Dino Cazares Reflects on Musical Influences and New Beginnings with FEAR FACTORY

AC/DC: The Catalyst for a Guitar Journey

In a recent interview with Chaoszine, Dino Cazares, the guitarist of the iconic metal band FEAR FACTORY, shared insights into his early musical influences. When asked about the first band he became a fan of, Cazares immediately credited AC/DC. He recounted, “Angus Young is the reason why I wanted to play guitar. The minute I saw him, I was nine years old, I saw him on TV. It was about 1976, ’77, around there, and I saw him and I just instantly knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Broader Influences Beyond AC/DC

While Angus Young sparked Cazares’s passion for the guitar, he revealed that his admiration expanded to a variety of guitarists. “It wasn’t necessarily being a fan of the bands. Once I saw Angus Young play, I became a fan of the guitar,” he explained. Cazares listed several legendary guitarists who shaped his playing style, including Eddie Van Halen, James Hetfield of Metallica, Dimebag Darrell from Pantera, and Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King of Slayer. He emphasized the importance of learning techniques from these musicians, such as Hetfield’s down picking and the staccato picking of Slayer’s guitar duo.

A Lifelong Learning Process

When asked if he continues to draw influence from other musicians, Cazares responded, “I’m definitely doing just me, because — but in theory, you never stop learning.” He elaborated that inspiration can come from various sources, including life experiences. “Life’s inspirations sometimes can trigger something for you to write in a certain style or a certain way,” he noted, highlighting how his personal experiences inform his music.

Inspiration from New Collaborations

Cazares also spoke about the fresh inspiration brought by FEAR FACTORY’s new vocalist, Milo Silvestro, who replaced original singer Burton C. Bell over two years ago. “What inspires me right now is, well, we have a new vocalist. His name’s Milo Silvestro, and he sings amazing. He’s an amazing vocalist. He’s multi-talented,” Cazares stated. He described how Silvestro’s input has revitalized the band’s songwriting process, allowing them to explore new creative avenues while maintaining their core identity.

Collaborative Energy in Music

The guitarist further shared his thoughts on the creative dynamics of collaborating with other musicians. “Sometimes, you could play with other musicians and they inspire you. Maybe you’re a fan of their bands, but when you get ’em in a room together and you start collaborating together, sometimes that can really spark an idea,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the creative process.

Recent Developments in FEAR FACTORY

FEAR FACTORY recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking album “Demanufacture” with a European tour. The current lineup includes Cazares, Silvestro, drummer Pete Webber, and bassist Tony Campos, who was temporarily replaced by Ricky Bonazza of Butcher Babies during the tour. Silvestro officially joined the band in February 2023 and made his headlining debut with FEAR FACTORY on May 5, 2023, at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California.

Conclusion

Dino Cazares’s reflections on his musical journey reveal the profound impact that early influences and collaborative relationships have on his artistry. As FEAR FACTORY moves forward with new energy and creativity, fans can anticipate an exciting evolution of their sound while honoring the legacy that has defined them for decades.

FAQs

Who is Dino Cazares?

Dino Cazares is the guitarist for the heavy metal band FEAR FACTORY, known for their influential music in the metal genre.

What inspired Dino to play guitar?

Dino Cazares was inspired to play guitar after seeing AC/DC’s Angus Young perform on television when he was nine years old.

Who are some of Dino’s musical influences?

Dino Cazares has been influenced by several notable guitarists, including Eddie Van Halen, James Hetfield, Dimebag Darrell, Jeff Hanneman, and Kerry King.

Who is the current vocalist for FEAR FACTORY?

The current vocalist for FEAR FACTORY is Milo Silvestro, who joined the band in February 2023.

What recent tour did FEAR FACTORY complete?

FEAR FACTORY recently completed a European tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of their classic album, “Demanufacture.”