Chad Bowar: Why was this the right time to reunite with Dino?
Burton C. Bell: It just felt right. Once Dino and I reconnected our friendship after several months of talking, I felt comfortable enough with him to ask him to come back. We got over the ego thing, and that was done with. We are past that, and now is the time to do a proper Fear Factory record with the original lineup. Unfortunately the original lineup didn't completely happen, but at least Dino and I are still working together.
How did Gene Hoglan become your new drummer?
I knew him. Fear Factory had toured with Strapping Young Lad a few times over the past ten years. Byron Stroud has been part of Fear Factory for the past six years, and he was part of Strapping Young Lad and is good friends with Gene. When we had to find a drummer, I thought of a few different drummers, but we had to find the right drummer. We never assumed Gene would do it. He's one of the best drummers in the world, but you never know until you ask. Byron gave me his number, I called him up, and after a brief conversation he said yes. It was awesome. I'm very happy with it.
Now that Dino is back, was your songwriting process the same as it was back when he was originally in the band, or has it changed?
It was about the same. It was the same as we used to do, sitting in a room and jamming together. What was different was that the creative spark was really intense. It hadn't felt like that in many years. That was a good feeling, and really moved everything forward quickly with a great momentum. We wrote and recorded the album in a very short time, and we hadn't done that, ever.
What did producer Rhys Fulber, who you also worked with on Digimortal, add to the proceedings?
I've always likened Rhys to the silent fifth member, like George Martin to the Beatles. Rhys Fulber has been that type of guy with this band for a very long time, ever since he started working with Fear Factory on the Fear Is A Mindkiller remix back in 1993. He really understands the band. He brings his flavor into the band without making it a predominant part. He understands how the sound should be, and enhances it. As a co-producer he gets great performances out of everybody, and his keyboard and soundscape work he does is incredible. He brings a side to Fear Factory that is necessary.
You also worked in Rhys' new studio.
They just built the studio, and finished it about two weeks before we got in there. We were the first band in there and tested the waters. Luckily we came out with a great piece. The experiment worked.
What's easier for you, the harsh vocals or melodic singing?
They are all hard. It's all about the right performance. I do the melodic vocals first, because once I start doing the harsh vocals my voice gets raspy after that. We save those for later, so I have a nice clean voice. It's about the right delivery, attitude, being able to understand everything I see. Whether it's singing or harsh vocals, it's all difficult to record.
Does the title Mechanize indicate the emphasis on an industrial sound?
It's part of it, the classic Fear Factory sound that put us on the map in the genre. It's also a statement about today's society, which has always a concept of Fear Factory. It's a statement of the world today, and also the sound and feeling of the music itself.
What are your expectations for the CD?
After being in this business for 20 years, I've learned not to have expectations, or even high hopes. I do have a feeling people will take notice. The only thing I expect to do is tour, and to tour a lot.
You played some South American shows in December. How was the onstage vibe?
It was awesome. It felt good, it felt right. The band was confident in the rehearsals we had. The fans were receptive and we had a great time. They were happy to see Dino and I on stage.
Are you playing any material from CDs that Dino wasn't a part of?
We aren't playing anything from the last two albums. I understand his wishes. He doesn't want to play anything he didn't write. But we have plenty of other material from classic albums, and we're playing some new tracks.
When will you be doing a U.S. tour?
We're going to Australia, then directly to the UK and Europe. I expect North American fans will be seeing us in late March or April.
As you get older and have family obligations, is it more difficult to go on tour for long periods of time?
I have three children, and I was away all of last year. For me, now that I have children, have to work even harder. I do miss my kids a lot, and it makes it hard to be away.
It is easier to stay in touch with modern technology where you don't have to go out and find a pay phone like you did back in the day.
I remember those days. I sound like an old guy, talking about how I walked around Europe looking for a phone to call home! These days it's much easier with Skype, so I get to see my kids and they can see me. Everyone's got a phone, so it's easy to pick it up and call.
I imagine your offstage activities are tamer these days as well than they were in your early 20s.
It definitely is. I still party, but not like I used to. I have some drinks, but your priorities change and your life changes, as well it should. If we hope to mature, your lifestyle matures as well. I still have a good time and try to enjoy the life I chose to lead.
