Dino Cazares has revealed a major Fear Factory secret fans never knew, disclosing details about his musical contributions to the band that go beyond his role as guitarist.
The revelation came after Fear Factory posted a new video showing Cazares back behind the drum kit for the first time in 16 years. The band described his return to drumming in the caption accompanying the clip. They also posed a question to fans about their reaction.
“After 16 long years Dino is back on the kit playing the most insane kick drum pattern in FF’s history,” the caption read. “We add some synthetic oil to his knees and ankles and boom he killing it. What are your thoughts are u happy he’s back on the drums YES -NO?”
Cazares responded to the video and used the moment to clarify a misconception about his role on the band’s records over the years.
“Besides recently getting behind the drum kit again after many years, and before anyone assumes otherwise, I’ve also recorded all the bass tracks on Soul of a New Machine, Demanufacture, Mechanize, The Industrialist, Genexus, and Aggression Continuum,” Cazares said. “In fact, I’ve recorded bass on more Fear Factory albums than any of our previous bassists.”
He went on to note a shift on the band’s upcoming release, marking a departure from his usual contributions.
“On the new Fear Factory record, Tony Campos handled all the bass tracks, marking the first time he’s recorded bass on a Fear Factory album,” Cazares continued.
The timing of Cazares’ comments lines up with a broader transition taking shape within the band. This transition goes beyond who plays what instrument in the studio.
Fear Factory’s next full-length is shaping up to be a landmark release for the group. The album, expected in late 2026 or early 2027, will mark the recording debut of the band’s current lineup. That lineup brings together vocalist Milo Silvestro, drummer Pete Webber, and bassist Tony Campos alongside Cazares.
That makes Campos’ bass work on the record more than just a technical footnote. It represents the first time this specific lineup has entered the studio together. That milestone closes out years of transition for a band that has weathered numerous changes since its earliest days.
Cazares has been vocal about the direction of the new material. He describes it as a return to the band’s roots while still pushing the sound forward. He has teased that the record will carry the same intensity longtime fans expect. It will also introduce fresh dynamics shaped by the new lineup.
The album’s release is drawing closer. Cazares’ clarification about his own bass contributions serves as a reminder of just how hands-on he has been in shaping Fear Factory’s sound over the decades. He is now handing off certain duties to make room for the band’s newest members.
