Editing Coal Chamber (section)

==History==
===Formation and early years (1992–1995)===
Coal Chamber was originally formed in 1992 under the name She's in Pain by vocalist Dez Fafara and guitarist Miguel "Meegs" Rascón,<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=November 19, 2002 |title=Coal Chamber Frontman Offers Update on Future Activities |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-frontman-offers-update-on-future-activities/ |access-date=May 28, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]}}</ref> based on a mutual love for [[the Sisters of Mercy]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 10, 2023 |title=Coal Chamber's self-titled debut: 5 things you didn't know about 1997 nu-metal classic |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/coal-chambers-self-titled-debut-5-things-you-didnt-know-about-1997-nu-metal-classic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610050155/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/coal-chambers-self-titled-debut-5-things-you-didnt-know-about-1997-nu-metal-classic |archive-date=June 10, 2023 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Revolver}}</ref> After a few shows, they decided to change the band's lineup, and they adopted their present name in 1993.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Gregory |date=May 12, 2023 |title=Dez Fafara on his loco life: From Coal Chamber's violent early days to recent near-death |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/dez-fafara-his-loco-life-coal-chambers-violent-early-days-recent-near-death |access-date=May 28, 2024 |website=Revolver}}</ref> Bassist Rayna Foss was recruited through a newspaper ad.<ref name="locovideo">{{Cite web |date=May 18, 2019 |title=A Deep Dive Into Coal Chamber's Video for Loco |url=https://www.kerrang.com/a-deep-dive-into-coal-chambers-video-for-loco/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515134951/https://www.kerrang.com/a-deep-dive-into-coal-chambers-video-for-loco |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Kerrang!}}</ref> According to Foss, the band at the time was named "Coal", while Rascón wanted to name it "Chamber", and they ended up combining the two words.<ref name="locovideo" /> The band had two drummers in the two-and-a-half years prior to their signing with a label, the longest-lasting being John Tor.<ref name=":8" />

In late 1994, [[Dino Cazares]] of [[Fear Factory]] championed a demo tape by Coal Chamber, causing a huge local stir with gigs at [[the Roxy Theatre]] and [[Whisky a Go Go]], eventually leading [[Roadrunner Records]] to offer the band a contract.<ref name="LarkinHR" /> Fafara dropped out quite suddenly due to disagreements with his wife about the band. In early 1995, he reunited with Coal Chamber, which ended his marriage but revitalized the band.<ref name="LarkinHR" /> With a renewed sense of energy, Coal Chamber was able to regain their deal with Roadrunner, which they signed in December 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |last=René |first=Sheila |date=December 19, 1996 |title=Coal Chamber: Q&A with Dez |url=http://www.mrtramp.com/coalchamber.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981202191010/http://www.mrtramp.com/coalchamber.html |archive-date=December 2, 1998 |access-date=May 28, 2024 |website=mrtramp.com}}</ref> A few weeks prior, John Tor was fired for "constantly fighting" with Rascón, per Fafara.<ref name=":8" /> Around the same time, they auditioned Mikey Cox and his brother, hiring the former as their new drummer.<ref name=":8" />

===''Coal Chamber'' (1996–1998)===
[[File:Rayna live.jpg|thumb|upright|Former bassist Rayna Foss in 1998]]

In 1996, Coal Chamber played at the first [[Ozzfest]]. The band managed to catch the attention of [[Ozzy Osbourne]]'s wife, [[Sharon Osbourne|Sharon]], who became their manager. They recorded their first album, ''[[Coal Chamber (album)|Coal Chamber]]'', which was released on February 11, 1997.<ref name="LarkinHR">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Virgin Encyclopedia of Heavy Rock]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Virgin Books]]|date=1999|edition=First|isbn=0-7535-0257-7|page=102}}</ref> The record produced one single and a video, "[[Loco (Coal Chamber song)|Loco]]", directed by Nathan "Karma" Cox. The video was included as an extra after the ending credits of Dee Snider's film ''[[Strangeland (film)|Strangeland]]''. The band also recorded an exclusive song for the soundtrack, titled "Not Living". The album only sold 844 copies in its first week; at its peak, it was selling 5,000 copies per week.<ref name="TurmanLiners">{{Cite AV media notes |title=''Coal Chamber'': Coal Chamber CD/DVD Special Edition |year=2005 |type=booklet |publisher=[[Roadrunner Records]] |id=RR-8118-5 |location= |last=Turman |first=Katherine}}</ref> On December 21, 1999, it was certified Gold by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA), signifying over 500,000 copies sold.<ref name="RIAA">{{Cite web |title=American album certifications – Coal Chamber – Coal Chamber |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Coal+Chamber#search_section |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527154016/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Coal+Chamber#search_section |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |access-date=September 17, 2023 |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]}}</ref>

In 1997, the band toured Europe with [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]],<ref name="LarkinHR"/> [[Napalm Death]], and [[Skinlab]], including a show at the Dynamo Festival in the Netherlands. Coal Chamber also supported [[Pantera]] on tour from September through December 1997, along with [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]]. Also, in 1997 and 1998, the band opened for [[Megadeth]] during the ''[[Cryptic Writings]]'' tour.

===''Chamber Music'' (1999–2000)===
In September 1999, Coal Chamber released its second album, ''[[Chamber Music (Coal Chamber album)|Chamber Music]]''. Prior to its publication, it was dubbed one of the most anticipated albums of the year by ''[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dahlager |first=Jon |title=Coal Chamber burns down trends |url=https://iowastatedaily.com/212015/uncategorized/coal-chamber-burns-down-trends/ |access-date=June 6, 2024 |website=Iowa State Daily}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New Albums from Coal Chamber, Machine Head Coming Down the Stretch |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/j0dbml/new-albums-from-coal-chamber-machine-head-coming-down-the-stretch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606114112/https://www.mtv.com/news/j0dbml/new-albums-from-coal-chamber-machine-head-coming-down-the-stretch |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 6, 2024 |access-date=June 6, 2024 |website=MTV}}</ref> The album saw the band experiment with their sound, placing a greater emphasis on harmonies and symphonic qualities.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Core4 |date=n.d. |title=Coal Chamber: Chamber Music |url=https://www.teenink.com/reviews/music_reviews/article/6861/Coal-Chamber-Chamber-Music |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621090843/http://www.teenink.com/reviews/music_reviews/article/6861/Coal-Chamber-Chamber-Music/ |archive-date=June 21, 2010 |access-date=June 6, 2024 |website=[[Teen Ink]]}}</ref> According to ''Alternative Press'', the record was "one of the few instances where a band lumped into the whole nü-metal phylum sought to challenge their audience."<ref name=":6" /> ''Chamber Music'' sold 48,000 copies in it first week and debuted at number 22 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mancini |first=Rob |date=September 15, 1999 |title=Dixie Chicks Stay on Top as Coal Chamber Lands on Chart |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/f61nb9/dixie-chicks-stay-on-top-as-coal-chamber-lands-on-chart |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808072337/https://www.mtv.com/news/f61nb9/dixie-chicks-stay-on-top-as-coal-chamber-lands-on-chart |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 8, 2022 |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=MTV News}}</ref> while its lead single, a cover of [[Peter Gabriel]]'s "[[Shock the Monkey#Coal Chamber featuring Ozzy Osbourne version|Shock the Monkey]]", featuring [[Ozzy Osbourne]], gave the band their first radio hit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Stephen |date=November 10, 2020 |title=DevilDriver's Dez Fafara: My Life in 10 Songs |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/devildrivers-dez-fafara-my-life-in-10-songs |access-date=June 6, 2024 |website=[[Metal Hammer]] |via=loudersound}}</ref> Despite this, the album received mixed reviews from critics and did not sell as well as their debut,<ref name=":3" /> with only 272,000 copies sold by 2002.<ref name="Soundscan" /> According to Cox, "A lot of our fans hated [the] album, after not getting more of the same as the first one. The second MTV played our video, that's it, they said we were [[Selling out|sellouts]]."<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Barr |first=Greg |date=March 30, 2000 |title=Makeup Something |url=https://www.houstonpress.com/music/makeup-something-6565237 |access-date=June 20, 2024 |website=[[Houston Press]]}}</ref> Fafara recognized that that record's direction was not well-received by the band's fanbase but did not view it as a failure due to its initial positive reception.<ref name=":3" />

Coal Chamber embarked on headlining and festival tours in support of the album.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20000306173753/http://www.chartattack.com/features/99/coalchamber/index.html "Coal Chamber: maturing at the top of the heap"]}}. ''Chart Attack'', 1999. Story by Alex Ristic</ref> That year, the band took part in [[Insane Clown Posse]]'s [[The Amazing Jeckel Brothers|Amazing Jeckel Brothers Tour]], along with [[Biohazard (band)|Biohazard]], [[Krayzie Bone]], [[Twiztid]], and [[Mindless Self Indulgence]].<ref name="BehindthePaint444">{{cite book |last1=Bruce |first1=Joseph |author-link=Violent J |last2=Echlin |first2=Hobey |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |url=https://archive.org/details/icpbehindpaint00viol |url-access=registration |edition=second |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=0-9741846-0-8 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/icpbehindpaint00viol/page/444 444–455] |chapter=Buried Alive |date=August 2003 }}</ref> While Biohazard, Mindless Self Indulgence, Krayzie Bone, and Twiztid were well received by audiences,<ref name="BehindthePaint444" /> Coal Chamber was not. ICP fans were not purchasing tickets, as they did not like the band.<ref name="BehindthePaint444" /> For the three shows that Coal Chamber played, there were multiple ticket refunds.<ref name="BehindthePaint444" /> ICP member [[Joseph Bruce|Violent J]] and his brother, Rob, made the decision to eliminate Coal Chamber from the tour. After doing so, there were no ticket refunds for the remaining tour dates.<ref name="BehindthePaint444" /> ICP claimed that Coal Chamber had been removed due to equipment problems but later revealed the true reason for their actions on ''[[The Howard Stern Show]]'', on August 19, 1999.<ref name="BehindthePaint444" /> On air, Osbourne, who also appeared as a guest, informed Bruce and Utsler that Coal Chamber filed a lawsuit for [[breach of contract]].<ref name="SternOsbourne">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5924396/insane_clown_posse_and_sharon_osbourne_battle_on_howard_stern_radio_show |title=Insane Clown Posse and Sharon Osbourne Battle on Howard Stern Radio Show |access-date=December 26, 2007 |last=Fischer |first=Blair R |date=August 20, 1999 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080112093429/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5924396/insane_clown_posse_and_sharon_osbourne_battle_on_howard_stern_radio_show |archive-date = January 12, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Between August and December 1999, Nadja Peulen filled in on bass while Rayna Foss went on [[Parental leave|maternity leave]].<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=June 3, 1999 |title=Coal Chamber |url=https://ink19.com/1999/06/magazine/interviews/tldvdc-coal-chamber |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=Ink 19 |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517223910/https://ink19.com/1999/06/magazine/interviews/tldvdc-coal-chamber |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mancini |first=Rob |date=September 29, 1999 |title=Coal Chamber Lines Up "Nothing" Tour |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/nwbcfd/coal-chamber-lines-up-nothing-tour |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=[[MTV News]] |archive-date=November 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130075137/https://www.mtv.com/news/nwbcfd/coal-chamber-lines-up-nothing-tour |url-status=dead }}</ref> Foss returned to the band in January 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coal Chamber Bassist to Return for Tour with Type O Negative |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/24lc65/coal-chamber-bassist-to-return-for-tour-with-type-o-negative |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=MTV |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525140919/https://www.mtv.com/news/24lc65/coal-chamber-bassist-to-return-for-tour-with-type-o-negative |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On March 10, 2000, it was announced that Coal Chamber had amicably parted ways with Sharon Osbourne Management.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mancini |first=Rob |date=March 10, 2000 |title=Coal Chamber, Osbourne Management Part Ways |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/y6y7ng/coal-chamber-osbourne-management-part-ways |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=MTV News |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525210659/https://www.mtv.com/news/y6y7ng/coal-chamber-osbourne-management-part-ways |url-status=dead }}</ref> Rascón said that the band's relationship with Osbourne had "run its course and we needed to find another point of view".<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last1=Wiederhorn |first1=John |title=Louder Than Hell: The Definitive Oral History of Metal |last2=Turman |first2=Katherine |publisher=Dey Street |year=2013 |isbn=978-0-06-195829-8 |pages=449–450}}</ref> Conversely, Fafara claimed that the other members of Coal Chamber had met up in a hotel—alleging some members had been "up for four or five days straight on [[Methamphetamine|meth]]"—and fired Osbourne without consulting him.<ref name=":4" /> He believes that this cost the band their only "good shot in the [music] business".<ref name=":4" /> On March 29, 2000, the band signed with Left Bank Management.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mancini |first=Rob |date=March 29, 2000 |title=Coal Chamber Finds New Management |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/rpyfk5/coal-chamber-finds-new-management |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=MTV News |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525210659/https://www.mtv.com/news/rpyfk5/coal-chamber-finds-new-management |url-status=dead }}</ref> Having grown exhausted from being on the road together for five years,<ref name=":6">{{Cite magazine |last=Bracelin |first=Jason |date=August 2002 |title=Whose Rowboat Is This Anyway? |magazine=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]] |pages=58–64 |volume=17 |issue=169}}</ref> Coal Chamber abruptly ended touring in support of ''Chamber Music'' in July 2000 and dropped off the [[Tattoo the Earth]] tour a week before it was due to begin,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Coal Chamber Drops Off "Tattoo" Tour |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/knfjl2/coal-chamber-drops-off-tattoo-tour |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620230642/https://www.mtv.com/news/knfjl2/coal-chamber-drops-off-tattoo-tour |archive-date=June 20, 2023 |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=MTV}}</ref> ostensibly to begin work on new material.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Mancini |first=Rob |date=August 11, 2000 |title=Coal Chamber Tackles New Album, Outside Projects |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/ger0ix/coal-chamber-tackles-new-album-outside-projects |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525143117/https://www.mtv.com/news/ger0ix/coal-chamber-tackles-new-album-outside-projects |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=MTV}}</ref> The band members did not communicate with one another for a year,<ref name=":6" /> until Fafara and Rascón reconnected to work on a song with [[Mötley Crüe]] bassist [[Nikki Sixx]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine |last=Alexandra |first=Rae |date=April 27, 2002 |title=The Band That Came in from the Cold |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |publisher=[[EMAP]] |pages=18, 20 |issue=901}}</ref>

===''Dark Days'' and first disbandment (2001–2003)===
Between May and September 2001, Coal Chamber recorded their third album, ''[[Dark Days (Coal Chamber album)|Dark Days]]'', with producer Ross Hogarth.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=May 19, 2001 |title=Archive News May 19, 2001 |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/archive-news-may-19-2001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207040750/https://blabbermouth.net/news/archive-news-may-19-2001 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Coal Chamber News |url=http://coalchamber.com/html/news.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011213214024/http://coalchamber.com/html/news.htm |archive-date=December 13, 2001 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |website=coalchamber.com}}</ref> The recording sessions were marked with high drug use and tensions between Fafara and Rascón, the latter of which informed the album's tone and some of its lyrics.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gonzales |first=Ramon |date=December 12, 2022 |title=20YearView: Meegs Rascon revisits the dark days that sparked Coal Chamber's volatile swan song |url=https://knotfest.com/blogs/from-the-artist/20yearview-meegs-rascon-revisits-the-dark-days-that-sparked-coal-chambers-volatile-swan-song |access-date=May 28, 2024 |website=Knotfest}}</ref> A week after recording concluded, Foss left the band to raise her daughter, and Peulen was brought back as her official replacement;<ref name=":3" /> Foss's departure was announced in January 2002.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 18, 2002 |title=Rayna Quits Coal Chamber, Nadja Steps Back in |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rayna-quits-coal-chamber-nadja-steps-back-in/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520153335/https://blabbermouth.net/news/rayna-quits-coal-chamber-nadja-steps-back-in |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2002 |title=Sevendust's Rose Comments on Wife's Departure from Coal Chamber |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sevendust-s-rose-comments-on-wife-s-departure-from-coal-chamber/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520041411/https://blabbermouth.net/news/sevendust-s-rose-comments-on-wife-s-departure-from-coal-chamber |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]}}</ref>

''Dark Days'' was issued on May 6, 2002,<ref name=":3" /> to mixed reviews. The album had sold 200,000 copies by December 2003.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last=Price |first=Julie |date=December 11, 2003 |title=Deal with the Devil |work=[[Ventura County Star]] |type=Out |pages=18–19 |id={{ProQuest|2597921302}}}}</ref> Prior to its release, Coal Chamber joined the [[Jägermeister tour]] across the United States, which commenced on March 8.<ref>{{Cite magazine |author=Billboard Staff |date=January 28, 2002 |title=Drowning Pool to Headline Jagermeister Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/drowning-pool-to-headline-jagermeister-tour-76993/ |access-date=May 25, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525210700/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/drowning-pool-to-headline-jagermeister-tour-76993/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 17, Fafara and Rascón got into an onstage altercation during a show in [[Lubbock, Texas]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=April 18, 2002 |title=Coal Chamber Experience "Dark Days" Ahead |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-experience-dark-days-ahead/ |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520151840/https://blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-experience-dark-days-ahead |url-status=live }}</ref> Tensions between the two were high, and they had been fighting before the show.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" /> During the first song, Rascón stabbed Fafara with the headstock of his guitar, after which they began fighting.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":0" /> Fafara then announced to the audience, "This is the last Coal Chamber show ever!" and stormed offstage.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /> Coal Chamber attempted to continue the show with Rascón on vocals but soon stopped altogether after two more songs; Cox demolished his drumkit before storming offstage.<ref name=":0" /> Fafara and Rascón exchanged further blows after the show when the latter returned to the band's tour bus.<ref name=":4" /> Two days after the concert, Coal Chamber dropped off the Jägermeister tour.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 19, 2002 |title=Coal Chamber Withdraw from Jagermeister Tour, Ponder Group's Future |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-withdraw-from-jagermeister-tour-ponder-group-s-future/ |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520153336/https://blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-withdraw-from-jagermeister-tour-ponder-group-s-future |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 15, 2002, the band made their debut appearance on television, performing "[[Fiend (song)|Fiend]]" on ''[[Last Call with Carson Daly]]''.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=May 11, 2002 |title=Coal Chamber: "Last Call..." Appearance Air Date Announced |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-last-call-appearance-air-date-announced/ |access-date=May 28, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]}}</ref> In June and July 2002, they embarked on a summer tour of the United States with [[American Head Charge]], [[Lollipop Lust Kill]], and Medication.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Sabin |first=Brian |date=July 2002 |title=Coal Chamber |url=http://www.mblzine.com:80/july/coalchamber.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020822221454/http://www.mblzine.com:80/july/coalchamber.htm |archive-date=August 22, 2002 |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=Music Bottom Line}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=June 10, 2002 |title=Coal Chamber, Medication Postpone First Tour Date |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-medication-postpone-first-tour-date/ |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525210700/https://blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-medication-postpone-first-tour-date |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 8, 2002 |title=Horror meets heavy metal |url=https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/music-theater-dance/2002/06/09/Horror-meets-heavy-metal/stories/200206090007 |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=The Blade |archive-date=May 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519002722/https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/music-theater-dance/2002/06/09/Horror-meets-heavy-metal/stories/200206090007 |url-status=live }}</ref> For the duration of the tour, Fafara and Rascón traveled in separate tour buses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffmeister |first=John |date=June 29, 2002 |title=Coal Chamber: Get Out of My Rowboat! |url=http://www.inverse-music.com:80/interviews/coalchamber010602.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020728031534/http://www.inverse-music.com:80/interviews/coalchamber010602.shtml |archive-date=July 28, 2002 |access-date=May 28, 2024 |website=Inverse-Music}}</ref>

In August 2002, Fafara formed the band Deathride, later known as [[DevilDriver]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 20, 2002 |title=Coal Chamber's Dez Fafara Launches Deathride |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-s-dez-fafara-launches-deathride/ |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520151838/https://blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-s-dez-fafara-launches-deathride |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 23, 2003 |title=Deathride Change Name to Devildriver |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/deathride-change-name-to-devildriver/ |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730043747/https://blabbermouth.net/news/deathride-change-name-to-devildriver |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2002, he denied that Coal Chamber was breaking up.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2002 |title=Coal Chamber Frontman Denies Breakup Rumors, Reveals Side Project Details |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-frontman-denies-breakup-rumors-reveals-side-project-details/ |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520151840/https://blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-frontman-denies-breakup-rumors-reveals-side-project-details |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2002, Coal Chamber parted ways with their management and Cox.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 24, 2002 |title=Coal Chamber Split with Drummer, Management |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-split-with-drummer-management/ |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520151835/https://blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-split-with-drummer-management |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2003, Peulen said that the band would be releasing a [[A-side and B-side|B-sides]] compilation but that there was no new drummer or album on the horizon.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 10, 2003 |title=Coal Chamber Bassist: 'No New Record or Drummer as of Yet' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-bassist-no-new-record-or-drummer-as-of-yet/ |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520153344/https://blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-bassist-no-new-record-or-drummer-as-of-yet |url-status=live }}</ref> In July, Rascón confirmed that Coal Chamber had split up.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 11, 2003 |title=Coal Chamber Split Up! |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-split-up/ |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520153337/https://blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-split-up |url-status=live }}</ref> Fafara attributed the split primarily to the band's escalating drug use (in particular with Rascón and Cox),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sculley |first=Alan |date=March 26, 2015 |title=Reunited Coal Chamber set to play Palladium |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/worcester/2015/03/26/reunited-coal-chamber-set-to/34895212007/ |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=The Worcester Telegram & Gazette |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525210700/https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/worcester/2015/03/26/reunited-coal-chamber-set-to/34895212007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> stating that he did not want to help fund their drug habits.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Charlesworth |first=Jenny |date=July 29, 2011 |title=DevilDriver's Dez Fafara Weighs in on Drugs and Departure of Former Bassist |url=http://noisecreep.com/devildriver-dez-fafara-interview/ |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=Noisecreep |archive-date=February 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212022224/https://noisecreep.com/devildriver-dez-fafara-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dick |first=Chris |date=October 10, 2012 |title=GWAR vs. DevilDriver: Oderus Urungus questions Dez Fafara questions Oderus Urungus |url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2012/10/10/gwar-vs-devildriver-oderus-urungus-questions-dez-fafara-questions-oderus-urungus/ |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=Decibel Magazine |archive-date=December 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203204136/https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2012/10/10/gwar-vs-devildriver-oderus-urungus-questions-dez-fafara-questions-oderus-urungus/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He also mentioned creative and business differences.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2003 |title=Dez Fafara: 'I Had to Get Away from Coal Chamber' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dez-fafara-i-had-to-get-away-from-coal-chamber/ |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520151835/https://blabbermouth.net/news/dez-fafara-i-had-to-get-away-from-coal-chamber |url-status=live }}</ref> A month after the band's split, a compilation album, titled ''[[Giving the Devil His Due]]'', was released, which included several demo tracks submitted by Coal Chamber prior to their signing with Roadrunner Records in 1997, along with alternative studio recordings and remixes of various tracks from their previous albums.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 18, 2003 |title=Coal Chamber Name Collection of Rarities |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-name-collection-of-rarities/ |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=April 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423230010/https://blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-name-collection-of-rarities |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2, 2003 |title=Coal Chamber: Previously Unreleased Song Available for Download |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-previously-unreleased-song-available-for-download/ |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520153337/https://blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-previously-unreleased-song-available-for-download |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Post-breakup (2003–2010)===
In August 2004, Roadrunner Records released ''[[The Best of Coal Chamber]]''. In June 2005, Fafara stated that Coal Chamber's break was permanent and they would not be reforming. He also described a reformation as "like asking someone if they would ever want to go back and repeat the third and fourth grades after they're already done with high school".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=June 6, 2005 |title=Devildriver Vocalist: 'There Will Never Be a Coal Chamber Reunion' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/devildriver-vocalist-there-will-never-be-a-coal-chamber-reunion/ |access-date=May 25, 2024 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=January 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119193245/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/devildriver-vocalist-there-will-never-be-a-coal-chamber-reunion/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Fafara continued as vocalist of the metal band DevilDriver, recording seven albums: ''[[DevilDriver (album)|DevilDriver]]'', ''[[The Fury of Our Maker's Hand]]'', ''[[The Last Kind Words]]'', ''[[Pray for Villains]]'', ''[[Beast (DevilDriver album)|Beast]]'', ''[[Winter Kills (album)|Winter Kills]]'', and ''[[Trust No One (DevilDriver album)|Trust No One]]''. He is the only member of Coal Chamber to release an album after the disbandment. Bass guitarist Nadja Puelen created the t-shirt company CruelTees. After taking two years off to recover from a car accident, drummer Mikey "Bug" Cox joined forces with his longtime friend and [[Orgy (band)|Orgy]] member Jay Gordon—and the producer of Coal Chamber's first album - to form Machine Gun Orchestra. Guitarist Meegs Rascón formed the rock band Glass Piñata, previously known as Piñata. The group released a few demos on their website, and faced several line-up changes before eventually disbanding. Following Glass Piñata, Rascón joined the Orange County rock/electro band NEO GEO in mid-2009, although he later left the band in 2010.{{citation needed|date=March 2012}}

Fafara and Rascón settled their differences on October 24, 2008, with Rascón joining DevilDriver on stage at the Glasshouse in [[Pomona, California]], to play "Loco".{{citation needed|date=March 2012}}

In September 2009, it was announced that Peulen and Cox had joined forces to form an unnamed band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=126632 |title=Blabbermouth.net - Former Coal Chamber members rejoin forced in new project |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=September 9, 2009 |access-date=September 9, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912073403/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=126632 |archive-date=September 12, 2009 }}</ref> They were seeking a vocalist and guitarist to complete the lineup.

In September 2010, Rascón and Cox joined together in a post-punk band called We Are the Riot.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=145809 |title=Blabbermouth.net - Former COAL CHAMBER Members Rejoin Forces In WE ARE THE RIOT |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=September 9, 2010 |access-date=December 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913122215/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=145809 |archive-date=September 13, 2010 }}</ref>

===Reformation, ''Rivals'', and second disbandment (2011–2017)===
{{multiple image
| direction   = vertical
| image1      = Coal Chamber @ Claremont Showgrounds (5 3 2012) (7005619203).jpg
| image2      = Coal Chamber @ Claremont Showgrounds (5 3 2012) (6859499602) (cropped).jpg
| image3      = Coal Chamber @ Claremont Showgrounds (5 3 2012) (6859499462).jpg
| image4      = Coal Chamber @ Claremont Showgrounds (5 3 2012) (7005619065).jpg
| footer      = Coal Chamber in 2012
| total_width = 180
}}

In September 2011, Fafara, Cox, and Rascón officially reformed the band with bass guitarist Chela Rhea Harper, to play the [[Soundwave (Australian music festival)|Soundwave festival]] in Australia. In October 2012, Fafara stated that the band were "taking it slow", partly due to his commitments with [[DevilDriver]], but he also revealed that they had begun writing new material.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=181009 |title=Reunited COAL CHAMBER Has Commenced Writing New Material, Says Singer DEZ FAFARA |date=October 18, 2012 |access-date=October 18, 2012 |archive-date=September 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911105805/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/reunited-coal-chamber-has-commenced-writing-new-material-says-singer-dez-fafara/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The band later performed at Download 2013 and toured with [[Sevendust]], [[Lacuna Coil]], and [[Stolen Babies]], with performances at Rock Am Ring, Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.graspop.be/nl/poster |title=Poster &#124; Graspop Metal Meeting 2014 |language=nl |publisher=Graspop.be |access-date=April 17, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419120841/https://www.graspop.be/nl/poster |archive-date=April 19, 2014 }}</ref> and Nova Rock festival.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.novarock.at/jart/prj3/novarock/main.jart?rel=de&reserve-mode=active&content-id=1299836377345&artist_id=1346077374581&backlink=1262873609302&gl_item_id=1346077374589 |title=NOVAROCK - ArtistPage |publisher=Novarock.at |access-date=April 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425003405/http://novarock.at/jart/prj3/novarock/main.jart?rel=de&reserve-mode=active&content-id=1299836377345&artist_id=1346077374581&backlink=1262873609302&gl_item_id=1346077374589 |archive-date=April 25, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Nadja Peulen officially reunited with the band in October 2013, and they signed to [[Napalm Records]] the following year, as they continued to work on a new album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/coal-chamber-new-album |title=Reunited Coal Chamber To Record New Album |date=August 12, 2014 |publisher=Loudwire.com |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209022341/https://loudwire.com/coal-chamber-new-album/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This was completed in December 2014. In February 2015, Coal Chamber revealed that the album's title was ''[[Rivals (album)|Rivals]]''. They premiered the song "I.O.U. Nothing" online in March, and released a lyric video for "Suffer in Silence", which features [[Al Jourgensen]], the following month. The album was released on May 19, 2015, and was their first studio album in 13 years, as well as their first to be released by [[Napalm Records]].<ref name=RivalsMay>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-to-release-rivals-album-in-may/ |title=Coal Chamber To Release 'Rivals' Album In May |work=[[Blabbermouth]] |date=February 12, 2015 |access-date=February 12, 2015 |archive-date=July 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728202739/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chamber-to-release-rivals-album-in-may/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In May 2016, Fafara confirmed during an interview with ''Blunt'' magazine that Coal Chamber was on indefinite hiatus, stating that due to the current success of his other band DevilDriver, Coal Chamber "has no place in my life whatsoever at this point."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dez-fafara-coal-chamber-has-no-place-in-my-life-whatsoever-at-this-point/|title=DEZ FAFARA: 'COAL CHAMBER Has No Place In My Life Whatsoever At This Point'|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 18, 2016|access-date=June 1, 2016|archive-date=June 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604043310/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dez-fafara-coal-chamber-has-no-place-in-my-life-whatsoever-at-this-point|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2017, Fafara explained that he would start performing Coal Chamber songs with DevilDriver, coming to the realization that Coal Chamber would probably never tour or make music ever again.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dez-fafara-says-coal-chamber-will-probably-never-tour-or-make-music-again/|title=DEZ FAFARA Says COAL CHAMBER Will Probably Never Tour Or Make Music Again|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-date=June 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622151259/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dez-fafara-says-coal-chamber-will-probably-never-tour-or-make-music-again/|url-status=live}}</ref> He then went on to say that the band is "done forever".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dez-fafara-believes-coal-chamber-is-done-forever/|title=DEZ FAFARA Believes COAL CHAMBER Is 'Done Forever'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=July 5, 2017|archive-date=July 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705174501/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dez-fafara-believes-coal-chamber-is-done-forever/|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2018, Fafara officially announced that Coal Chamber was not coming back.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dez-fafara-says-that-coal-chamber-is-not-coming-back/|title=DEZ FAFARA says COAL CHAMBER Is Not Coming Back|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=July 20, 2018|archive-date=July 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721021809/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dez-fafara-says-that-coal-chamber-is-not-coming-back/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2020, Fafara spoke about the band's status during an interview with Metal Hammer. When asked about a possible reunion, Fafara stated: "I'm not gonna say no, because we've all spoken", adding, "The main thing for me is that the relationship is all good after numerous fallouts in the beginning and after some stuff went horribly wrong when we got back together to release [2015 comeback album] ''Rivals''. The vibe in that camp is very cool at the moment, and we all have each other's backs. I wouldn't put it past us, but right now I'm definitely concentrating on Devildriver".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/devildrivers-dez-fafara-im-not-gonna-say-no-to-a-new-coal-chamber-album|title=DevilDriver's Dez Fafara: 'I'm not gonna say no to a new Coal Chamber album'|first=Ali|last=Cooperpublished|date=December 7, 2020|website=loudersound|access-date=March 19, 2022|archive-date=March 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319221841/https://www.loudersound.com/features/devildrivers-dez-fafara-im-not-gonna-say-no-to-a-new-coal-chamber-album|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Second reunion (2022–present)===
Coal Chamber announced their second reunion in November 2022 as well as their scheduled appearance at the 2023 [[Sick New World]] festival in Las Vegas, Nevada.<ref name="2022reunion" /> According to Fafara, a factor in the reunion was his certainty of dying from a [[COVID-19]] infection, which prompted his wife to contact the rest of the band.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dez-fafara-says-coal-chamber-reunion-happened-very-organically-after-his-near-death-covid-experience|title=Dez Fafara Says Coal Chamber Reunion Happened 'Very Organically' After His Near-Death COVID Experience|date=March 10, 2023|website=blabbermouth.net|access-date=May 14, 2023|archive-date=May 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514224810/https://blabbermouth.net/news/dez-fafara-says-coal-chamber-reunion-happened-very-organically-after-his-near-death-covid-experience|url-status=live}}</ref> He later indicated the possibility of new music down the line, saying, "I realized that any problem we've ever had is gone".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/reunited-coal-chamber-is-talking-about-making-new-music-its-very-exciting|title=Reunited Coal Chamber Is 'Talking About' Making New Music: It's 'Very Exciting'|date=June 21, 2023|website=blabbermouth.net|access-date=June 22, 2023|archive-date=June 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622134502/https://blabbermouth.net/news/reunited-coal-chamber-is-talking-about-making-new-music-its-very-exciting|url-status=live}}</ref>

The band embarked on a US tour in 2023 and a short tour of Australia in 2024. They were slated to begin touring again in 2025, but plans were postponed due to Fafara's health issues.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2025/01/15/coal-chamber-devildriver-cancel-2025-tour-plans-dez-fafara-focuses-on-his-health/|title=Coal Chamber, Devildriver Cancel 2025 Tour Plans as Dez Fafara Focuses on His Health|first=Hesher|last=Keenan|date=January 15, 2025|website=MetalSucks}}</ref>