Eigentlich gab es für Fear Factory-Fans Grund zur Freude: Vor kurzem verkündete Gitarrist Dino Cazares, dass 2021 mit neuem Material der Band zu rechnen ist. Nun gab es allerdings eine Schocknachricht – Frontmann Burton C. Bell verlässt die Band! Grund dafür sind Rechtsstreitigkeiten um die Marke, die bereits seit einigen Jahren laufen. So haben ihm die restlichen Bandmitglieder die Spaß an der Musik genommen, erklärt er:
„I consider myself a private person, preferring to keep my personal business to myself and trusted loved ones. I make my public statements with thoughtful intent, never deviating from the truth, in spite of the consistent series of dishonest representations and unfounded accusations from past and present band members; a toxic drama I choose to not be part of.
The past several years have been profoundly agonizing, with these members bleeding my passion with depraved deceit. As a direct consequence of their greed, these three have dragged me through the unjust, judicial system, resulting in the legal attrition that has financially crippled me.
In the end, these three members have taken possession of my principal livelihood. However, they will never take my 30-year legacy as the beating heart of the machine. A legacy that no other member, past or present, can ever claim.
So, it is after considerable, contemplative soul searching that I have come to the realization that I cannot align myself with someone whom I do not trust, nor respect. Therefore, I am announcing to my fans my departure from Fear Factory, to focus all my energy and attention toward the continuing success for Ascension of The Watchers, and all my future endeavors.“
Burton C. Bell ist bereits seit der Gründung 1989 Mitglied von Fear Factory. Mit „Genexus“ kam 2015 die letzte EP auf den Markt.