Vocalist Burton C. Bell has announced his departure from Fear Factory. His decision to part ways with the band emerges via a messy resolution to the behind the scenes legal drama that plagued a sizable portion of the band’s career. It would appear that guitarist Dino Cazares emerged the victor of those legalities, having recently claimed to own 100% of the band.
In a newly issued statement via burtoncbell.com, Bell stated of his exit:
“IN MY OWN WORDS
I consider myself a private person, preferring to keep my personal business to myself and trusted loved ones. I make my public statements with thoughtful intent, never deviating from the truth, in spite of the consistent series of dishonest representations and unfounded accusations from past and present band members; a toxic drama I choose to not be part of.
The past several years have been profoundly agonizing, with these members bleeding my passion with depraved deceit. As a direct consequence of their greed, these three have dragged me through the unjust, judicial system, resulting in the legal attrition that has financially crippled me.
In the end, these three members have taken possession of my principal livelihood. However, they will never take my 30-year legacy as the beating heart of the machine. A legacy that no other member, past or present, can ever claim.
So, it is after considerable, contemplative soul searching that I have come to the realization that I cannot align myself with someone whom I do not trust, nor respect. Therefore, I am announcing to my fans my departure from Fear Factory, to focus all my energy and attention toward the continuing success for Ascension of The Watchers, and all my future endeavors.
I am very proud of the Ascension of The Watchers’ latest album, APOCRYPHA. The writing and recording process for APOCRYPHA has been a truly cathartic and artistic journey of exploration and growth for me. Reigniting my passions for my writing, allowing my music to flourish, enabling my soul to soar, saving me from the real hell that engulfed a significant part of my daily life. Collaborating with talented, kindred spirits has truly created an inspirational environment of support and mutual respect, a spirit I have missed for a very long time.
I would like to thank all of my fans for their continued support throughout my career. I am very proud of my achievements, but, it is time for me to move forward. Now I look to the future with open eyes, open mind and open heart, as my artistic path strives for even greater success in music, writing and my art. It’s true, “the end is always the beginning”. The soul is free from the machine.”
Since gaining the rights to Fear Factory earlier this year, guitarist Dino Cazares has launched this GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to complete the band’s unreleased 2017 album, which at the time was titled “Monolith“.
Cazares has been back in the studio revisiting that effort with guest musicians and drummer Mike Heller after being unhappy with its original incarnation. That effort features vocals recorded by Bell during the album’s original sessions. As Cazares recently told MetalSucks, he and Bell had not talked in quite some time. He also stated that there was never any direct litigation between himself and Bell.
Cazares said in the same interview that he has “love and respect” for Bell and had hoped to welcome him back to the band as an equal member. Given this latest development, it would appear that Bell has other plans.
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