Fear Factory vocalist, Burton C. Bell released a statement announcing his official departure from Fear Factory. The decision follows a legal battle with guitarist Dino Cazares that plagued that band for years. Dino, who now claims to own 100% of the band, also recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to complete the band’s unreleased 2017 album, which was titled Monolith at the time. Bell was not aware of the campaign and unhappy when learning of it.
In a statement from Bell’s website he said:
“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.”
With the fundraising money, Dino Cazares went back to the studio with guest musicians and drummer Mike Heller to complete the previously unreleased album. He said he was unhappy with its original incarnation. The vocals for the album have already been recorded by Bell during the original sessions. According to Dino, he and Bell haven’t talked in a long time, and he claims there was never any direct litigation with Bell. In the past, Dino also said that he hoped to welcome Bell back to the band as an equal member.
