Few bands can claim they didn’t just follow the evolution of metal, but actively forced it forward. Fear Factory are one of those bands.
For 35 years, they’ve fused machine precision with human emotion, creating a sound that helped define modern metal as we know it. From the punishing rhythms of Demanufacture to the evolving complexity of their later releases, Fear Factory didn’t just build a style, they built a blueprint.
Speaking with Metal On Tap ahead of their 2026 Australian run, guitarist and founding member Dino Cazares reflects on a legacy that continues to grow, even if it hasn’t always received the recognition it deserves.
“We know what we’ve contributed,” Dino says. “Even if we don’t always get the credit, we know what we’ve done for the genre—and what we continue to do.”
That forward-thinking mindset is alive and well in the band’s upcoming material. Dino confirms a new album is on the horizon, and it’s shaping up to be one of their most complete and collaborative releases yet.
“On this new record, we have a team of people that are working with us. We had Rhys Fulber do some of the keyboards. We had our fill-in bassist, Ricky Bonazza… he helped contribute a lot with some of the programming, some of the arrangements and some of the vocals, actually, lyrics. Of course Milo did a great job… and our producer Damien Rainaud… he’s been working with us since The Industrialist, so he definitely knows the band pretty well. We’ve got a great team of writers, and this record’s gonna have a shit-ton of killer songs… and we’re gonna be coming out with a new single really soon.”
A major part of that evolution is vocalist Milo Silvestro, who Dino says has now fully come into his own after years of touring with the band.
Rather than rushing new music, Fear Factory took a deliberate approach—allowing Milo to fully embed himself within the band before stepping into the studio, a decision that’s now clearly paying off.
“When we released Aggression Continuum, we got Milo in and right after that we were on tour… I was like, ‘Maybe Milo needs to develop a little bit more before we do that.’ We knew he could jump in seamlessly live, but creatively we still needed to work that out together. And that’s exactly what we did. We took our time… and we wanted to make sure this release is gonna be fucking sick. And it is.”
And if there was any doubt about where the new material is heading, Dino makes it crystal clear — this is Fear Factory evolving once again, not standing still.
“It’s heavy. It’s modern. It’s got a lot of great programming, cool little surprises. Milo definitely comes into his own… not just a replacement. He has his own niche. All the melodic choruses people love are there… but shit’s getting heavier, shit’s getting lower. It’s fast, it’s groovy… epic outros, epic closing songs. It’s gonna be everything people love about FEAR FACTORY.”
And as always with Fear Factory, the themes cut deeper than just sound.
Technology, AI, and the relationship between man and machine have been central to the band since day one. Now, as those concepts become reality, Dino’s perspective is as blunt as it is honest.
“AI is not going anywhere. It’s going to progress. Adapt or die.”
It’s a statement that perfectly captures both the band’s ethos and their place in 2026. While some artists push back against change, Fear Factory lean into it—exploring both the dangers and the potential of the world we’re rapidly heading toward.
Still, one thing remains untouchable.
The live experience.
With their Cybernetic Domination tour set to hit Australia this May, the band are digging deep into their catalogue, pulling out rare tracks and celebrating milestones like the 25th anniversary of Digimortal.
“We’ve got a lot of songs to cover… we might have to start doing two-hour sets,” Dino laughs.
And for fans, that’s exactly what makes this return so special. It’s not just a celebration of the past—it’s a statement of intent for the future.
For Jaimunji, it’s also personal.
Fear Factory were part of the beginning. One of the first bands that sparked a lifelong connection to heavy music. Sitting down with Dino now, decades later, brings that journey full circle.
And if this interview proves anything, it’s this:
Fear Factory aren’t just part of metal history.
They’re still writing it.
Celebrating 35 Years Of Fear, Fear Factory are dialing in a ‘Cybernetic Domination’ of Australia for their first full headlining tour in 10 years and finally for New Zealand, they perform for the first time since 2012.
The signature sounds, concepts, and passions remain, as Fear Factory salutes its past, present, and future.
FEAR FACTORY performing at:
May 19th – Perth, Metropolis Fremantle
May 21st – Adelaide, The Gov
May 22nd – Sydney, Liberty Hall
May 23rd – Melbourne, The Northcote Theatre
May 26th – Brisbane, The Tivoli
May 27th – Townsville, The Warehouse
May 29th – Hobart, Odeon
May 31st – Auckland, The Studio
Strictly limited VIP Meet & Greet Experience available at all shows.
GA & VIP TICKETS ON SALE 9.00am AEST Thursday February 5th at:
PERTH, ADELAIDE, TOWNSVILLE – www.oztix.com.au
SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, HOBART – www.moshtix.com.au
BRISBANE – www.ticketmaster.com.au
AUCKLAND – https://studiotheticket.flicket.co.nz
