Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares has issued a new statement to clarify previous comments regarding drummer Gene Hoglan’s exit from the band. The clarification responds to a video posted by Beat Motel Zine Music Podcast titled “Fear Factory’s Betrayal: Drummer Gene Hoglan’s Shocking Exit,” which claimed the band failed to inform Hoglan that they were using programmed drums.
“Just to clarify, Gene Hoglan was only contracted for the ‘Mechanize’ album cycle which lasted approximately two years,” Cazares expleined. “Prior to writing the ‘Industrialist’ album we mutually agreed not to enter into a new contract.”
The guitarist highlighted the challenges of maintaining a full-time lineup with a drummer of Hoglan’s caliber. He said, “Gene is an incredible musician and he’s one of the most sought after drummers. He’s always in demand and that’s exactly what makes it difficult to keep someone of his caliber in a full-time band.”
Dino Cazares previously said about Gene Hoglan: “These dudes have it wrong in their understanding of how things went. The drummer was no longer a part of the band, which is why we used a drum program for the Industrialist. Therefore, there was no need to inform a drummer who was not present during the time we were using a drum program. No-one got replaced.”
Gene Hoglan’s tenure with Fear Factory began in 2009 when the band reunited with a new lineup. Hoglan, widely recognized as one of metal’s most technically proficient drummers and nicknamed “The Atomic Clock” for his metronomic precision, brought his legendary skills to the band’s 2010 album “Mechanize.” His work showcased the same creative drum arrangements and trademark lengthy double-kick drum rhythms that had defined his celebrated career with Dark Angel, Death, Testament, and Strapping Young Lad.
The “Mechanize” album cycle lasted approximately two years, during which Hoglan was contracted specifically for that project and its associated touring commitments. Once the cycle concluded, both Hoglan and Fear Factory made the mutual decision not to pursue a new contract. This allowed the drummer to continue his work with other projects that demanded his attention.
By the time Fear Factory began writing and recording “The Industrialist” in 2012, Hoglan was no longer part of the band’s active lineup. Mike Heller was announced as the new drummer. The use of programmed drums on “The Industrialist” was a production choice made after Hoglan’s departure, not a decision that prompted his exit.
Cazares’ clarification addresses the narrative suggesting the band had secretly replaced Hoglan with drum programming without his knowledge. The timeline indicates that Hoglan’s contract had already concluded. Fear Factory moved forward with their next chapter using different approaches to their sound.
