Fear Factory Swap a Chimaira for a Soulfly
The PRP reports that bassist Matt DeVries has parted ways with Fear Factory. Says DeVries in a statement:
“For those that haven’t already heard, I’ve decided to step down as bass player of Fear Factory. The main reason being to simply take some time off of the road and focus on my kids.
“I couldn’t think of anyone better to take my place then Tony Campos. He’s a good friend and great bass player!
“Thank you to all Fear Factory fans. You guys have been amazing and made the past three years a blast! Thank you as well to Dino, Burt, and Mike for a great ride, and some memorable / incredible shows! None of which could have happened without our amazing road crew, Wedge, Jerry, Justin, Sarah… you guys rule!
“Music is my passion, so this won’t be the last time you see me.”
Although he never got to write anything for Fear Factory (at least that I’m aware of), DeVries did write this stupefyingly savage riff…
…and he’s a really fun stage performer. So, although we don’t begrudge him the decision to spend time with his family, we still hope that he will eventually make good on his promise and return to music. Assuming this is the case, given his impressive resumé –in addition to Fear Factory and Chimaira, he was in Six Feet Under for a spell — I’m sure he’ll be able to find some cool collaborators, be it in the form of a pre-existing band or a new project.
Meanwhile, his replacement in Fear Factory is Tony Campos, most famously from Static-X, currently touring with Ministry, and having recently left Soulfly. Somewhat oddly, the announcement came via Campos’ Facebook page, and wasn’t mentioned on Fear Factory’s social networks until the band linked to a news story about the development:
“Big announcement time. Now that I’m back out on the road with Ministry, I can go ahead and tell you all what’s going on without confusing everyone (hopefully). After I’m done with this Ministry run, I will begin playing bass for Fear Factory. This is the gig I wanted when Static-X was falling apart, and I’m really excited that I finally get to do it. My first show with them will be at Amnesia Rock Fest on June 20th, the day after I play with Ministry at Amnesia Rock Fest.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Max and Gloria Cavalera, and the whole Soulfly tribe for the incredible opportunity they gave me. It was a great three + years, and I enjoyed every minute of it. You have my eternal gratitude, love, and respect, and I hope we can work together again in the future.”
What does this mean for Fear Factory fans? Very little, I imagine. Campos is obviously a pro, but I doubt he’ll be doing much songwriting here. So, basically, as a live component of the band, he should do nicely.
