Concertwire.com

The origins of Fear Factory date back to 1990 in Los Angeles, an era rife with political turmoil, racial tension and economic hardship. Fortunately, the band landed a record deal and immediately entered the studio to record, Soul of a New Machine. Released in 1992 it transformed death metal almost 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. In the six years that have passed since the original Fear Factory splintered, lots of transformation has taken place. Burton C. Bell formed the gothic rock band Ascension of the Watchers, which released the album Numinosum on Ministry frontman Al Jourgensen’s 13th Planet Records, and recently formed City of Fire with Stroud. Dino Cazares has put out two Divine Heresy discs and toured extensively. Stroud and Hoglan have recorded and toured with Strapping Young Lad, Zimmer’s Hole and Dethklok. For Bell, the myriad projects have only provided creative ideas and inspiration for Fear Factory. “In this day and age you gotta keep busy because you can’t just rely on one band,” he says. “That’s something we’ve all learned from time and years of experience. You need to keep busy and keep working. Not only is it good to support yourself, it also keeps you going creatively.” Catch the firestorm of creativity at the Valarium on Friday, April 2.