Coal Chamber arrived on the scene at a time when Nu Metal was at its peak. They brought a unique approach with them as front man Dez Fafara carried an element of Goth into a world that was ruled by dreadlocks and suburban white dudes rapping over drop D tunings. The first two records, 1997’s self-titled debut followed by Chamber Music were two very solid offerings to the metal community and arguably could be considered two records that gave RoadRunner records a much-needed and expanded fan base.
Most of the other Nu Metal bands went to major labels while Coal Chamber signed with what was, at that time, considered an indie label. Unfortunately, any music sub-genre that rises so quickly can also fall just as fast. Nu Metal was bound to run its course, and when it did there was a dramatic shift along with a substantial backlash to follow.
Fast forward ten years or so and the band that made Nu Metal listenable for lots of goth loving metal heads around the world returned to the stage with an almost original lineup touring to support a new record simply called Rivals.
Dez has taken a break from his monster side project DevilDriver to return to the project that put him on the metal map. It’s pretty good timing as well since their Nu Metal colleagues Korn and Limp Bizkit seem to be doing quite well on the road and continue to do so. But again, Dez and company bring a unique approach. This time by putting together a tour package that is part metal, part industrial, and one hell of a show.
Opening up the night was a band that I haven’t heard in over a decade. American Head Charge had a promising future when their American Records debut hit the streets back in 1999. These guys brought the Nu Metal movement to a new level by adding an element of industrial. On top of that it was brutally fucking heavy, and probably the heaviest band on a major label at the time. These guys killed it live and I have to say I am quite excited to hear what their new album will deliver when it’s released on Napalm Records later this year. Napalm is putting out some killer stuff at the moment.
Combichrist took the stage after American Head Charge. I didn’t know these guys before this show but I really dig them. Industrial, evil, goth, metal, and heavy as fuck. They were fantastic.
Filter opening for anyone I have a problem with as these guys are bonafide headliners in every sense. It’s the real reason I was at the show since I think every one of their records is absolutely brilliant.
Richard Patrick is not only a musical genius, he’s a visionary. I sat down with Richard before the show and he gave me one of the most incredible interviews of my photojournalism career. He really opened up about everything from his days with Nine Inch Nails, through rehab, and all the way up to the incredible new music he has coming soon that he pegs as “New Industrial.” He played me three songs and they were fucking epic. Stay tuned for the interview as it will be here first.
FILTER
COMBICHRIST
AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE
Bottom line: This is one hell of a package for fans of goth, metal, industrial, etc. Filter is worth the ticket price alone, and after seeing Coal Chamber I’m really interested in seeing which direction they go with the new record. My guess is back to their roots. It seems to be what the fans really want and it’s working for everyone else at the moment.
