FEAR FACTORY Signs With CANDLELIGHT RECORDS

[rhino]

The new band calling itself FEAR FACTORY — featuring original FF members Dino Cazares (guitar) and Burton C. Bell (vocals) alongside bassist Byron Stroud (who played on the last two FEAR FACTORY albums in addition to touring and recording with STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and ZIMMERS HOLE) and legendary drummer Gene Hoglan (DETHKLOK, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, DARK ANGEL, DEATH, TESTAMENT) — will release its new studio album, "Mechanize", on February 9, 2010 via Candlelight Records. The CD, which was co-produced by the band with Rhys Fulber (FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, PARADISE LOST), was recently mixed by Greg Reely (PARADISE LOST, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, SKINNY PUPPY). Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Industrial Discipline", "Powershifter" and "Fear Campaign".



"Mechanize" is a full-fisted blast of passion and innovation that sounds like the missing link between 1995's groundbreaking "Demanufacture" and 1998's more texturally nuanced "Obsolete", according to a press release. Songs like "Industrial Discipline" and "Powershifter" are crushing and colossal, melding fast and precise rhythms with vocals that pinwheel from raw and scathing to hauntingly melodic while "Fear Campaign", which features harrowing spoken word passages, quickly segues into a showcase of punishing beats, rapid-fire riffs and ghostly keyboards. For the first time in years, the band's industrial roots glimmer through its street-lethal metal, thanks in part to Fulber, who worked on FEAR FACTORY's popular industrial remix albums "Fear is the Mindkiller" and "Remanufacture".



"I didn't want any of the soundscapes to sound natural," says Bell. "I wanted them to be really mechanical because I wanted that aspect of FEAR FACTORY to really shine again. I feel it kind of got dulled over and that's the aspect that I really enjoyed a lot about FEAR FACTORY. I was a huge fan of industrial music and still am. And you don't hear much of that anymore these days."



While "Mechanize" is instantly reminiscent of FEAR FACTORY's most potent moments of discovery, it's hardly a stroll down the old assembly line. Through a combination of technological advancements and experience, FEAR FACTORY have evolved like a computer virus, constantly reconfiguring itself to maximize its destructive impact. As work began on the album in early April, Bell, who resides in Pennsylvania, admitted he initially expected the years apart would leave him feeling awkward or uncomfortable. However, when Cazares picked him up at the airport his apprehensions melted like a block of ice on a hot electric motor. "After being with him a couple hours and talking to him everything was cool," Bell says. Three months later the duo had a fresh batch of new songs written and more importantly a renewed confidence in their union.



"Our creative juices were really flowing the whole time," says Cazares about the entire creative process. "All of a sudden we'd look at the clock and go, 'Holy shit, it's already 2:30 or 3:00 am.' We just lost track of time because we were all bouncing ideas off each other really productively. We were adding touches right up until the final second to make the record as fresh as it could be."



In the early 'gloryhole era , many years before KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and SHADOWS FALL started combining strangled growls with catchy vocal melodies, and STATIC-X and RAMMSTEIN began blending pounding staccato riffs and jackhammer beats with electronic samples, Los Angeles future-thinkers FEAR FACTORY were reinventing both death metal and industrial rock with an arsenal of sonic styles. The band, with Bell and Cazares at its core, landed a record deal based on a self-financed recording they made with producer Ross Robinson (SLIPKNOT, KORN, LIMP BIZKIT). They immediately entered the studio to record their first proper album, "Soul of a New Machine". Released in 1992, the album nearly transformed death metal overnight with its blend of throat-abrading screams and melodic vocals, and sci-fi lyrics about a machine that was invented to control and contain mankind.



"A lot of people didn't get it and really ridiculed us," Cazares recalls. "Because of the different vocals some people were like, 'whoah, this is cool, this is different.' And then other people went, 'he's singing melodically? That shouldn't be on a fuckin' death metal record.' It took a while for more people to catch on to that style of singing, and now it's everywhere."



FEAR FACTORY would release four critically acclaimed albums and two industrial remix EPs, selling well over a million albums in the process. In early 2002, following a grueling tour with MACHINE HEAD, the band imploded due to personal differences and sheer over-exertion. A revamped group, moving forward without Cazares, would go on release two more records over the next few years.



As time passed, the chance of a reunion between Bell and Cazares seemed less likely. Then in April, 2008, a full six years after they had last spoken, Bell, who at that time was touring with MINISTRY, ran into Cazares while in Los Angeles and the two reopened the lines of communication. "It just didn't feel complete," says Bell. "I realized that Dino and I were a real integral part of FEAR FACTORY and we needed each other to make it work. Without the both of us it just lost that intensity."



In the six years that have passed since the original FEAR FACTORY splintered, lots of transformation has taken place. Bell has formed the gothic rock band ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS, and Cazares has put out two DIVINE HERESY discs and toured extensively. Stroud and Hoglan have recorded and toured with STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, ZIMMERS HOLE and DETHKLOK. For Bell, the myriad of projects have only provided creative ideas and inspiration for FEAR FACTORY. He notes, "in this day and age you gotta keep busy. You can't just rely on one band; something we've all learned from time and years of experience. Not only is it good to support yourself, but it also keeps you going creatively."



"This is definitely a different chapter for us and I think it's the best thing we've ever done," Cazares adds. "Obviously, Burton and I have grown up and we've pretty much perfected what we do. More importantly, we've discovered why we so were good together in the first place. Our combination just works. All the ingredients and the elements that we had in the past, combined with what we've learned since being apart feels like putting on a new glove that still feels as good as an old glove."



Regarding "Mechanize"'s musical direction, Bell told Sergio Alvite of Mexico's Search & Destroy, "It has the raw aggression of what 'Soul Of A New Machine' [1992] was but it has... I would say it has the maturity of 'Obsolete' [1998]. When I say 'maturity,' I mean that it has the songwriting skills that 'Soul Of A New Machine' did not have whereas 'Obsolete' did."



In a June 14, 2009 appearance on the nationally syndicated radio program "Speed Freaks", FEAR FACTORY drummer Raymond Herrera — who is not part of the above-mentioned lineup — stated about the group's current status, "[Guitarist Christian Olde Wolbers and I are] actually still in FEAR FACTORY. There's a big legal battle going on right now. Essentially, what's happened is Dino and Burt have become friends again and they decided to start a new band, and furthermore, they decided to call it FEAR FACTORY. They never communicated with us about it, and they're acting like there was never any contract, but there's four members that are Fear Factory Incorporated — which is the four of us — so it's almost like them two against us two, so it's kind of a stalemate. Moving forward, I don't know what's gonna happen with the trademark, so to speak. It's kind of a weird situation, but it's not a situation that we created that was weird."



Regarding why Christian and Raymond aren't involved with the new FEAR FACTORY lineup, Bell told Rock My Monkey "The fact that I have not worked with Raymond and Christian for the past three years as FEAR FACTORY is for this one reason — it's that I did not want to be involved with their manager. Her name is Christy Priske and she happens to be Christian's wife. During the 'Transgression' mixing session, her and Raymond started a love affair that lasted for a couple years. As [she was the] manager of FEAR FACTORY, this was completely unacceptable to me."



Dino's tenure with FEAR FACTORY ended in March 2002 after Bell announced his departure from the group, allegedly telling his bandmates at the time, "Look, guys, I'm not into it anymore, I don't wanna play in the band anymore, I don't wanna play with you guys, and I especially don't wanna play with you, Dino."



FEAR FACTORY eventually reformed without Dino and released two more studio albums, the aforementioned "Archetype" and "Transgression".



ARKAEA — the new band featuring Wolbers and Herrera alongside vocalist Jon Howard (THREAT SIGNAL) and bassist Pat Kavanaugh (THREAT SIGNAL) — released its debut album, "Years In The Darkness", on July 14 via E1 Music (formerly Koch Records).

[shadowalk]

"I realized that Dino and I were a real integral part of FEAR FACTORY and we needed each other to make it work. Without the both of us it just lost that intensity."

[rhino]

why the ?

[shadowalk]

Well even if I know that there definitely is some truth in that line, it really sounds like corporate cheese.

[droidspawn]

this will be interesting

[FUKKET]

not sure how I feel about this.... but with Gene I am quite curious

[djonni greazo]

can't wait to hear this

[Abzu]

I still don't fucking care. Fear Factory stops with Demanufacture.

[M.Bison]

I used to be a big fan, Transgression was the single worst album by an established band I've ever heard and i'm not a fan of Divine Heresy at all, cheesy Roadrunner shit. This sounds like it might be promising though .

[rhino]

i hope its just as aggressive as the gloryhole era stuff, and i hope all of burts melody pats are epic as hell

[Ninny]

[quote name="abzu"]I still don't fucking care. Fear Factory stops with Demanufacture.[/quote]

[Mesarthim]

if they went back to the soul of a new machine vocal style but kept the modern, epic keyboards they would win a lot. sadly I don't think they ever will.

[rhino]

new song "powershifter"



<!-- m -->http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XRUGK9XQ<!-- m -->

[rhino]

fear factory are back, and i'm very happy with the line up. gene drums circles around raymond, and gene isnt a shit drummer like raymod is live too. the riffs on this song are very dino, it whats expected. burton has some fury in his shouts, most reminiscent of demanufacture. the clean vocal part is very catchy too. guessing that this isnt the best song on the album, us FF fans are in a for a nice suprise with mechanize

[droidspawn]

song was killer, much better than I was expecting. Bring it on!

[djonni greazo]

[quote name="jorsh"]song was killer, much better than I was expecting. Bring it on![/quote]

[rhino]

anticipation

[M.Bison]

Cool, cheers Ryan. I didn't expect to hear anything for a while.

[shadowalk]

[quote name="i am the pink lizard"]
[quote name="jorsh"]song was killer, much better than I was expecting. Bring it on![/quote][/quote]

[Grudge]

Aside from Soul of a New Machine and a little bit of Demanufacture, everything Fear Fagtory have done has sucked

[cat hallucination]

that's false because obsolete is their best album

[Syysysyd]

that was aight

[shadowalk]

Seriously, I'm really digging this song and yes I agree that the Demanufacture vibe is indeed present. I can't wait for this shit...rest assured, this will be another album that I won't download once it leaks and I will hear it first hand from an original CD that I will buy at a record store.

[cat hallucination]

i'm glad dino is back in fear factory. he belongs there. its sad with no raymond though. i didn't read the article so i don't know why he's not there.



but yes, the signature dino tone is undoubtedly there...fucking big time. thats great. and gene does a great job. wow. i'm really happy for dino. powershifter sounds great. sounds like demanufacture+digimortal. i hope they stick together and step it up even more.

[shadowalk]

Artwork has been revealed.

[droidspawn]

cool cover

[shadowalk]

[youtube]jLJuvDd-pQI[/youtube]

I just had to post this.

[M.Bison]

[quote name="shadowalk"]Artwork has been revealed.

[/quote]







LAME.

[FUKKET]

[quote name="jorsh"]cool cover[/quote]

[rhino]

the newly revamped band featuring original FF members Dino Cazares (guitar) and Burton C. Bell (vocals) alongside bassist Byron Stroud (who played on the last two FEAR FACTORY albums in addition to touring and recording with STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and ZIMMERS HOLE) and legendary drummer Gene Hoglan (DETHKLOK, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, DARK ANGEL, DEATH, TESTAMENT) — will release its new album, "Mechanize", in the U.S. on February 9, 2010 via Candlelight Records and February 5, 2010 in Europe via AFM Records. The CD, which was co-produced by the band with Rhys Fulber (FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, PARADISE LOST), was recently mixed by Greg Reely (PARADISE LOST, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, SKINNY PUPPY).



"Mechanize" track listing:



01. Mechanize

02. Industrial Discipline

03. Fear Campaign

04. Powershifter

05. Christploitation

06. Oxidizer

07. Controlled Demolition

08. Designing The Enemy

09. Metallic Division

10. Final Exit



Regarding the new album's lyrical approach, Bell stated, "In the past, the lyrical concept was of a futuristic, 'sci-fi' nature. An attempt to protect the ideas and logic of those involved in FEAR FACTORY; because those who incite progressive thought are always chastised and persecuted. By placing the 'story' into a futuristic, fictional narrative, the words and ideas may not have seemed threatening. Not so for 'Mechanize'. These are the words of a reality that once seemed distant, that are now apparently, and evidently real. These are the words of the world in which we live; for what once seemed like a story of another time, has come to be our reality today. Welcome to the world of 'Mechanize'."



"Mechanize" track-by-track guide by Burton C. Bell:



01. Mechanize



Bell: "The title track describes our world as the soulless program that it is.

Every part serves a purpose. There is no such concept as individuality within the

machine. We have carved our place inside the machine. We have grown banal

within our apathy. We have become mechanized."



02. Industrial Discipline



Bell: "The term was taken from the book 'The Third Wave'. It explains the path in which the industrial complex, and it's construct, initiated the path of conformity. Everyone worked for the benefit of the machine, not for themselves. The discipline begins in mass education, determining time and placement, superiors and subordinates, rank and file. Humanity has been disciplined to do the work for the machine, therefore becoming the machine."



02. Fear Campaign



Bell: "It was not necessary to camouflage the insanity of the world of today within a science fiction setting. The world today has become the world that writers predicted long ago. The controlling authorities are constantly, and successfully, utilizing the fear tactic to control the masses, through misinformation and distraction. Fear is bondage. Fear is slavery. Fear is Hell. Fear is control."



04. Powershifter



Bell: "Change is an inevitable course in nature and humanity. This world has seen much change as of late, and it is true globally, nationally, and personally. This is a true story of a personal struggle against a controlling and ineffectual organization. There is always a choice, and the choice is never easy."



05. Christploitation



Bell: "Christianity has become a parody of itself. Through the ages, exploitation of myths, words, and the use of the fear tactic, have ruled the masses. We have seen so much death and destruction in the name of a man made god that it means nothing. What is faith, but the belief in an archaic superstition; an overwhelming fear to face reality of the world today. Invoking the name of Christ has become a common practice The original concept does not apply. This is control through conformity and a false sense of morality."



06. Oxidizer



Bell: "One molecule of oxygen can alter the course of the world. It can start the deterioration slowly through rust, or it can quickly incinerate everything in

it's path. Either way, change is going to happen. This is about the trial by fire."



07. Controlled Demolition



Bell: "So many questions, so many lies, so perfect a destruction. All one has to do is consider the theories. Why is it so difficult to believe that our elected officials are above destructive corruption? History has proved that absolute control through violence and deception is a common theme. Consider the alternative thought, and you may see there is truth behind the False Flag."



08. Designing The Enemy



Bell: "Everything that occurs is a direct consequence of our own actions, creations, and manifestations. The machine that creates will ultimately be our demise. It is coming, the future is here."



09. Metallic Division



Bell: "The rhythm of mechanical death..."



10. Final Exit



Bell: "Based on the organization of the same name. A group of individuals with enough compassion to assist those who are interested in 'self-deliverance' from their intolerable pain. Is it compassion that drives the ability to help one commit suicide? This is a statement about the world in which we live, when the only cure for cancer, AIDS, MS ( and any other debilitating disease ) is death. Where is compassion to to assist our fellow human being in their time of unbearable pain, to keep them alive without hope of survival? Where is the compassion to find a cure, or to eliminate the diseases entirely? There is no profit in the cure... only pain and suffering."



*** "Powershifter" *** lyrics:



Feared your control and excessive greed

Abuse of your power disgraced me

You want war

You got war

More than you bargained for

I damn you and leave defiantly

Cut you out and take it all with me

You want war

You got war

More than you bargained for

Always question authority, control my own destiny

Forcing change, breaking free

From the gears of the machine

Changing my world so I can live

Execution powershift

I will forge my place in this time

Contention is sharply refined

I will expose you and force your demise

To take control of what is truly mine



Regarding "Mechanize"'s musical direction, Bell told Sergio Alvite of Mexico's Search & Destroy, "It has the raw aggression of what 'Soul Of A New Machine' [1992] was but it has... I would say it has the maturity of 'Obsolete' [1998]. When I say 'maturity,' I mean that it has the songwriting skills that 'Soul Of A New Machine' did not have whereas 'Obsolete' did."

[droidspawn]

nice read, I am seriously pumped for this.

[rhino]

aye



i'm glad to see the old fear factory vibe is back, where as the last 2 were too "personal" kind of concepts. now its kind of back the man vs machine thing

[droidspawn]

yep, the song, artwork, song titles all have the old vibe to them, love it.

[Hugo.]

I was very underwhelmed by that song. Production and drumming is great. But very boring content-wise.