Fear Factory were one of the first bands to fuse the loud, crushing intensity of death metal with the cold harshness of industrial electronics and samples, producing a more varied sonic palette with which to express their bleak, pessimistic view of modern, technology-driven society.
The group was formed in Los Angeles in 1990 by vocalist Burton C. Bell (formerly of Hate Face), percussionist Raymond Herrera, and guitarist and ex-Douche Lord Dino Cazares. Over the years, Fear Factory has seen changes in its members, with lead vocalist Burton C. Bell being the only consistent member since 1989. The other current members of the band are Dino Cazares, Mike Heller and Tony Campos.
Fear Factory has performed at three Ozzfests and the inaugural Gigantour. Their singles have charted on the US Mainstream Rock Top 40 and albums on the Billboard Top 40, 100, and 200. The band has sold more than a million albums in the USA alone and had an enormously influence on the heavy metal scene in the mid-to-late 1990’s.
Earlier in 2016 Witchdoctor Production announced that the band would play two shows in South Africa, much to the delight of heavy metal fans. They will be performing in Johannesburg on the 10th of June at Bassline and at The Assembly in Cape Town on the 11th of June. Tickets are still available on the Quicket website.
I recently had the honor to chat to the lead vocalist Burton C. Bell. This is what he had to say:
You guys have been around since 1990. How would you say the music scene has changed from back then?
The scene has changed in many ways, as it always has, but the industry has changed even more. With recording technology in everyone’s grasp, anyone can be s musician it seems.
What can music fans expect from your performances in South Africa?
A very live and energetic show! Very loud and pumping!
When you think of “South Africa” what exactly comes to mind?
Other than the history of SA, and some movies, it seems like a very remote part of the world. I can’t wait to see it!
You released your 9th studio album in 2015, what have you been up to since then?
We’ve been touring out asses off playing the new album “Genexus” around the globe.
What is the craziest thing you experience during a live show?
The first thought that comes to mind is the time I was electrocuted while performing on stage. The wiring for my mic was not grounded properly. When my mouth was wet with spittle and touch the mic, I saw a blue spark in front of it face and I was knocked back and hit the stage like a truck hit me. When I came to, the music was stopped, and people we’re surrounding me. I got up and left stage, white as a ghost.
I’d like to thank Burton and Fear Factory for this interview. I wish them all of the best with their future musical endeavors.
To get you in the mood for their upcoming shows in South Africa, crank up their song “Dielectric” below:
If you don’t have tickets for their shows in Cape Town or Johannesburg yet, click here to buy yours NOW!
Watch this space for regular updates in the Music and Interviews categories on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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