Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares recently opened up about the lengthy process behind the band’s upcoming album. He explained why fans have been waiting so long for new music in an interview with New Breed TV.
Cazares addressed the pressure from fans and the band’s commitment to quality over speed when working with new vocalist Milo Silvestro.
“A lot of people are, like, ‘Well, put out the record, put out the record.’ We don’t wanna rush. We want it to be the shit, because this record, when it comes out, it’s gonna be forever,” Cazares said. “So I wanna be able to live with a dope-ass record than something that’s rushed because somebody wants us to put it out quickly. Although I enjoy the enthusiasm with the fans because they pester me every day. But it’s a good pester, and I enjoy it. So I really appreciate that, because it really tells me that they’re ready for it.”
The guitarist emphasized the importance of giving new vocalist Milo Silvestro the time he needs to establish himself on what will be his first Fear Factory record.
“It’s Milo’s first record, so he has to shine on this record. So we’re definitely taking our time. I think lyrically and conceptually, that probably takes the longest,” he continued.
Cazares also discussed how Silvestro’s vocals compare to those of former vocalist Burton C. Bell. He noted both similarities and fresh elements.
“There are elements where it’s, like, okay, Milo sounds very similar to Burt, but there’s other parts where he just sounds like it’s a whole new thing, which adds a whole new freshness to the songs,” he explained. “I mean, we still have everything that makes Fear Factory what we are — aggressive verses, screams, growls, and, of course, the big melodic choruses. We still have all that. But sometimes I do a double take and I’m, like, ‘That sounds a lot like Burt.’ And sometimes I’m, like, ‘This is a whole new thing.’ And you’re gonna notice that through the whole record.”
This marks Fear Factory’s first album without original vocalist Burton C. Bell. The release is particularly significant for the band’s future direction.
The upcoming album represents a crucial turning point for Fear Factory. The band navigates their first major release following significant lineup changes and industry challenges.
The band has been working steadily in the studio since early 2024. This followed their successful 2022 reunion tour that sold out venues worldwide. This extended recording period reflects the meticulous approach Cazares and the band are taking to ensure the album meets both their artistic standards and fan expectations.
Silvestro’s addition to the lineup came after Burton C. Bell’s departure in 2020 amid a legal dispute over the band’s name and creative control. The transition period has allowed Fear Factory to explore new sonic territories while maintaining their signature industrial metal sound that has defined their career for over three decades.
The upcoming release will serve as Fear Factory’s 11th studio album. Production is handled by Cazares and drummer Mike Heller at a Los Angeles studio. The band’s commitment to taking their time with this record demonstrates their understanding of its importance in establishing their post-Bell era identity.
This careful approach to the new album reflects Fear Factory’s determination to prove that their creative fire remains strong despite the significant changes in their lineup. It sets the stage for what could be a defining chapter in the band’s legacy.
