Not got their album ‘Insineratehymn’ yet? Now’s your chance – the album is out on mid-price so you can get it cheap! Glen Benton is promising the heaviest and sickest record of all time. Deicide’s latest release, titled In Torment In Hell, is out now. The CD retails for around 퉌£12.99 from the following stores: HMV, Virgin, MVC, and all good indies. Here’s what Kerrang! had to say about it… Kerrang! Review KKKK “JESUS CHRIST is going to prepare a place for me,” says Christian activist Bob Larsen, as he chats over the phone to Deicide frontman Glen Benton. “Great,” says Benton. “Where he is, I’m going to be there someday” says Larson “Beautiful” says Benton. “So where are you going to?” asks Larson. “IN TORMENT, IN HELL!!!” growls Benton, and Deicide’s sixth studio album kicks in with the kind of riff that makes pop fans cower behind their sofas, quivering like hypothermia victims with pants full of shit. Benton is back, and this time his band are on f**king fire. Maybe the fact that this is Deicide’s last album for Roadrunner has inspired Benton to produce something uniquely unpleasant a final, foul blast of choking musical mustard gas, left as a final “f**k you”. On The other hand, it might just be that the band have been given a prod by the likes of Nile and Cryptopsy bands who have taken death metal by the scruff of it’s neck and given it a violent shake. Either way, this is a stunning return to the kind of form Deicide have struggled to replicate since their classic debut back in 1990. And in many ways, nothing much has changed since the days when death metal first blew away the cobwebs. Lyrically, in particular, this is familiar ground and no self-respecting Deicide fan would have it any other way. ‘Burning Christians, begging pleas satisfy my need to bleed’ roars Benton during the brutality of the title-track. And yes, we’ve heard it all before, but not with this degree of conviction for a good few years. Furthermore, you can hardly accuse Deicide of watering down their beliefs. The enemy, as ever, is organised religion – Christianity in particular – and even though the band have been guilty of repeating themselves in the past, ‘In Torment In Hell’ is no exercise in treading water. Treading the blood of violently murdered Christians, maybe, but not water. No-one is going to faint with surprise at this album. It’s a Deicide album, for starters, and so anything other than ripping death metal mayhem with lung-wrenching, guttural vocals would feel like an outright stitch-up. But the fact is that this is the band’s second best album to date, with songs like ‘Let It Be Done’ and the awesome ‘Immanent Doom’ sounding very nearly as good as old classics like ‘Dead By Dawn Ross Robinson wanted to produce Emperor because, as he said “black metal is the only true punk rock out there”, and he was almost right. In fact, death metal is the only form of rock music to remain dangerous and entirely unsullied by commercial considerations, and Deicide – despite their marketable fa퀌_ade of scowling nastiness – remain one of the genre’s classiest and most uncompromising acts. Here’s an album for all those tough-looking hardcore bands who thank Jesus on their album sleeves. F**k them, f**k Jesus and three evil cheers for Deicide. There’s a party going on in Hell, and we’re all invited. Beautiful. In a five day fire drill which took place at Morrisound Studios in Tampa Bay, Florida earlier, Deicide recorded and mixed 8 blistering tracks of the heaviest and sickest death metal you will ever hear. The intro features excerpts from a conversation between Christian activist Bob Larsen and Glen Benton. Produced by Deicide, Mixed by Deicide and Jim Morris, Engineered by Jim Morris, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Morrisound Recording, Tampa, FL 1. In Torment In Hell click here to download an MP3 2. Christ Don’t Care 3. Vengeance Will Be Mine 4. Imminent Doom 5. Child Of God 6. Let It Be Done 7. Worry In The House Of Thieves 8. Lurking Among Us Read on below for another Glen Benton Q & A installment, as brought to us by HeavyMetal.de (Germany). Yes, Glen is pulling out all the stops for the promotion of Deicide’s upcoming In Torment In Hell release. Warning, if you are easily offended, read no further…and perhaps the questions just fed fuel for the answers… – Who are the guys in the band – different characters? Glen Benton – Glen, Eric, Brian, Steve – Your favorite bands / musicians? Glen Benton – Guy Lombardo, Floyd Kramer, Laurence Welk – What kinda music do u really hate? Glen Benton – Wigger Rap – Which records would u take to a lonely isle here u only have a cd player? Glen Benton – Piss on you – What else would u need? Glen Benton – My Ho – Funniest tour experience? Glen Benton – Shittin’ across Europe – Worst or most embarassing situations? Glen Benton – Getting caught shittin’ across Europe – Best concert u have ever seen? Glen Benton – Elvis live in Hawaii – Nicest holiday? Glen Benton – The eve of the hallow – Happy about… Glen Benton – Nothing – Disappointed about… – This interview – Where did u grow up? Glen Benton – In a house – Favorite food? Glen Benton – Shit sandwiches – Can u cook? Glen Benton – Yes I have a fart steamin’ in the pot right now – Your idols, influences? Glen Benton – No idol worship here. – How was school? Glen Benton – Misery – Still have normal jobs? Glen Benton – No – Most important things in life? Glen Benton – My Ho, My Kid’s, And Killer weed… – Would u be a good polititian? Glen Benton – Sure – Any bad habits? Glen Benton – Yea – Do u believe in god? Glen Benton – No – In what else do u believe? Glen Benton – Me – Last statement? Glen Benton – KILL GOD Satisfy your need for Deicide eye candy by checking out Christian Death, Deicide’s official website for live photos from their recent show at JAXX Nightclub during the International Extreme Music Festival on May 25, 2001. Also, you will find lyrics there from all 8 tracks off their imminent release… Glen Benton took some time to answer a few questions for the Hungarian publication Shock Magazine. For your knowledge, here are a few of the questions and answers: – What is the meaning of the title “In Torment In Hell”? What is the main topic of the album? Glen Benton – Torment – The symbol on the front cover of the Insineratehymn album was quite simple. What will be on the new album cover? Glen Benton – A big set of pig balls – What is more important for you in Deicide: the music or the ideology? And what is more important of these two for the fans? Glen Benton – What I believe is my choice, and so is it for the fan, the choice is yours….I aint your mother….. – What did Deicide mean to you in the beginning and what does it mean to you now? What are the things your opinion has changed of and what are those things you still see the same way you did in the times of your first album? Glen Benton – That is too big a question for you to be asking, Suffering,Sweet,Suffering – I can’t evade the question of Christianity and Satanism in connection with you. I think that many of your fans “know” only the extreme, animal-killer Glen Benton. But what is the real Glen Benton like? Glen Benton – I’m a quick shitter, my ass smells bad most of the time, one ball hangs lower than the other, and I love big natural tits. – Where do you place the different religions in your world concept? Do you disagree with religions generally or do you only disapprove of misleading people by the means of religion? Glen Benton – I dislike organized religion. – What do you think of the powers of Nature? Do you believe in other dimensions? Glen Benton – I’m in one right now. – The Insineratehymn album was very strong musically, even though it was slower than your music used to be. Previously you promised this new stuff to be the heaviest and sickest album of all times. What is the meaning of this? Glen Benton – My lungs think otherwise DEICIDE also had four of their previous albums re-released on mid-price (retail 퉌£8.99) last year. They are: ‘Deicide’ ‘Once Upon The Cross’ ‘Serpents Of The Light’ ‘When Satan Lives (Live)’

Coal Chamber is officially back home after their most recent headline run of the United States. What next? Possibly another US tour announcement – nothing certain just yet, but keep checking back. In other Coal Chamber news, apparently their website has decided to take a break now that the band is off the road…actually, something has gone stray with the server for www.CoalChamber.com. We are aware, the band is aware, and all is being taken of…We’ll let you know when it is back up and running. What’s the latest word from Coal Chamber camp? Check out Inverse-Music.com – they had a chance to catch up with vocalist Dez Fafara before the band’s show at The Masquerade in Florida this past weekend. Direct link to the interview is HERE. Record Release Ramblings: Today we bring you a few words from RR US dude Marc Schapiro who was at the free US show Coal Chamber put on to celebrate the release of Dark Days! A good time was had, indeed…. “I wanted to give you all a quick recap on the Coal Chamber show at the Key Club on May 7th. I will be back in the office tomorrow with pictures and video so everyone can see what an amazing show they put on. Walking down Sunset this week, you would think that Coal Chamber was the ONLY record coming out this week. Artboard outside Tower…huge billboard outside the Whiskey…street team flyers everyhere…radio spots on KROQ…full page ad in the New Times. Monday around 8pm, kids starting lining up at Tower Records for the midnight sale. By the time the clock struck 12am, there were 150 kids lined up ready to buy the record (or a couple of copies.) Not only had these kids been waiting forever for this record, I don’t think they had showered since Chamber Music came out. The store was psyched because they were getting calls every minute for the past week. The next morning, I drove by Tower at 8:45am and there were another 50 kids that skipped school to get the record. At the end of the day, 400 kids had purchased the record to see the show that night. Fast forward to 9pm…all the industry contacts are getting liquored up thanks to drink tickets from the New Times…the Lakers are losing (good)…and then Dino of Fear Factory takes the stage to introduce the band. The crowd goes nuts as the band goes through over an hour of new and old favorites. Everyone seemed to know the words to all the new songs as well as the old. Unlike NYC, most of the industry was actually watching the show. We had great contacts from the trades, UMVD, radio, retail, press and more there to witness one of the best Coal Chamber shows I have seen.” Thanks for the line Marc, makes us jealous why doncha. Did You Know? A bit of trivia for you here today, about how Coal Chamber drummer Mike Cox garnered the nickname ‘Bug’…and from the mouth of Mike Cox, it goes like this: “Bug… I used to live with Rayna, and she would sometimes sleep for 5 days at a time. I would keep waking her up, as I would be bored, and she would keep saying ‘quit bugging me’. And then, she just started calling me ‘bug’. Once Rayna has something, she doesn’t stop, and the more it bugged me, the more she kept with it. ” Did You Know? Pt II On Coal Chamber’s debut release, the credits originally read Mike Cox, until Rayna blew a call into A&R Rep Monte Conner, telling him it should read Mike ‘Bug’ Cox. Last night (7th) the band played their record release show, a hometown gig at the Key Club in LA. Yes, this means that Dark Days is FINALLY in stores now… and that the band is together once again playing like a fuckin’ machine. Did You Know? before last night’s show, longtime friend Dino Cazares (formerly of Fear Factory) hit the stage to announce the band. Dark Days are here… the new Coal Chamber album ‘Dark Days’ is OUT NOW. The album is available as a limited edition black jewel case CD (including 3 bonus tracks) as well as the normal CD. You can save 퉌£2 at HMV with your free Download 2002 discount card you can order here. The album is ‘album of the month’ in both Metal Hammer and Rocksound! It will be available from HMV (퉌£2 off with Download Discount Card & FREE Coal Chamber patch while stocks last), Virgin, V Shop, Our Price/Sanity, MVC, Andys, and a whole range of indies (FREE CC poster while stocks last).

Without further ado, the tracklisting is: Fiend Glow Watershed Something Told Me Dark Days Alienate Me One Step Friend Row Boat Drove Empty Jar Beckoned Anxiety* Save Yourself* One Step (Scott Humphrey Mix)* * = limited edition black jewel case CD

Ever wonder what a press release looks like? Here is the most recent one from our files… Los Angeles, CA – Coal Chamber have been tearing it up across the USA on the Jagermeister Music tour for the past 6 weeks, proving to fans that the intensity of their live show is as intense as the music on their albums. í¢ä‰åñGet out of my rowboat!í¢ä‰åŒ a line from Coal Chamber’s Dark Days (out now), took on new meaning for the members of the band last week in Lubbock, TX. That night in Lubbock, TX on the Jagermeister Music Tour, a couple members of the band Coal Chamber had an on-stage scuffle that lead to the early departure of frontman Dez Fafara from the stage, forcing the remaining members to finish the rest of the set without a lead vocalist. The incident, which was fueled throughout the day due to several confrontations within the band, came to a head mid-way through Coal Chamber’s set. í¢ä‰åñDez and I are like brothers and sometimes we can get out of control, but in the end our love for the music and the band brings us back together,í¢ä‰åŒ comments Miguel. Coal Chamber was forced to cancel the remaining three dates on the Jagermeister tour as well as a few headline dates. í¢ä‰åñThis is just a minor set back for the band.í¢ä‰åŒ offers lead singer Dez. í¢ä‰åñWe plan to pick things back up on May 7th at the Key Club by playing a show for our fans, then we are off to NY to appear on Carson Daly’s show. We fight, we playí¢ä‰åŒ_that’s what we do.í¢ä‰åŒ The band will continue on despite this incident. Several US radio shows are scheduled for the month of May and a US headline summer trek is in the planning. If you are in the USA, be sure to tune your TV to Carson Daly’s Last Call on May 15th to catch the band’s first ever television appearance. So we mentioned another e-card right? Twas no lie… check out the very cool spooky e-card for new song “Fiend”! Not only do you get a cool Coal Chamber animation, and to hear the new song, there’s also the band’s new biography, photographs, lyrics, and even AOL IM buddy icons – absolutely free! Want more? Download yourself a free MP3 of new track Glow with a monster groove and a great hook. Still want more? See what happens when the crew moves into Anywhere USA – you’d wish it was your town: for your viewing pleasure, we present the almighty Fiend video. You can also request the Fiend video on Kerrang! TV – sel # 144. The previous weekend (13/14th April) Kerrang! magazine went to the city that never sleeps (Las Vegas) to write a feature on the band – expect to see the results in the mag around the end of April! Dark Days are coming: check out a very cool e-card at http://www.roadrun.com/darkdays. To celebrate the coming of their new album, Coal Chamber have completely redone their official website and the relaunch is NOW! Thanks going out to Frank Diaz (www.realityengine.net), Thredz (yes, the man behind the almighty Anyone & Chimaira sites too) and the team at Sensor Studios for some great design work. Check it out at: www.coalchamber.com. You can hear new Coal Chamber on cover mount CDs with the following magazines: Rock Sound (17/4) and Metal Hammer (22/5). March 4 was the filming day of Coal Chamber’s upcoming video, “Fiend”. The video, co-produced by vocalist Dez and Paul Brown, was shot at Universal Studios in California. interesting fact 1: fans who were asked to show up for the video shot were told to enter Universal Studios entrance off of Barham. The code word for security to let the fans in was “I’m with Mr. Pink and Coal Chamber.” It’s true. Word is that the video went smoothly. “Smoother than most video shoots that I have been in,” tells our very own Maria. translation – It must have been extremely smooth, because nobody ever talks about how ‘smooth’ a video shoot went From what we can tell you, there were two basic scenes to the video: 1 – fans moshing outside of a garage to the song “Fiend”. The band jamming in the garage would be Coal Chamber. Rock. interesting fact 2: the garage the fans were moshing outside of was none other than the garage of the Munster’s, from the tv show The Munster’s. 1313 Mockingbird Lane. It’s true. The other main scene of the video was a replication of the annual Day Of The Dead festival in Mexico on Halloween. Coal Chamber performing on a stage. The fans in front. Yes, several of you whom attended the shoot, will be in the final video. Thank you. Today Coal Chamber is packing and preparing for the upcoming US Jagermeister Tour, which will also feature the likes of Ill Nino and Drowning Pool. So you wanna hear new Coal Chamber? A new CC track is included on the forthcoming Resident Evil soundtrack, out now. Check out the Resident Evil trailer page where you can hear a stream of new song ‘Something Told Me’. A couple days ago, somewhere out in California, Meegs, Mikey, and Nadja loaded into a rehearsal space. Yes, Coal Chamber rehearsals for their upcoming spot on the Jagermeister Music Tour have commenced… Vocalist Dez is scheduled to join the rehearsals this upcoming Friday (Feb 15). However, as Dez tells, “I’m looking forward to it so much, I may go down a day early just to get tattooed in the room while they’re playing.” Coal Chamber is scheduled to spend the next three weeks in rehearsals before making the drive down to Orlando, FL for opening night of the Jager Music Tour, which also features Drowning Pool and Ill Nino. “Oh Yeah,” emphasizes Dez in regards to the upcoming trip. The Jager Music Tour starts March 8th and runs until the end of April. Yesterday, on the Anyone news page, we wrote how Anyone’s vocalist/guitarist Riz Story was en route with Metal Hammer personnel over to Coal Chamber’s frontman’s house, Dez Fafara. Riz is currently leading a double life doing a series of Through The Keyhole type pieces for upcoming issues of Hammer magazine – and sure enough Dez is one of them! All true. So, what happened? First, apparently Riz and the boys from Metal Hammer had a bit of car trouble, showing up at Dez’s pad 2 hours later than expected. No worries though, as Dez tells, “we had a great time”. So, what exactly was this in home feature all about? Riz was accompanied by a journalist who was taking notes whilst Riz and Dez spoke, and a photographer who was taking pictures of everything at Dez’s place – his artwork (both paintings and sculptures), Anahstasia’s artwork, pics of the backyard, bedroom – everything. What exactly did Dez and Riz speak about? Dez tells “Everything. From music to literature. I found out he’s a fan of Ghandi, he found out I’m a fan of Machiavelli.” Though we are not sure when this “Through The Keyhole With Riz Story” feature at Dez’s house will appear in Metal Hammer, it should be within the next couple months. We’ll be sure to keep you posted. In closing, Dez tells “It’s a true at home – t shirts, no make up, kicking back at home with the Fafara’s.” What did Riz have to say about hanging out with the Fafara’s? “Yesterday I went up to spend the eve with Dez of COAL CHAMBER. He’s got lots of beautiful art in his place that him and his girl create in there cozy crib. His girl is very artistic, beautiful inside and out, and they are a stony couple indeed. I wish them the best and hope to hang again soon, fate willing.” Riz’s next assignment had him hightailing it over to the almighty Osbourne’s pad to hang with Sharon and OZZY. You can read about that on the Anyone news page. Coal Chamber recently did a photoshoot, somewhere in LA… The shoot took place with Paul Brown at the helm, whom has to his credit Marilyn Manson shoots, Machine Head shoots (and actually did the artwork for the Supercharger release too), Motley Crue “The Dirt” artwork, among much, much more. You can check out these new photos right here in tthe gallery.

RAYNA DEPARTS BAND TO BE FULL-TIME MUM COAL CHAMBER FORGE ON WITH RELEASE OF NEW ALBUM, DARK DAYS AND AS FEATURED ARTISTS ON JAGERMEISTER SPRING TOUR – Rayna Foss-Rose has decided to leave Coal Chamber to dedicate her time to her daughter, Kayla (fathered by Morgan Rose of Sevendust). Rayna has been with the band since its inception in 1994. She left the band briefly in 1999 to give birth and quickly rejoined the band on the road in early, 2000. She completed working with the band on their 3rd recording effort, DARK DAYS just this past winter. Her departure was a difficult decision to make as she states, “I’ve decided to leave Coal Chamber so that I can raise our daughter, Kayla, full time. This was a hard decision to make, but is one that Morgan and I feel is important to our lives and our family. I wish nothing but the best for the band, and will always love and cherish the time we had together”. Dez and the band wish her the best as evidenced in the following statement, “Rayna has given us the best years of her life. We appreciate all of her hard work and effort and we wish her and her family the best. We as a band support this decision. Family comes first. We will miss her greatly”. Nadja Puelen has been announced as the touring bass player for Coal Chamber. Nadja is no stranger to touring with Coal Chamber, she filled in for Rayna when Rayna gave birth to Kayla back in 1999. Currently the band is putting the finishing touches on their highly anticipated third album, DARK DAYS, to be released in spring 2002. The band will jump right back on the road as featured artists on the upcoming Jagermeister spring music tour in the US, which will kick off on March 8th. The band’s set will consist of songs from both their two previous albums as well as songs from the new album.

Meegs took some time to answer the questions you have been sending in. We do recommend reading them thoroughly, his answers are detailed, truthful, and very genuine. Thanks to Meegs for the answers, thanks to you for the questions. 1 – Has Meegs gone back to a heavier guitar tone for “dark days” or has he continued to experiment with tone and volume, like on “chamber music”? Also, can’t wait to hear the new record, no matter what direction you guys have taken! -Jason G Meegs – thanks for the enthusiasm and support Jason!!! as for the tone of the album, it will be a combination of both records. It will definitely be very heavy, I mean HEAVY. the experimentation and craziness in the sonic dept. is just plain sick!!! I spent a lot of time on this album to record all the noises and tones that I hear in my head all the time. the guitar chug is very bottom heavy and the abuse of effect pedals and technology is very prominent. the vibe of the record is very angry and chaotic. I promise that it will be insanity of the highest level!!! 2 – Hey! I have two questions. The first is actually for Meegs: Will you marry me? Okay, but in all seriousness now, 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! Love ya always, June D Meegs – June, my love, that is a very sweet thing to say!!! Believe me , you don’t want to marry me, I ain’t no walk in the park!!! As of touring smaller venues, that will be a very good possibility when we tour beginning of the new year. We must finish “Dark Days” first and then tour plans will be talked about amongst the band and management. In the meanwhile, a little patience doesn’t kill anybody, we promise it will be worth the wait!!!!!! Love you back, MEEGS 3 – what is the most memorable concert you have played and why? piece…………..not peace -Xplicitlyryx Meegs – I think the most memorable one was in France. The crowd was so fucking insane that it actually made me tear up while we were playing. and that never happens to me!!! It was about 5 000 kids jumping up and down in unison. It was a beautiful sight! 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 Meegs – thanks for the compliments Brandon, you’re too kind!!!! This album will be both a continuation and a progressive change of our previous stuff. It will continue to be as heavy, if not heavier, than our first record. But it will be a big onslaught of sonic mayhem and experimentation that we started on the 2nd album, except 100 times more brutal and angry as fuck!! Dez’s vocals are plain scary!! the guitars are super thick and the bass and drums feel like a steamroller!!! the sounds on this record are very intense, for sure!!! the songwriting is very , very , intense because the band as a whole was going through a very difficult time in our lives. and it shows in the material. the tension, frustrations, disappointment, and anger are definitely prevalent on the disc!! 5 – what is your favorite song on the new album and why? -Marlon S Meegs – my favorite as of now is probably “Drove”. It is one fucking heavy ass song!!! It starts out chaotic and ends that way. the guitar textures and noises are very quirky and experimental. It’s a very “coal chamber” type of groove. the tones, vocals, and production are beyond subsonic. Couldn’t be more proud. 6 – 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 Meegs – the overall tone and theme of this album is very dark and angry. It definitely reflected on these 2 past years of the bands career. Very turbulent. We’ve all pulled through though, and wrote the most heaviest and intense material we’ve ever done!! This album was a very cathartic and psychotherapeutic experience for the whole band. As we wrote this material from our hearts, this record definitely reflects what we were feeling at the time. Kind of like “the Shining” meets “Halloween” 7 – Hey, I first must say that Coal Chamber is a true to themselves band. And the music, it speaks for itself as meegs has said. I was wondering, since you guys have had a longer break, two albums under your wings, and numbers of good shows, has that changed your writing styles? Thanks for your time to answer my question. -Josh from california Meegs – our writing style has become unchanged. Just because we always write what we honestly feel and we never try to write a “Hit”. We always try to write catchy, Heavy, simple and brutal grooves. I like to call them “caveman” grooves. 8 – if “coal chamber ” is a heavy metal cd, and “chamber music” is considered gothic sounding, what exactly would you classify dark days as being? -Scott S Meegs – Dark Days would probably be considered New age easy listening with a touch of N’ Sync and 98 degrees flavorings!!!! with a hint of disco. Honestly, i hate categories. Music is music. whether you think it sucks or not is a matter of opinion. Call us “spookycore”. 9 – what kind of guitar does meegs play? Meegs – I play both B.C Rich guitars and Yamaha customs. I love and endorse both companies. Basically , my guitars are made to benefit the Drop 6 tuning that I have abused to death. and will continue to do so in the future. 10 – What are the extremities as far as emotional feelings on the new album? -Elliot Meegs – there’s a tension on this record that is unsettling. A lot of lashing out at people kind of emotions. Anger, frustrations. A very dark and heavy record. Not a suicidal type of vibe, but more of a unleashing of a lot of internal and outside demons. 11 – on dark days, what song best describes what you’ve felt in the making of your 3rd Lp? -Ashley Meegs – It would probably be “Drove” the chorus lyric ” Why did I do it, you drove me to do it” breakdown buildup lyric “NEVER, SAY NEVER!!!!!” 12 – hello coal chamber, how is the dark days album going to sound? is meegs still using his custom bc rich. and how did he come up with his 20 – 70 gauge guitar strings set his guitar. he is the only one i heard of that does that. i think that is awesome. -Moe Meegs – thank you very much Moe!!! I still use my B.C riches and I also use Yamaha Customs which utilize a lighter gauge strings, but still thick as fuck!!! the sound of “Dark Days” is brutal, experimental, and catchy. Chaotic sums it up. 13 – 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 a lot, 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???? I love you!!! Keep making wonderful music! Love, Jenny M Meegs – Jenny, you are the reason we write music. We can’t thank you enough for the support and love you give us. We’re so grateful and we appreciate our fans so much because they’ve helped us realize our dreams come true. We truly love and sincerely cherish the way fans react to us. Without you guys, we’re nothing!!! If our music helps kids out with their problems, then we feel very ecstatic because we worship our fans and the way they treat us. Thank you guys a million, once again!!! 14 – first of all, Come the fuck back to tulsa (redneckville). You guys are one of my favorite bands of all times. I bought the first cd without even hearing you guys, and was totally blown away. I bought Chamber Music, and I was just fucking shocked on how much you guys grew, it kicked some fuckin ass, its still in my cd player to this day. And in rotation everyday. Just wanted to know what are some of your favorite bands? And who did you listen to growing up? Peace John Meegs – Hey, thanks for the support and positivity!!! I’m sure that we will tour through Tulsa very soon!!! Patience!! Some of my favorite bands right now are Britney Spears, N sync, Linkin Park, Alec Empire, Radiohead, the Backstreet Boys, Aphex Twin, Prodigy, Mudvayne, Slipknot, John Tesh. When i was younger, i was obsessed with Motley Crue “Shout At The Devil”, Alice in Chains, Skid Row, Bon Jovi, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Michael Jackson. I was a typical metal head. 15 – what are your favorite movies? -sickness87 Meegs – My favorite movies are of the XXX rated selection. Any Jenna Jameson movie would suffice.

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!!”