As for Rayna, all bass tracks have been completed, and she is back home in Atlanta. Hey, FYI, whether you are aware or not, you will be now – www.CoalChamber.com has a new look…check it out…a very cool, basic site for y’all until a completely new site is built…new message board and a news section which promises to hold candid and timely updates from the band. And now, we leave you with some words from Rayna. Making the most of her time off from recording, she has taken the time to answer some of your questions. Here we go: 1 – what is the most memorable concert you have played and why? see ya in reno! piece…………..not peace -Xplicitlyryx Rayna – We’ve had some great one’s in Chicago, but I’ll never forget the one where Meeg’s fell off the stage in Cincinatti. Sorry Guys, but it was pretty funny. 2 – what are your favorite movies? -sickness87 Rayna – Sesame Street, Barney and Friends? No, I just saw Pay it Forward last night, it was pretty cool.American Beauty, Erin Brockovich, that’s all I can think of right now. 3 – when you go back out on tour, do you have any plans on touring with sevendust, or do you and morgan still have your differences? it would be great to see you two tour together again, the vibe is just right. love from the cat -tracycat antrim Rayna – Actually , Morgan and I have toured together several times, on both records, and no, We do not(nor have we ever) had any differences , And yes we could possibly tour together in the future. 4 – I have always considered Coal Chamber as an innovative and unique metal band. Many spin-offs have spawned since your first album that are reflective of your style. Before the ever expanding labeled genre of “Nu-metal” was a house hold name, Coal Chamber was shaking and changing the music scene. Where do you see the future of Coal Chamber with Dark Days? Will it be a intentional progressive change from what we have seen in the past or, will it be more of a continuation from your previous material? Brandon J – N. Carolina Rayna – We are coming out with a much heavier, more driving record this time. This record is a direct reflection of the Coal Chamber sound that we’ve paved from the anger and aggression of “loco” to the heavy emotions and frustration of dark days. As we’ve always done in the past, we plan to bring everything we’ve felt while writing this record to the stage for our fans to experience with us. 5 – How does rayna feel about being such a beautiful role model to billions of people, and what hair products does she use? -mindvoice Rayna – …billions? If I can inspire one person, it makes everything all the more worth while. hair products? I chopped off all of my hair last summer—Aveda shampoo and conditioner, Rusk wired gel-sometimes. 6 – what is your favorite song on the new album and why? -Marlon S Rayna – As of right now, with only drums and bass being fully done, I like the title track “dark days”, but that could easily change when I hear the finished product. 7 – Q:Coal Chamber reflects various amounts of strong messages and feelings on each of their records, and i was just wondering: What did the band try to project on this new record and how it is influenced by the lives you choose to live by today? -ILIARYS Rayna – 777…This record is definitely influenced by all of the emotions and turmoil the band has encountered over the past few years. Not only our own personal conflicts, but also a lot external “losses of trust” and let downs we’ve lived thru and learned from. Today we’ve grown stronger as people and wiser as a band. 8 – First let me say that coal chamber has been a huge influence on me in my life and music with drums, bass, guitar and vocals. Thanks. Anyways, With the new album in the making, do you have a message on this one? Thanks. -Franky from Sonora Rayna – What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. 9 – Hey Guys, I have been a fan since my friend from Cali sent me your demo tape about 5 years ago,i believe. Since I heard it you were automatically my favorite band. You have helped me through alot, well your music and the way you treat your fans and what you say in your interviews. You have literally saved my life cause I put in your cd instead of killing myself 3 times. Going to your concerts makes me so happy, I have cried each time I’ve went cause I was so happy to be close to you. I consider myself a devout fan. I own every poster I can find, including imports, same with cd’s and t-shirts.I also tell everyone I meet about you and how much I love your music. I know you have a fairly large fanbase and I know there are many other fans out there like me. What is your reaction to the way the fans respond to you and your music???? And Rayna you’re beautiful. I love you!! Keep making wonderful music! Love, Jenny M Rayna – Our live show is everything, without the fans, there would be no show, no music, no reason for Coal Chamber to exist-We love our fans- Thank You! 10 – Hey! I saw you guys perform in Syracuse, NY at the Lost Horizon on June 15, 2000–I think Meegs actually got hurt 🙁 , but I just wanted to know if you’re going to play any smaller, or at least small town, venues in upstate New York anytime soon, because I cannot wait to see you guys again and it seems that when bands come to New York they only go to NYC or Buffalo! 🙁 Don’t forget the upstate fans in between! And, Rayna I just wanted to let you know what an inspiration you are to girls everywhere. You’re my “super hero.” You’re everything I hope to someday be and more! Congrats on Kayla! Thanx bunches for the great music and keep up all the hard work, you’re fans truly appreciate it! Love ya always, June D Rayna – Thanks June, We’re hoping to do a pre-Dark Days release tour, but at the present time nothing is confirmed. We’ll keep our fingers crossed. 11 – Hey guys, I’ve seen you a couple times in Toronto (first when you were with Machine Head & Slipknot, second when you were with Type O Negative). Anways my first question is what do you think of the Canadian fans? Alot of bands seem to fail to come to Canada on their tours or only come to a couple cities. How do we fair concert wise? And which fans are the craziest (around the world)? Thanx Tanzlee Rayna – We’ve had some great shows in Canada, Toronto is a great city. Unfortunatly , we don’t book our own tours or decide in which cities we play, but we do love our Canadian fans.Ther’re very nice and they don’t throw things at us.There’s crazy Chamber fans everywhere. 12 – You guys are the best. I have almost every poster or pic that i can find of you guys!! And Id like to say that Rayna is one of my bigest influences which wanted me to start playing bass more and try to better considering you dont see many girls in Goth bands that play Bass!!! (Bass Players ROCK) Well anyways My question was what made you guys start this band like what, and whos idea was it to get coal chamber together. Also how did all of you guys meet? Well I really cant wait till you guys go on tour!! And If you could tell Rayna that she has inspired me to go on at 15 and try to be a better bass player even though I am a gurl and guys reject me cause i can play better than them! he he!! You guys Are like Gods to me! And no matter what anybody says to me You guys are the best band in the whole WORLD!! – Andrea T Rayna – Dez and Meegs meet through ads and were playing with a different drummer and bass player in a band called She’s in Pain for a very short while. I guess it wasn’t working out with the bass player and Dez and I were friends, so he hooked me up with Meegs and everything clicked, Mikey joined shortly thereafter and we became Coal Chamber. 13 – First of all i would like to say that i have been a big fan for years, and u guys kick ass live. ive met all of u except rayna (unfortunatly) and u guys are so down to earth and sweet, and really seem to love what u do. My question is for rayna, being that your the only girl in the band, and at one time was the only girl at ozzfest, not to mention probably the only girl on most of the tours being as most bands are mainly men, does it ever get to u? im sure all of the guys are nice and great, but it seems like it could get a little frustrating. does it affect u at all? thanks, cant wait to see u guys in chicago again! -kristy Rayna – It’s not really the guys that’s frustrating, everyone in my band is respectful and we pretty much mind our own space. The hard part is being separated from my family, that gets to you.

Before heading to the next 10 fan questions, one line Dez wanted to relay to you all – “by the way, new Coal Chamber page up this week…Dark Days is coming. Love Dez.” 1 – hey dez, I heard somewhere a while back that you have something going on with a record company of your own. Is there any truth to this? Anything to look forward to? -Johnny P Dez – yes, I have a record company, it is called Sever Records. I’ve been very fortunate to have people take their time out to see my bands or council me on the label, such as Tony Berg and Todd Sullivan of Virgin, as well as Ron of Capital, and many members of the Roadrunner staff. It is my hope in ten years to provide 20 bands with the opportunity to receive fair contracts and an opportunity to see the world. I have signed 3 acts, the first to speak of would be Motograter – a band from Santa Barbara, CA. They’re a five piece act, they don’t have a bass or a guitar. They play this thing called a motograter, it’s an instrument that Bruce Butler of Motograter designed. It’s a percussive instrument that replaces the bass and guitar in one. They’re crazy, they all have shaved heads, and they paint themselves with a combo of grease, white & black paint, and dirt. It’s the most raw thing I’ve ever seen. Wait till you see these guys, you’re gonna shit! 2 – Hello Dez, were you ever considering releasing a studio version of your song Anxiety? I love that song, and will we hopefully be expecting you in Australia anytime soon after the release of Dark Days? Thank you. -Julian E Dez – Yes, we’re doing a version of “Anxiety” on DARK DAYS. And we’re looking forward to coming to Australia this time around. 3 – i hope this gets to you dez. my name is jay and i’m a vocalist in a local kitchener, canada band named Prodd. i’ve been listening to you guys for quite a while now and i have amassed a great deal of respect for you. it would probably be safe to say you are one of my biggest influences. anyway, my question is: How much does Coal Chamber’s songs change from demo to album? Is it drastic, or moderate, or whatever? i just wanted to get a general idea of how much adding a producer to the mix will change my bands record when recorded. keep up the good work P.S: i’m not gay or nuthin’ but you’re a sexy bastard -RuKaSu San Dez – they change 65% from demo to album, either in tempo or in structure. Words don’t often change. However, I’ve been know to write some choruses that after recording you just go ‘oh no, fuck that one.’ It’s a process of growth. Adding a producer changes things greatly. ROSS HOGARTH has finally given us the sound that I think we’ve been searching for over the past 4 퉌_ years. ps – sexy’s good…sexy’s good… 4a – WHAT DOES COAL CHAMBER THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE OF MUSIC, AND ESPECIALLY WHAT DO YA’LL THINK ABOUT THE CURRENT MOVEMENT OF MUSIC TODAY, -Rudy C Dez – first of all, let me tell you a story: there’s a turtle floating down the river and the turtle stops at an embankment where a scorpion asks “may I have a ride across this river?” To which the turtle answers “If I let you on my back, you will surely sting me.” After some convincing, the scorpion boards the turtles back for the other side of the river. Halfway through the journey, the scorpion stings the turtle. The turtle says “why have you stung me in the middle of this journey? Now we will both die.” To which the scorpion answers, “it is in my nature to sting.” Of course, a reference to mankind and the nature of mankind. As for the future of music, I hope it evolves and changes as it always has. I’ve never cared about what is trendy or popular, and I certainly won’t start now. 4b – DO YA’LL ADVOCATE LISTENING TO MANY STYLES OF MUSIC TO BROADEN THE SENSES AND TO HELP ASPIRING MUSICIANS CREATE A WIDE ARRANGEMENT OF MUSIC THAT COULD BE HEARD BY ALL, AND NOT SEGREGATE ANY PERSONS OUT WHO ENJOY MUSIC AS AN ART, AS A FORM OF ESCAPE, OR AS A FORM TO HELP SOLVE PROBLEMS IN A POSITIVE AND HUMAIN WAY? -Rudy C Dez – Yes, I listen to a wide array of music. Everything from blues to jazz to black metal. However, I think the mixing of the genres at this point is beginning to water down the core effort that all of the heavy bands have been trying to bring to the forefront. I don’t mean this in that bad of a way, I just think I’d like to hear a band know who they really are for a change..instead of hearing 15 different styles. thanks for the intelligent question. 5 – Did u get any negativity towards the last record? If so was that any type of inspiration for dark days? -FeaRXiNsaNiTy Dez – We got as much negative as we did positive…which is always a great thing in art. No on the inspiration 6 – can you please give dez this number (xxx) xxx-xxxx and tell him he can call me collect. and ask him if he got my package. also ask if singing lessons were frustrating, and how did it affect him musically. -? Dez – Yes, we got your package. Anyone telling you to sing differently than you do, is frustrating as hell. Just be you at all times. 7 – Will you work more with Nikki Sixx in the future? What do you think about him as a person? What do you think about your fellow labelmates Machine Head? Regards -Jim Dez – Yes I’m gonna work with Nikki again, I think he’s a great individual, an amazing talent, and one of the most down to earth people I’ve ever met. And should I get the chance to learn from him again, of course I’ll take it. Machine Head, I owe Machine Head everything in Europe. They were the 1st band to take us to Europe on a big tour, and I respect them as musicians. 8 – First let me say that coal chamber has been a huge influence on me in my life and music with drums, bass, guitar and vocals. Thanks. Anyways, With the new album in the making, do you have a message on this one? And what is your favorite song on the new album? Thanks. -Franky from Sonora Dez – The message is the same that Coal Chamber always had – always be yourself. Favorite song on the new album….ahhhh….I’ve got 7 favorites right now – “Drove”, “One Step”, “Alienate Me”, and “Dark Days” are just a few. 9 – What are the best memories you have of meeting fans in Europe?, especially in England where I am from ,as seeing you perform from virtually touching distance and meeting all of you on you your first visit really changed the way I now see bands, as after all ,you are just human beings! Cheers Dez!!! -Peter M Dez – Thank you. You get it. We’re all just individuals out there doing our own thing. If we can touch a life in any way, that means a lot to me. I love the UK. My favorite time was a Virgin Records in store in London. It felt like we had arrived…Guess what, we’re coming back. 10 – what is the current vibe of the album? will it stray to what was recorded by dez on the “strait up” album, or will the feel be more like “my mercy” and “burgundy” off chamber music? -Onder Dez – Going more towards Funeral Flights than ever.

Still want more? Here’s another 20 fan questions which Dez took the time to field while he is on break from the recording of their 3rd LP. 1 – Question for Dez…How does this record compare to your other LP’s? Would you say It’s heavier/softer or more emotional or aggressive? – Karl R Dez – Way more aggressive, way more emotional, and about 10 times heavier than the first one. For me, this record is an all out assault. Every song feels live. What I mean by that is we can play every one of these live and they would work. 2 – First off, I’d like to extend much respect to the band for the all of the great music they’ve given us. My main question is rather simple and to the point: Will this next record rip some serious shit up? Your last album, while heavy at times & impressive, don’t get me wrong, seemed to be a departure from your debut, which was an all-out assault. “Funeral Flights” was great and I was wondering if that is an indication of what’s to come (at least vocally). Also, any influence/contributions from Amir? Thanks for your time! Adam Dez – Yes, “Funeral Flights” (done on the Lynn Strait tribute) is a great indication. What we did with the 2nd album was try to jump out of our genre, which maybe we did too much…but it’s always good to stretch your wings. This album, we went much more for heavy hook than overall melody. Amir came into the studio for 2 weeks, but the contributions were very little. We do thank him very much for his time. We also wish Amir the very best…he was going through some issues at the time. 3 – DEZ, with today’s music fans turning into roman mobs, crying “sellouts” after the release of every bands second record, how do you think the fans will receive your third,”Dark Days”? And how does the band feel about working in such a climate? PS make sure you come back to SEATTLE!!!!!! – chad b Dez – Hmmm, this is a hard one…This album is out of control. I think it’s going to be a defining moment in our genre. We’re stepping outside of ourselves once again. I think they’ll receive this album with open arms as being straight forward heavy and hooky. 4 – I have been listening to you guys for around 4 years now and have seen you a dozen times in concert. Any idea who you will be touring with and when? Sean Z Dez – No ideas right now, but I’d love to go out with everybody. I can’t wait to be on the stage again… 5 – what are your favorite movies? sickness87 Dez – Favorite movies? hmmmm, Cool Hand Luke, Evil Dead, A Bronx Tail, and right now I’ve been watching a lot of old Sabbath footage. 6 – what is the most memorable concert you have played and why? see ya in reno. piece…………..not peace Xplicitlyryx Dez – In Prague, in front of about 100,000 people with Sabbath and Pantera. Why? That speaks for itself. 7 – Hello, I have been a fan of yours since i heard “Loco” on the radio way back when.. And i have noticed the big difference in sound from “Coal Chamber” to “Chamber Music”. I was wondering if this is because of more money and more time in the Studio? Or if maybe you have evolved as a band? Or anything of this sort. If you could answer this that would be great.. I would really love to know Love, Ri Dez – All of the above – more money, more time, and striving to do something in our genre that sounded different at the time. 8 – When you guys tour to promote the new album, are you going to do arenas (boo hiss boo) like you did with type-o-negative or smaller club-like places (YaY! *COUGH COUGH main event in toledo, ohio COUGH*)? Dan D Dez – Not sure right now, we might open up for somebody if there’s good tours going out, or we’ll put together our own tour with a bunch of great bands. This time out, back to 6 shows a week for as long as our bodies can handle it. 9 – Did u get any negativity towards the last record? If so, was that any type of inspiration for dark days? FeaRXiNsaNiTy Dez – We got as much negative as we did positive…which is always a great thing in art. ‘No’ on the inspiration part of the question. 10 – is there any guests on the new cd? FeaRXiNsaNiTy Dez – I’m looking forward to having the singer from Motograter, and Bruce who plays the motograter (an instrument Bruce designed) come on for a track. As well, Jay Diablo from Dragpipe might come out mid-August and do a track with me. 11 – U say on the roadrunner website that all the rumors are true. The rumors i hear is that the band is on the edge of breaking up, thus leading to the dropping off of tattoo. Any truth to that rumor? FeaRXiNsaNiTy Dez – We did 5 퉌_ years on the road straight – touring, making an album in a foreign town, or just being in foreign towns. My mother was battling for her life with cancer, and the band was at its breaking point both emotionally and physically. “If you love something, set it free. If it’s meant to be, it will come back you see.” (that last line is actually a lyric from Dark Days, and should answer the question) 12 – Please read this even though it looks kinda long!! Being a huge fan of your music, and of your lyrics, I can see that the lyrics from your first self-titled album, and the lyrics from your 2nd album (Chamber Music) vary greatly as far as the inspiration and the meaning behind them. In your first album, you show a lot of emotion in your lyrics and singing, and with great aggression…and this being due to the difficult times you were encountering. Now in your 2nd album…you still had all that emotion, and aggression, but it was a completely different form. It was like you evolved, and your lyrics had become more matured…and this because you had overcome the difficult times that inspired your lyrics on your self-titled. Now..my question…I know you’ll have all that emotion and aggression as you always do, but how is it going to be in this album…meaning what is the force that inspired the majority of your lyrics in this album? How will the feel of the lyrics be this time? How are they reflecting the way your life is at present, the way they did in your first two albums? Courtney — Dez’s sweetangel Dez – I’m approaching this piece of work from a very raw standpoint. The lyrics will reflect at times very cagey, powerful emotion. The majority of the lyrics are inspired by things gone through by the band, and the turbulent times in my personal life over the past 2 years. Trust me, vocally I will not let you down on this one. 13 – Hey dez if you happen to read this, it’s Noah! long time no fucking speak. My question is: How have you think you’ve grown both as a vocalist and as a band over the past 2 years, how has this affected your music? -NOAH S. New York City Dez – Noah, how you doing? Please send your father my warmest regards. The band has dealt with many things in the last 2 years, all of them creating a great album. As for me as a singer, you’re just going to have to check out the new album. I didn’t grow…I just went backwards and found my heart again. 14 – I have always considered Coal Chamber as an innovative and unique metal band. Many spin-offs have spawned since your first album that are reflective of your style. Before the ever expanding labeled genre of “Nu-metal” was a house hold name, Coal Chamber was shaking and changing the music scene. Where do you see the future of Coal Chamber with Dark Days? Will it be a intentional progressive change from what we have seen in the past or, will it be more of a continuation from your previous material? Brandon J – N. Carolina Dez – I’d like to see Dark Days propelled into a huge national level, far eclipsing anything we’ve done in the past. 15 – ask them if it is difficult to write music? painedsoul Dez – Doing any art shouldn’t be difficult. but when there’s four different artists involved, sometimes it becomes difficult. But in a sense that always breeds great art. 16 – Hey Dez, Just want to say that I’ve been a fan since the debut album and I even got a chance to meet you in Ft Lauderdale. Needless to say, it was a very high point in my life. The first album was very emotional, raw and breakthrough for the time. Metal was just coming back and you broke out with that record and it was like a bomb in my stereo. Chamber Music though didn’t seem to have the same feeling as the first. Not that it wasn’t good because the song “Untrue” was and still is one of my all time favorite songs. It was missing something though, to me at least. How would you compare Dark Days to Chamber Music ? Ps..CANNOT WAIT TO SEE U IN CONCERT AGAIN!!!! Darren West Palm Beach, FL Dez – Everything you missed in Chamber Music will be given to you in huge, overdosing baskets in Dark Days. Thanks for your question, enjoy the new album. 17 – Hey Coal Chamber, I was wondering, are you folks gonna take your tour into Reno again? I remember you guy played a hell of a set when you came years ago, with meagadeth. i didn’t even wanna stay for their set you guys were so good. i hope you guys play here again, and i know your new album is gonna kick ass. have a good one, Derik. Dez – Yeah, we’d love to come to Reno again. had a great time when we were there last, and the crowd treated us wonderful. See you soon. 18 – I really really want to ask dez how come no bands ever play Baltimore. I’m from baltimore and there are never any bands to play baltimore…could you guys possible play baltimore MD???????????? Number 1 Chamber Fan, Dez D Dez – We’ve played Baltimore before…we’d love to come back. 19 – Hy mates! Me as a great Coal Chamber Fan from Switzerland would like to take this opportunity of asking Dez a question. The question is very simple but quite important to me. Dez, are you coming for a tour through Europe?!? I really hope so as I know that European Fans can’t wait to see Coal Chamber’s fucked up show again!!! We are waiting for Coal Chamber, no matter when you come over here. But sure we would be glad if you would come soon… Lots of greetings from a huge Coal Chamber, and also a Roadrunner Records Fan (the bands are just cool) Buesikiller Dez – Yes, we’re coming. Soon if possible. While we’re not there, check out some of your local black metal bands bro…cause that’s all I’m listening to right now. Gothenburg is one of my favorite places. 20 – Over the past two albums a main focus in your songs for people to get out of is that you should never be ashamed of who you are no matter what the scene or moment is. After reading the interview on the RR website, Dez stated that the album is a rock and roll album and that the Lp centers around pain. My question is will this new soon to be released LP have any notions or references to self expression? Thank you so much for Viewing This Dirk G. Dez – Finally someone who gets it. And yes, many, many references. Thanks for your time. “We’re working in a very vibey place,” tells Coal Chamber vocalist Dez Fafara. Not only Appetite For Destruction (Guns N Roses), but Girls, Girls, Girls (Motley Crue) and Core (Stone Temple Pilots) were all recorded where Dez is currently sitting – Rumbo Studios in Cali. His description of the studio includes the vision of a million lights twinkling, and hundreds of candles and lava lamps everywhere. “It’s crazy, it’s cool, I wish you could see it,” Dez tells. His enthusiasm boils over to producer Ross Hogarth, “I’ve never worked with a producer like Ross Hogarth…someone who knows exactly what he wants, and gets it every time…and won’t accept anything less than 130%.” So, how are things going over at Rumbo now that the Dark Days recording is nearing completion? The following is a message from Dez, as spoken from the studio between takes on July 10, 2001: “We’re making a rock n roll album. We’ve got 14 songs done – just adding guitar overdubs and vocals right now. Started vocals 3 days ago, and it’s moving along at an intense pace. The songs are energetic, the whole album has a live feel. Lyrically it covers all the emotions that I’ve gone through in the last 2 years – which are pain, pain, and pain. I usually come in at 10:30 am, and after a couple cups of tea, start drinking wine about 11:30. Usually hit the mike around noon, work until 9:00 pm, then Meegs comes in for overdubs until 1:00 am. I prefer the afternoon hours for vocals because my energy is high, and weed and wine affect me strangely in the afternoon. Look forward to no less than 12 classic Coal Chamber tunes. With the help of our label and our new management, we look forward to a fall slaughter of all the crap that you’ve been fed the past year. Know that the band is working extremely hard on this critical record, and all the rumors about us are true – We’re a true rock ‘n’ roll band. It was good to have the last 8 months of downtime to really realize who the fuck we are and what the fuck we are – and we’ll follow through with that thought on Dark Days. -Dez Fafara 07/11/2001

Chimaira is back home in Ohio, most recently returning from their touring stint with Danzig. As for the tour, what to say? Chris Spicuzza relays from his computer machine back home, “it was a great experience….the band was super cool and Glen has the sweetest rubber gloves. METAL.” Speaking of Chris and machines, he is retiring some of his gear – in particular, his Roland SP-808 sampler (purchased in November of 1999, this bad boy has been around the country and has been used in over 400 Chimaira shows). Want it? You’re gonna have to fight – visit eBay for your shot. NEW VIDEO! Just added… you can now check out the brand new video the band have made for Sp Lit. You can stream it or download (mpg file) it! Chris Spicuzza shares a few words about it… “We did the video on an offdate of our headlining tour back in April. It was shot at M5 Studios in San Fran, CA. The video was directed by Todd Bell. We woke up at 8am and shot until 1am. The previous night was spent drinking and partying with Robb Flynn of Machine Head. After multiple “brown eyes” everyone was pretty destroyed!!”

Type O Negative has had a Metal Sludge link on their official site (www.typeonegative.net)for quite a while now, so it was about time they did 20 Questions with one of them. Johnny is the “internet guy” so he was the one who stepped forward and committed himself to answering the questions. And after reading some of his answers, it’s obvious he’s quite familiar with Metal Sludge. Enjoy! 1. What are you currently up to? This is your only chance to plug your projects. We just finished doing a cover for WWF of the wrestler Kane’s theme song. Type O is in the middle of doing demos for our next cd which we’re expecting to release early 2002. 2. For $10,000: Would you put a litter of puppies or kittens into a trash compactor, then send a photo of you with their squashed little bodies to your local newspaper? No but I would like to do it to a few people that I know for the stamp & film developing 3. Other than Type O Negative, what hard rock/heavy metal band should give it up and call it a day? Besides us, I would like to see most of the current bands on MTV call it a day. 4. How did you guys end up doing Kane’s theme song? Our manager worked that out for us. 5. Rate the following drummers on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 being somebody who sucks and 10 being somebody who rules. Peter Criss = He’s the reason I wanted to play drums. So he gets an honorary 10. Rikki Rockett = I like his diary Bobby Blotzer = I hear that he’s a good golfer Vinnie Paul = Fucking Amazing! Definite 10 Charlie Benante = 9 – Nobody can do blast beats better than Charlie John Otto (Limp Bizkit) = 6 – Thanks for pointing out what band he’s in. I wouldn’t have kown who he was. Not a bad drummer but he just doesn’t do anything for me. Lars Ulrich = 7 – When I was a teenager, I thought he was great. Very innovative back then. The last time I saw Metallica, he couldn’t stay seated for a second. Mike Portnoy = 8 Tommy Lee = 10 – I was 15 when I bought Shout At The Devil. To say I was blown away is an understatement. Besides John Bonham, Tommy Lee is my favorite drummer. I’ve robbed so many licks from him! When we toured with them in 94, I watched him play every night. It’s too bad his personal life gets more attention than his playing & that he wants to be a rapper now. Joey Kramer = 8 – Old Aerosmith is incredible. Rocks is probably one of the best records of all time. He is one of the few people that knows where John Bonham is buried. (In case you were interested) 6. Who’s the most overrated band today and why? Maybe The Offspring. The hair on the back of my neck stands up every time I hear their songs on the radio. Then again the same thing happens every time I hear one of our songs but that usually isn’t on the radio though. 7. What’s the cruelest joke you’ve ever been apart of? My career as a musician. 8. How much was your biggest music releated check and what did you do with it? I’m not sure of the exact number but I wish that I had another one right now. I wrote a check to the IRS. 9. Of all the bands Type O Negative have played with, who were the biggest dicks? Puya. Not all of Puya, just their bass player. He suckered punched our soundman during our set on the last night of the tour together because he got his face kicked in for being a drunk moron a couple of weeks earlier. Too bad for the rest of the band. They have to live with that asshole. 10. Rate the following chicks on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 being a mess and 10 being a hottie. Rose McGowan = 2 – She would be a 3 or 4 if I had never seen one of her movies. Traci Lords = 8 back in the day. Jennifer Lopez = 8 Alyssa Milano = 6 – I can’t help but think of “Who’s the Boss” & that kind of kills it for me. Carmen Electra = 8 Angelina Jolie = 7 Gone in 60 Seconds sucked big time. Jenna Jameson = I don’t think that I’ve ever seen her. Drew Barrymore = 1 – She lives with Tom Green Mandy Moore = I don’t know who she is. Buffy The Vampire Slayer = 5 Too clean Elvira = I guess that I’m obligated to give her a 10 being that we’re both vampires 11. Would you kiss a chick after she just gave you a blowjob and swallowed your liquid kids? Sure. It’s better than giving her $50.00 12. If you could put any rock star on a boat, send that boat into the ocean, and blow it up, who would you put on that boat? Carson Daly 13. What’s the worst trend in music today? White, surburban, middle class kids trying to be ghetto, playing one note hanging out with Carson Daly. 14. Which do you prefer: Slipknot or Mushroom Head = Slipknot Columbus Day or Arbor Day = Columbus Day Carson Daly or Martha Quinn = Adam Curry Britney Spears or Christina Aquilera = Britney Quiet Riot or Slaughter = Quiet Riot Mariah Carey or Jim Carrey = Jim Carrey Alice Cooper or Kiss = Kiss Kid Rock or Chris Rock = Kid Rock Eminem or Vanilla Ice = Vanilla Ice Blow or pot = Mushrooms 15. Give us a tour memory about the following cities: Boston = The club that we play there, The Axis, has gay night after our show every time we’re playing there. Call it coincidence? New York = Watching my father talking with Joey Buttafucco during our set at the Nassau Coliseum Detroit = Being left by the bus @ Harpo’s Cincinnati = Doing laundry in a bar across the street from the venue Chicago = I got my “O Negative” tatoo there Dallas = Pantera’s hometown. Lots of drinking Tampa = Nothing worth noting has really happened here. Las Vegas = We had the biggest toilet paper fight with Pantera while they were onstage. Phoenix = Witnessing a full blown riot at the Desert Sky Pavillion right before we were supposed to go on stage. Our set was canceled. LA = LA was hit with an earthquake while I was drunk taking a leak on the bus . Pretty messy. 16. Why do people say Peter is a Nazi sympathizer? I think it’s the hat & boots he wears gives that impression. 17. What do you remember about the following years: 1984 = Played my first show, lost my virginity 1988 = Got a job as a mailman. 1991 = Playing in 5 bands at the same time trying to be a rock star 1993 = Joined Type O Negative 1996 = Most of it was spent working on October Rust 1998 = I turned 30 2000 = Bloody Kisses certified Platinum 7 years after it’s release (haha!) 18. Is it hard writing the same song over and over again? It gets harder. As you become older, you can’t remember how you did the first time. 19. Yes or no, have you ever done any of the following: Snorted coke off a chick’s tit = No Shit on the tour bus = Yes Fucked two chicks in the same day = No Gone to a Warrant concert = Yes by default, they were opening for Motley Crue on the Dr. Feelgood tour. I wasn’t going to see Warrant, they just happened to be playing also. Touched a penis other than your own = No Had a finger in your ass = No Thought that Sebastian Bach was a douche bag = I know that you guys are big Sebastian fans but I met him once & it was really brief & he was cool to me. Had sex with an underage chick = If I can use the Rudy Sarzo guidelines, yes. Drove drunk = Yes Masturbated to Peter Steele’s Playgirl layout = No, but, if he was wearing thigh high boots, I might have considered it. 20. Time for Metal Sludge’s Word Association. We mention a name and you give us your thoughts. Erik Estrada = I once had a haircut like his. Fred Durst = I think he’s gone past his 15 minutes Poison = Maybelline Korn = I kind of missed the boat with this band. My 12 year old nephew loves them though. Phil Anselmo = One of the coolest guys. I think of how every night when we toured with them, he would be on the side of the stage pulling pranks on us. He would sometimes come onstage & sing Kill All The White People with us. That was always fun. Evan Seinfeld = I’ve known Evan for 18 years. I think of playing Judas Priest & Iron Maiden songs with him when we were 15 years old. Nikki Sixx = He was always cool to us when we toured with them. They gave us an opportunity when nobody would’ve considered it. When Kenny & I finished our beer every night, Nikki & Mick would always let us hit theirs Howard Stern = Very cool person. He really likes our cover of Cinnamon Girl Blackie Lawless = I met him last year & we spoke about Staten Island. I live there now & he grew up there. Gene Simmons = I think of the first concert that I ever went to. I saw Kiss at Madison Square Garden in 1979. I think that he’s an underrated bass player. Marilyn Manson = Great sense of humor & showman

So what are the band up to? On tour in the US with Danzig until sometime through August, since you asked. Chimaira are preparing new material which they have described as being í¢ä‰åñunpredictableí¢ä‰åŒ. Vocalist Mark Hunter also hailed the material as being more energetic, and while retaining the style the band forged on ‘Pass Out Of Existence’, that it will possess a twist. The last time we were in the world of Chimaira, the band was in the midst of a tour run across the U.S., with the likes of 36 Crazyfists and God Forbid in tow. Well, the band is back home in God’s country…no, not Wisconsin, but Ohio…and there is much to tell. On April 13th, whilst touring the west coast, the band made a stop off at M5 studios in San Francisco, CA to shoot a video for the song “Sp lit”, off their Pass Out Of Existence release. “Currently waiting for the final edit to be finished,” relays Chimaira vocalist Mark Hunter. “It’s turning out pretty bad ass, our friend did us a favor (shooting the video). His first time doing a video, our first time doing a video. Nothing hi-tech, just get to watch us jam and go crazy. It will hopefully be coming in the next couple weeks.” Chimaira’s schedule currently consists of rehearsals, 4-5 times per week, 7pm to 11pm. They are in the midst of writing new material, with seven songs in the bag thus far. What else is going on? Mark had the following to share with us on this gorgeous summer afternoon: Roadrunner: Average time you get up each day? Mark: 3:30, 4:00 each afternoon. Up a bit earlier today, but not by choice (damn dogs). Roadrunner: Average time hitting the sack? Mark: In bed by 6:00am. Roadrunner: On the agenda right this minute? Mark: Hmmm, probably watch a movie, Raising Arizona. Roadrunner: Return of the Side Projects, Part III. Joey Jordison with Murderdolls, Corey Taylor and Jim Root with Stone Sour, and now… Mark: Jim (bass) and I started a bit of a side project with some friends from high school, a really heavy rock ‘n’ roll band – Tool meets Crowbar. Actually, we’re finishing where we left off seven years ago. Roadrunner: No shit? Mark: We’re finishing what we started back in high school. Nothing serious (as in touring or what not), just pure enjoyment. Roadrunner: And damn if that ain’t what it’s all about. When can one look forward to hearing this? Mark: We should be recording some demos next month right before we record the upcoming Chimaira demos. Should be hearing something online soon. Roadrunner: Any last words? Mark: Ahhhh, smoke acid. Roadrunner: Any last words that I can write on this site? Mark: (laughing) If ever any last, final words, that’s my last comment. Rock. We thank Mark for his time, and look forward to the bounty we shall soon receive – “Sp lit” video, demos online from side project, and above all, new Chimaira music… Annual Cleveland Free Times Awards. Last year, our boys in Chimaira took home the award for Best Hardcore Band. Last night, they took home the award for the second year running. Chimaira closed the Awards show by playing a five song set, consisting of “Let Go”, “Sp lit”, “Painting The White To Grey”, “Dead Inside”, and “South Of Heaven”. Dwid from Integrity joined the band on stage with some vocals on “South Of Heaven”…and in case you were wondering, no streaks of nakedness in the city of Cleveland after the show (not enough booze served)… Chimaira, Congratulations on the award… Dateline – January 26th, 11:03 P.M. – As Chimaira finish playing their set during the last night of their tour run with Kittie and Ill Nino, former Chimaira guitarist and founding member Jason Hager becomes a father. At 11:03 p.m. the world said hello to Londyn Snow Hager for the first time. Weighing in at 9 pounds, 1 ounce and 21 inches, we wish all the best to Jason, wife Jamie, and son Londyn…actually it’s Mr. Hager now. Congratulations. “The Indianapolis fans got a little treat,” tells Chimaira vocalist Mark Hunter. What the hell is he talking about? Read on. Apparently Chimaira guitarist Rob Arnold got a new watch for Christmas…and apparently that watch doesn’t work. New Years Day Chimaira played the Emerson Theatre in Indianapolis, a show for which the band was to hit the stage at 8:20pm. Well, 8:20pm came and the band took the stage as scheduled…all except for Rob. Where was he? Back on the bus. According to his timing device, he still had 15 minutes before the 8:20pm call time. So, instead of Rob, Indianapolis fans got to check out Mark’s chops, as he filled in on axe duties during the first song of the set, “Let Go”. By the second song, the full band had been reunited, and no doubt all had a laugh at the end of the night…either that or a hazing session on Rob’s ass. Chimaira wish you all a happy Holiday Season, and want to let you know that the Amigo Claus did visit this year. The Amigo Claus? YES. Amigo Claus is “this jolly ol’ fella who brings you old and rare Chimaira songs around the holiday season”. What did he (or she…we should be politically correct) bring this year? Check out the goods on Chimaira’s MP3.com page. Happy Holidays Amigos.

A few words from Type O Negative’s drummer Johnny Kelly: We have just finished recording a track for the WWF titled “Out of the Fire,” which is the theme song for the wrestler Kane. It is a cover version of his intro song. I totally forgot who else is appearing on the CD, and I also have no idea when it is going to be released or on which label. I’ll find out and have Steve (TON webmaster) post the details on the site very soon. We are going to begin to record demos of the new songs we have written any day now. In between diaper changes and feedings, Josh is preparing his studio in his house at this very moment for the joyous occasion. Judging by what I’ve heard at rehearsals, some of the new songs are really good. I don’t think that the Type O faithful are going to be disappointed. The songs constantly change at this stage, so they could wind up sucking big time when they’re finished. I am excited (did I just type that?) about the new songs, and I can’t wait to hear them finished and perform them live. We aren’t expecting to have the new CD released until early 2002. We also don’t have any touring planned. We will probably go out for a small run of dates around Halloween as we do every year. As far as the website is concerned, Steve mentioned something about having another message board on the site, but that was sometime around January when he mentioned it. I hope that we will have something up soon. Steve and I have talked about revamping the entire website. I think that it needs a little bit of a facelift–kind of like the rest of the guys in the band. But, that’s another story altogether. Talk to you soon, Johnny. The band are currently working on material for the next studio album. “Writing in this band is like keeping 3 wives happy for 20 years. It isn’t easy, but it gives you a better perspective on death”, says Josh. Johnny adds, “The writing process has always been a slow one with the band. We’re getting together a few nights a week right now. It’s too early to tell where this record is going to go, but so far there are a few good titles.”

Peter Steele and his cohorts have released a Best of Type O Negative record which, per the band’s typical cynicism, is titled “The Least Worst Of Type O Negative”. ‘The Least Worst’ is available now for 퉌£12.99 from HMV, Virgin, V.Shops, Our Price, Andys, MVC, & all good indies. The tracklisting is: 1. The Misinterpretation Of Silence And Its Disastrous Consequences (Wombs and Tombs Mix) (:39) 2. Hedgeclipper/It’s Never Enough (7:20) *+ 3. Black No. 1 (4:34) 4. Everyone I Love Is Dead (4:39) 5. Love You To Death (4:49) 6. Black Sabbath (From The Satanic Perspective) (7:48) + 7. Christian Woman (New & Improved Version) (4:24) 8. 12 Black Rainbows (5:14) + 9. My Girlfriends Girlfriend (Cheese Organ Mix) (3:43) 10. Hey Pete (Pete’s Ego Trip Version) (5:24) * 11. Everything Dies (4:36) 12. Cinnamon Girl (Depressed Mode Mix) (3:54) 13. Unsuccessfully Coping With The Natural Beauty Of Infidelity (12:39) 14. Stay Out Of My Dreams (7:30) *+ * previously unreleased + lyrics to be included on the album packaging The band’s first 2 releases – ‘Slow, Deep, Hard’ (1991) & ‘Origin Of The Feces’ (1992) have both been reissued on mid-price. You can also see the band’s official website at http://www.typeonegative.net.

Brooklyn’s “Drab Four” aka Type O Negative released a DVD version of their ‘After Dark’ video on Sept 18 last year. What does it contain? – over 60 minutes of music – rare concert footage and interviews from the band’s personal archives – an interactive feature that includes bonus tracks, discography, web links, phot gallery and more! – videos for: “Everything Dies”, “My Girlfriend’s Girlfriend”, “Love You To Death (uncensored)”, “Cinnamon Girl (live at the Dynamo Festival)”, “Christian Woman” and “Black No. 1” the band’s own unreleased and uncensored version of “Christian Woman” – see an on stage food fight with Pantera! – watch Phil Anselmo get caught in the cross fires of a classic Type O toilet papering in front of thousands of fans – special interview footage created just for this package also features rare European TV performances

And so, the final installment of our on the road with Slayer writeups from Geoff… without further ado, over to Geoff… Hey Gang……..Def Gef 666 (4AM)…(identity crisis much?)…with the latest and last installment of the much-coveted, but ill-fated CHIMAIRA run with SLAAAAAAAYER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Operative word being ILL……………………….Mark Hunter, vocalist for CHIAMIRA has had to cancel the last few dates of the SLAYER tour due to a broken tooth which has resulted in a major infection. He has received immediate medical attention and should back in the game in less than a fortnight. Any goodwill tidings would be appreciated……feel free to write Chimaira ….and tell him to get off his ass and Jam !!!! >: P Mon Dec 3/01 Seattle, WA @ Showbox Theatre Finds us rather weary and worn out from 1333 mile drive from Denver, Colorado to Seattle , Washington…..all the snow and ice and 60 mile -an-hour-winds-kicking your ass you could possibly want. Drama for sure. But of course, we are TRIUMPHANT !! and not only that…I met the Psychedelic Furs while the boys wondered off after there set to check DEICIDE, MORBID ANGEL, SOILENT GREEN and ZYKLON at a nearby venue. the ride to Portland was 90% picking style and being blown away by the drummers. Something like a Black Metal Conference. >: P I missed that show because I was loading out band gear and such, but when I returned to our “backstage ” area…merely a part of the hallway near the MENS toilet, sectioned off by a sheer curtain. We should have taken the lampshade off of the light and done shadow dancing for the good it did….BUT I DIGRESS…..on my way back…..I find a very drunk, and ranting, Sean Kinney of ALICE IN CHAINS….warbling on about how women shouldn’t be on the Road blah blah blah……..don’t know the whole story…….but it looked as if Cam from AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE’s girlfriend was about to trade a a few blows with mister Kinney. I believe the majority of us back there were anticipating that very thing……..and truthfully….my money would have been on Her. Tue Dec 4/01 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater A frenzied crowd all the way around and a night of pain. One geezer found his way over the balcony and into the Parting of the Red Sea……which included a trip to the Hospital with a complimentary broken neck……..jesus. Many folks found their way onstage in attempts to dive, but those dreams were quickly dashed …..and not by security…..but by us …..and the SLAYER crew. Club security was a bit lax. But even through our efforts, we still managed to not get everyone who tried to get onstage for their 15 seconds of glory…..one such bugger managed to trip up Mark from CHIMAIRA,resulting in his tooth being broken. We try to keep people off the stage for a reason….!!!!!!! That’s what meet and greets are for. But the most of people who get onstage and try to interfere with the band are always the ones who find themselves kicked out of the show before the headliner is anywhere near to coming on. These jackasses are the Eternal Losers who are drunk and puking well before the show has even started or end up being the prat who launches a full beer into the soundboard and brings the show to a grinding halt like the jackass in New York did. Good thing you bought those tickets in advance, eh? Bitter much? Thu 12/06/01 Universal City, CA @ Universal Amphitheatre I will need some volunteers to help me pick up all the names I may drop in the next few lines…. Ah….LA…..Home to some of the most jaded peeps on the planet. Crowd was dead….what little there were, considering how slowly they were being filtered through the metal detectors, but it was an Industry Night more than anything…all the Label peeps on this side of the world where there and you name a band and they were there that night. I ran into Tairrie B, Zach de la Rocha, Paul from Slipknot, Norwood from Fishbone, ManMadeGod, Roy from Soulfly, 311 was hanging out, Tommy, Mike and Rob from SPINESHANK….hell yea…….some of my favourite alchoholics and a few hundred others. Not the best night for band onstage, but at least it didn’t have the mishaps that AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE did when they started their set only to find that their drummer was missing for the the first 6 minutes of the set !!!!!!!! He was found in the CHIMAIRA Drum Warm-up room…warming up….nobody told him they were going on. DOH !!!! Incidentally…I have to add that today found the CHIMAIRA guitar heroes, Matt and Rob, getting a cuppla new guitars from ESP as they are so kinetic on stage and a bit dangerous, that they had BOTH broken the headstocks of their guitars while jumping and swinging about. Hell yea !! Fri 12/07/01 San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield This would be the last show for CHIMAIRA…on the next day, Mark would wake up and feel a little off kilter. This SLAYER show was being videoed for DVD release, I believe….cameras everywhere…onstage, above stage, backstage….footage footage footage…as well as another celebrity revue backstage. Les Claypool of Primus and Oysterhead, Lars Fredericksen from Rancid, SKINLAB was hanging out..(.good ol’ Steev…handing out some rough mixes of their latest efforts.), Jodi Durst of 187CALM….and soon to be new guitar god. Dave Madix. Sun Dec 9/01 Fresno, CA @ Rainbow Ballroom Mon Dec 10/01 Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues Tue Dec 11/01 Phoenix, AZ Sadly the rest of these shows didn’t happen for CHIMAIRA…….but it ain’t over yet and I don’t see no fat lady getting up to sing . In the meantime….as Tom Araya would say…..Take care of yourselves……send Mark and the Boys a little e-love and let ’em know they are wanted in the UK/Europe. Lets hope the New Year will be a mostly sane one and full of American Bands drinking in a pub near you!!! later… ~ Def Gef 666 ~