear-entertainment.com/music/releases/front-line-assembly-mechviruses-revisits-game-soundtrack-through-remixes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429163537/https://www.atmostfear-entertainment.com/music/releases/front-line-assembly-mechviruses-revisits-game-soundtrack-through-remixes/ |archive-date=April 29, 2025 |access-date=April 29, 2025 |work=Atmostfear Entertainment}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Music|Canada}}
*[[List of bands from British Columbia]]
*[[Music of Vancouver]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
<!--Don't put interviews and other sources here. Cite them properly in the body of the article. See [[WP:EL]] and [[WP:CITE]].-->
*[http://www.mindphaser.com Mindphaser.com Official Site]
* {{musicbrainz artist|id=b847e9d2-c931-4daf-900c-42c7b2c42e16}}
*[https://www.discogs.com/artist/10656-Front-Line-Assembly Front Line Assembly] discography at [[Discogs]]

{{Front Line Assembly}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Canadian industrial music groups]]
[[Category:Industrial rock musical groups]]
[[Category:Electro-industrial music groups]]
[[Category:Electronic body music groups]]
[[Category:Cyberpunk music]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Vancouver]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1986]]
[[Category:ROIR artists]]
[[Category:1986 establishments in British Columbia]]
[[Category:Third Mind Records artists]]
[[Category:Wax Trax! Records artists]]
[[Category:Metropolis Records artists]]
[[Category:Dependent Records artists]]
[[Category:Nettwerk Music Group artists]]
[[Category:Off Beat label artists]]
[[Category:Zoth Ommog Records artists]]
[[Category:Cleopatra Records artists]]