Burton C. Bell is the trailblazing founding vocalist of Fear Factory, whose powerful talent has also shone in projects with G/Z/R, Ministry, Ascension of the Watchers, and his solo material. He was inducted into the official Metal Hall of Fame in January 2025.
What follows is an excerpt of Burton’s Metal Hall acceptance speech, reposted here with his permission. It’s an inspiring explanation of what motivates great artists to navigate their difficult, treacherous, often-punishing journeys in pursuit of artistic fulfillment.
Huge shoutout and thanks to Pamela Parks.
“I have been an artist my entire life, and I have been very fortunate to live my life through creativity for the past 35 years. To choose the life of an artist is a voluntary choice toward the path of MOST RESISTANCE. Much like Sisyphus pushing his boulder up the mountain, or Icarus spreading his wax wings to fly beneath the sun, the life of an artist can be frustrating, and even disheartening. It’s the process of creativity that offers purpose to my life.
Creation it is an addiction I have. Much like other vices, where you rise and feel the high, or when you fall to crash, and burn. Always chasing that dragon. It is not for the fame, infamy, adoration, or disdain that drives most of us, it is that spike of beautiful dopamine we feel when our creativity is blossoming into creations.
This is what has always driven me in every medium, or media, I create with. Striving for greatness in my art, always evolving in my pursuit for a daunting perfection to reflect who I am through art, music, and words I create. To honor the artists whom I look up to, and living that reflection the reflection of their work, is what life is all about.”
Burton C. Bell, 2025
♫
(Photo from Burton C. Bell’s 2025 Metal Hall of Fame red-carpet interview with Jack Mangan. Full video available on The Metal Voice Facebook page)
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