Burton C. Bell Leaves Fear Factory: "I Cannot Align Myself With Someone Whom I Do Not Trust, Nor Respect"

Fear Factory vocalist Burton C. Bell has announced that he has left the band.

Referring to lawsuits and messy legal drama that has surrounded Fear Factory's name for the past few years, the frontman has called this time of late "profoundly agonising", adding that he has been dragged "through the unjust, judicial system, resulting in the legal attrition that has financially crippled me". As such, Burton says, he has realised that, "I cannot align myself with someone whom I do not trust, nor respect," and will instead be focusing on his other project, Ascension Of The Watchers.

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Read his full statement below:

"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.

"I am very proud of the Ascension Of The Watchers’ latest album, Apocyrpha. The writing and recording process for Apocyrpha 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."

Following Burton's statement, guitarist Dino Cazares took to Twitter to answer many fans' questions and allude to more to come from Fear Factory – both music-wise and regarding a proper statement – soon:

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