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Coal Chamber

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Band Timeline

1992-1995

Formation and Early Years of Coal Chamber

Coal Chamber was formed in Los Angeles in 1992 by vocalist Dez Fafara and guitarist Miguel 'Meegs' Rascón under the initial name She's in Pain. Bassist Rayna Foss and drummer Jon Tor completed the original lineup, although Tor was later replaced by Mikey Cox in 1995. The band changed their name to Coal Chamber in 1993, combining elements from two proposed names. They built a local following with support from Fear Factory's Dino Cazares. Despite some early lineup changes and a brief hiatus when Fafara left, the band signed with Roadrunner Records in December 1995, setting the stage for their debut album.
1997-1998

Debut Album Release and Early Success with 'Coal Chamber'

Coal Chamber released their self-titled debut album on February 11, 1997, after gaining management support from Sharon Osbourne. The album featured the single 'Loco' and eventually sold more than 500,000 copies, earning gold certification by the RIAA in 1999. During this period, the band toured extensively, including supporting acts like Pantera, Anthrax, and Megadeth. Their energetic performances at festivals and tours helped establish them in the nu metal scene. The album's sound drew comparisons to bands like Korn and White Zombie, helping to cement Coal Chamber's reputation within the genre.
1999-2000

Release of 'Chamber Music' and Musical Evolution

In September 1999, Coal Chamber released their second album, 'Chamber Music'. This album marked an evolution in the band's sound, incorporating more harmonies and symphonic elements than their debut. 'Chamber Music' included the band's only charting single in the US, a cover of Peter Gabriel's 'Shock the Monkey,' which featured Ozzy Osbourne. The album was highly anticipated and reflected the band's willingness to experiment and mature musically, expanding their stylistic range beyond the standard nu metal framework. Their evolving sound received attention for blending gothic and metal elements.
2002

Release of 'Dark Days' and Band Changes

Coal Chamber released their third studio album, 'Dark Days,' on May 7, 2002. This album is often noted as their heaviest and most aggressive work, blending the styles of their previous two albums with a stronger focus on nu metal aggression. 'Dark Days' featured the single 'Fiend,' which gained airplay and was featured on the soundtrack of the movie 'The Scorpion King'. During this time, bassist Rayna Foss left the band and was replaced by Nadja Peulen. Despite mixed reviews, the album was well-received by fans. Shortly after its release, the band disbanded in 2003 due to personal differences.
2011-2016

First Reunion and Release of 'Rivals'

Coal Chamber reunited in 2011 with the lineup of Dez Fafara, Mikey Cox, and Meegs Rascón, and new bassist Chela Rhea Harper, later replaced by Nadja Peulen in 2013. The band signed with Napalm Records and began recording their fourth album. 'Rivals' was released on May 19, 2015, marking their first new studio album in over a decade. The album represented a return to their nu metal and groove metal roots, blending elements of their past sound while updating it for a modern audience. Despite positive reception, the band disbanded again in 2016.
2022

Second Reunion of Coal Chamber

Coal Chamber reunited once again in 2022, re-establishing themselves in the nu metal scene. This marked the band's continued resilience and impact on the genre over their multi-decade career. The reunion reaffirmed their status among nu metal fans and demonstrated their lasting influence within the heavy metal community. Details of tours or new music following this reunion have been anticipated by fans eager to see the band perform and potentially record new material.

Albums

coal-chamber_1st_album
Coal Chamber
14 tracks
1997
coal-chamber_2nd_album
Chamber Music
16 tracks
1999
coal-chamber_3rd_album
Dark Days
12 tracks
2002
coal-chamber_4th_album
Rivals
14 tracks
2015
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Dez Fafara

2011

Lead vocals

Mike Cox

2011

Drums (drum set)

Nadja Peulen

2013

Bass guitar

Meegs Rascón

2011

Guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Rayna Foss-Rose

2000
2002

Bass guitar

Mike Cox

1994
2002

Drums (drum set)

Chela Rhea Harper

2011
2013

Bass guitar

Rayna Foss-Rose

1993
1999

Bass guitar

Nadja Peulen

2002
2003

Bass guitar

Nadja Peulen

1999
2000

Bass guitar

Dez Fafara

1993
2003

Lead vocals

Meegs Rascón

1993
2003

Guitar

John Thor

1993
1994

Membranophone

Story of Coal Chamber

Coal Chamber: A Nu-Metal Story of Rise, Fall, and Resurrection

Coal Chamber, the American nu-metal titans, burst onto the scene in 1992, originally known as "She's in Pain." The band was the brainchild of Dez Fafara (vocals) and Meegs Rascón (guitar), who, along with bassist Rayna Foss and drummer Jon Tor, laid the foundation for their signature dark, aggressive sound.

After drummer Mike Cox joined in 1995, the iconic Coal Chamber lineup was complete. Their 1997 self-titled debut album, released on Roadrunner Records, propelled them into the nu-metal spotlight. Two years later, "Chamber Music" followed, featuring their only US charting single, a cover of Peter Gabriel's "Shock the Monkey," featuring the legendary Ozzy Osbourne as a guest vocalist.

The band continued their success with "Dark Days" in 2002, which saw Nadja Peulen take over bass duties after Foss' departure. However, after ten years together, Coal Chamber disbanded in 2003.

The hiatus proved temporary, as Coal Chamber returned in 2011 with Fafara, Cox, Rascón, and Chela Rhea Harper on bass. Peulen rejoined in 2013, cementing the lineup for their 2015 fourth album "Rivals." Despite this reunion, the band parted ways once more in 2016.

The cycle of dissolution and revival continued as Coal Chamber announced a second reunion in 2022, signaling their enduring presence in the nu-metal landscape. Their story is a testament to the power of their music and the enduring passion of their fans, who have witnessed their rise, fall, and triumphant return.

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