Review and pictures: Nev Pearce

Back in 1997, my world changed forever as I stood in the field at the Gold Coast Big Day Out and watched Fear Factory absolutely obliterate the stage. In that moment—watching frontman Burton C. Bell command an army of industrial metal maniacs into a frenzy in the pit—I turned to my best friend and said, “That. I want to do that.” From then on, my path in metal was set.

Although Burton hasn’t been part of Fear Factory for a few years now, he’s continued to craft heavy, groovy, dark, and moody music, always staying true to his own unique vision.

Tonight’s show is taking place at The Triffid—a perfect venue for Burton C. Bell to kick off his first-ever solo tour down under—and as a fan for almost 30 years, I’m excited to see the man on stage again doing what he does best.

Opening the show is local industrial metal project Monsters Around Us, the brainchild of creative visionary Colin Cadell. Originally emerging in the scene as the frontman of tech-death band The Schoenberg Automaton, Cadell has since made a name for himself as a filmmaker, photographer, and musician, collaborating with members of Cryptopsy, Shining, and Rivers of Nihil with M.A.U.

Monsters Around Us delivers a set that moves seamlessly from ambient, world-building soundscapes to glitch-heavy, distorted beats and low-tuned, face-melting riffs. Though largely instrumental—save for a brief burst of vocals in one track—the music makes a massive statement: immersive, intense, and impossible to ignore. It draws in early punters and sets the tone for an evening of heavy industrial madness—a fitting opener for what’s to come, and a welcome departure from the usual support acts.

As the lights dim and Hells Bells blares through the PA, Burton C. Bell and his band hit the stage, launching into the heavy groove of Antidroid—instantly commanding the crowd’s attention with crushing riffs, pulsing rhythms, and Bell’s unmistakable presence and voice.

This is then followed up with a cover of Head of David’s Dog Day Sunrise, which was originally heard on Fear Factory’s Demanufacture, and a great indication of where the evening was about to head.

We are then taken on a journey through Bell’s career with some twists and turns along the way, diving into some deep cuts with tracks from Ascension of the Watchers, City of Fire, and even a track from GZR, his project with Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, which sits perfectly alongside his latest solo material.

Burton’s band stands out—not only do they execute his material with pinpoint precision, but they also fuse it with modern heavy-as-fuck tones, giving the entire set a seamless, dynamic flow through his catalogue and a harder-hitting impact.

“I’m taking you all over the place tonight! Who was here for my first tour?” Burton asks the crowd, grinning.
“I’m taking you back to 1992!” he proclaims, launching into Scumgrief, leaving jaws on the floor.

Now, I didn’t want to spoil the surprise—but let’s face it, the internet has a way of leaking things anyway. That said, it’s worth mentioning that Burton has fully embraced his entire career, including his work with Fear Factory. Throughout the set, we’re treated to some FF classics like Descent and Replica, and it’s pretty fucking special to hear him sing these live again.

Alongside new material like his latest heavy-as-fuck single Savages, we’re also treated to a never-before-heard track, Cold Lazarus—and if it’s any indication of where his solo material is headed, fans have a lot to look forward to.

As the evening comes to a close, Burton C. Bell screams, “I’ll fuckin’ be back!”—and we sure as hell hope it’s sooner rather than later.
Tonight, we got more than we bargained for. It was an unforgettable experience watching the man take us on a journey through the past, present, and future—and wherever that journey leads next, we’ll be here for it.

Australian Tour Dates 2025
Thu 12 June: King Street Band Room, Newcastle
Fri 13 June: Factory Theatre, Sydney
Sat 14 June: Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Tickets On Sale Now!
www.sbmpresents.com/tour/burton-c-bell