The vocalist published a letter on his website addressing the conflict that led to his decision.
In a letter penned by the frontman, founding member of Fear Factory Burton C. Bell has announced his departure from the band.
The band had faced scrutiny in recent weeks as a GoFundMe campaign was launched in an effort to bankroll the work on their latest album. While the campaign was met with a mixed response, Bell worked to distance himself from the crowd-funding initiative by stating, “Let me be clear: I am not part of, nor am I benefitting from, any GoFundMe campaign.”
Bell and founding guitarist Dino Cazares recently won a lengthy legal battle over the use of the band name Fear Factory with former members, bassist Christian Olde Wolbers and drummer Raymond Herrera.
Bell would go on to explain that the heightened tension, the legal battle, and the environment of “toxic drama” are what led him to walk away from the band.
Read his statement below.
“IN MY OWN WORDS
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 consistent series of dishonest representations and unfounded accusations from past and present band members 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.
I am very proud of the Ascension of the Watchers’ latest album, APOCRYPHA. The writing and recording process for APOCRYPHA has been a truly cathartic and artistic journey of exploration and growth for me. Reigniting my passions for my writing, allowing my music to flourish, enabling my soul to soar, saving me from the real hell that engulfed a significant part of my daily life. Collaborating with talented, kindred spirits has truly created an inspirational environment of support and mutual respect, a spirit I have missed for a very long time.
I would like to thank all of my fans for their continued support throughout my career. I am very proud of my achievements, but, it is time for me to move forward. Now I look to the future with open eyes, open mind and open heart, as my artistic path strives for even greater success in music, writing and my art. It’s true, “the end is always the beginning”. The soul is free from the machine. – Burton C. Bell”
Bell will now shift his focus to his other project, Ascension of the Watchers which was formed back in 2002. The band is set to release Apocrypha on Oct. 9 via Dissonance Records.
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