Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares recently discussed the band’s decision to recruit Milo Silvestro as their new vocalist. He shared details about the extensive audition process in an interview with Tomketoviny.
Cazares explained how the band found their new singer through a comprehensive search. The search yielded hundreds of submissions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The fans are reacting great [to the new lineup]. It’s been all positive reaction. Milo [Silvestro], obviously, he auditioned ’cause we were looking for a vocalist,” Cazares said. “We got more than 300 submissions of a videotape of… This was during COVID, so a lot of people couldn’t get on a plane and come see me. So a lot of it was just done online. And so we had a lot of submissions, and it was a lot of stuff to go through. But one stood out, and that was Milo. And that was pretty much how he got the gig.”
The guitarist also addressed how the current lineup came together. This included the addition of drummer Pete Webber.
“When the travel ban was lifted, he was able to fly into L.A. and physically auditioned. So that worked out. And Pete — we had another drummer at the time [Mike Heller], but our drummer had some prior commitments and he couldn’t make it. And then Pete filled in and we decided to keep Pete. We liked his attitude, we liked the way he played, and that’s really important,” he continued.
Cazares emphasized that the band’s current priority is completing their upcoming album with the new lineup.
“Everything is really focused on Fear Factory. We’ve gotta be able to finish the new record and get it out for fans to hear. And everybody wants to hear Milo on the new record. So that’s important right now,” he said.
The selection of Silvestro represents a significant chapter in Fear Factory’s evolution. This is particularly notable following the departure of longtime vocalist Burton C. Bell, who left the band in 2020 after nearly three decades.
Xpress Magazine reported that Silvestro endured a grueling multi-day in-person audition in Los Angeles after the initial online phase. During this process, he and Cazares worked through about 18 songs. The Italian vocalist described the moment Cazares indicated he could work with him as his “really huge opportunity” and a “dream job.” This was particularly meaningful given his dedication as a longtime Fear Factory fan.
Loudwire noted that Silvestro comes from a musical family background that contributed to his diverse skills and understanding of Fear Factory’s sound. His mother is a vocal coach and his father a professional blues guitarist and songwriter. This provided him with a solid foundation in music theory and performance.
During the audition process, Blabbermouth revealed that Cazares provided Silvestro with a cappellas from classic Fear Factory songs such as “Resurrection” and “Timelessness” to help him study and nail the vocal style. This approach highlighted the importance of respecting the band’s legacy without simply copying Burton C. Bell’s distinctive approach.
“It’s a compliment when people say I sound like Burton C. Bell,” Silvestro said in a recent interview. He acknowledged the comparison while establishing his own identity within the band’s framework.
The new vocalist previously performed electronic metal under the name Dead Channel. He brings both technical proficiency and genuine passion for Fear Factory’s catalog to his role. This positions the band for its next creative phase.
