Draft:Human Factors Lab

Human Factors Lab
Origin	Orlando, Florida, United States
Genres	Industrial metal, Electronic rock, Industrial rock
Years active	2002–2015, 2022
Labels	Independent

Human Factors Lab was an American industrial metal band formed in Orlando, Florida. Active primarily between 2002 and 2015, the group became known for fusing aggressive electronic elements with heavy guitar-driven industrial rock. The band was founded by audio engineer and producer Seven Dunbar, who served as its lead vocalist and creative director.

History

Early years and Plastik (2002–2008)

Human Factors Lab was established in the early 2000s by Seven Dunbar, who had previously worked as an audio engineer at several studios in Florida and California. The band's early material blended electronic programming with distorted vocals and metal-influenced guitars, drawing inspiration from acts such as Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM, and Ministry.

The debut album Plastik was independently released in 2004, gaining traction in the underground industrial scene. In 2008, the band released the remix album PAP3R, featuring reworked versions of songs from Plastik, including a remix of “Adam and Eve” by the German industrial band KMFDM.

The Suicide Diaries and touring (2008–2012)

In 2008, Human Factors Lab released their second full-length album, The Suicide Diaries. The album was engineered by Dunbar and mixed by Chris Vrenna, known for his work with Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson. It included the single “Dead to Us All,” which featured guest vocals by Nero Bellum of Psyclon Nine. A remix of the song was later produced by Psyclon Nine.

The band toured extensively throughout the United States during this period. Human Factors Lab supported Mushroomhead on four national tours (two in 2008, one in 2011, and a subsequent run). In 2011, they also toured with KMFDM, further raising their profile in the industrial rock community.

Hiatus and transition to Seven Factor (2015–2022)

Following years of touring and recording, Human Factors Lab went on hiatus in 2015. That same year, Dunbar launched a new project called Seven Factor, which evolved into a multidisciplinary experience combining industrial music with interactive storytelling and multimedia elements.

The Human Factors Lab name was briefly revived in 2022 for the re-release of The Suicide Diaries and the recording of new material featuring previous collaborators. However, the band was formally retired shortly after, with all future music released under the Seven Factor moniker.

Style and influences

Human Factors Lab’s sound was characterized by a blend of industrial metal, electronic rock, and cyberpunk aesthetics. The band incorporated synthesizers, programmed drums, and layered vocals alongside traditional rock instrumentation. Live performances were noted for their theatrical visuals, custom lighting, and dark, futuristic stage design.

Members

• Seven Dunbar – vocals, programming, production
• Eric "Zero" Bergen – bass
• Thomas Crawford – guitars

Additional former touring and session musicians contributed at various points throughout the band’s career.

Discography

Studio albums

• Plastik (2004)
• The Suicide Diaries (2008)

Remix albums

• PAP3R (2008)

Notable singles

• "Adam and Eve" (Remixed by KMFDM)
• "Dead to Us All" (feat. Nero Bellum)
• "Unnumbered" (later re-released under Seven Factor)

Touring history

• 2008: U.S. tours with Mushroomhead (two runs)
• 2011: U.S. tour with Mushroomhead
• 2011: National tour with KMFDM
• Additional performances at industrial and metal festivals across North America

Legacy

Human Factors Lab played a formative role in the 2000s American industrial scene and served as a launchpad for Seven Dunbar’s later project, Seven Factor. The band is recognized for its integration of multimedia aesthetics, high production values, and collaborations with notable figures in the industrial genre.

See also

• Industrial metal
• KMFDM
• Psyclon Nine
• Seven Factor