Coal Chamber broke out of the Los Angeles alternative metal scene in 1997 with a sound often compared to Korn, although both bands formed around the same time and are quality representations of the scene's overall sound -- the heavy, detuned guitars of the murkiest Black Sabbath, grungy, noisy textures reminiscent of White Zombie or Tool, the white-knuckle intensity of Pantera and hardcore punk, and perhaps a few hip-hop-influenced beats ?? la Biohazard. Coal Chamber was formed in 1994 by vocalist/lyricist B. Dez Fafara and guitarist Miguel "Meegs" Rascon, who met through a classified ad; the two added drummer Mike "Mikee" Cox and bassist Rayna Foss, the latter of whom heard about auditions through her roommate, Fafara's future wife. A huge local buzz following gigs at the Roxy and the Whisky A-Go-Go, along with a demo tape championed by Fear Factory's Dino Cazares, got the band an opportunity to sign with Roadrunner Records late in 1994, but Fafara suddenly quit due to disagreements with his wife over the band. By the spring of 1995, Fafara changed his mind and returned, a decision that ultimately cost him his marriage, but a renewed sense of energy helped Coal Chamber regain their Roadrunner deal by the end of the year. Their self-titled debut was released in 1997; Chamber Music followed two years later. The album was a minor success but its mixture of goth rock imagery and nu metal thuggery made for an uneven album. They toured heavily behind it but by the time it came time to record the next album, bassist Rayna Foss-Rose was gone to raise her daughter, leaving the band with Nadja Peulen. Nadja took Foss-Rose's place during her pregnancy between the first two albums, but she accepted the invitation to come back as a full time member during the recording of the next record. The resulting album, Dark Days, was released in the spring of 2002. ~ Steve Huey, Rovi

The legendary FEAR FACTORY has announced their highly-anticipated comeback to the European ground. After the recent successful North and Latin American tour legs with the new vocalist Milo Silvestro from Rome, Italy and drummer Pete Weber (Havok), the band is stronger than ever and ready to light up the stages at 44 European shows for the first time since 2016. Joining them on this run are two must-see bands: BUTCHER BABIES from the USA and IGNEA  from Ukraine.   The impact of FEAR FACTORY on heavy metal is immeasurable. With a career spanning over 30 years, they have unleashed influential albums with devastating anthems, cementing their position as crucial and innovative figures in extreme metal circles. FEAR FACTORY's sound, a fusion of staccato paint-stripping riffs, industrial-tinged drums, electronic flourishes, and a captivating scream/sing dichotomy, has become a hallmark in heavy music since their emergence in L.A.   FEAR FACTORY's records are cinematic in scope, creating sonic landscapes that mirror dystopian post-apocalyptic futures found in classic sci-fi literature and films, from Ray Bradbury to Blade Runner. On June 23, the band will release RE-INDUSTRIALIZED, a remastered version of their eighth studio album, The Industrialist. The new release features new artwork, live drums, and six bonus tracks. This European tour presents an exceptional opportunity for fans to experience the band's powerful sound live, along with their greatest hits.   Metal veterans, Butcher Babies, have been crushing stages worldwide with their vicious live performance and explosive energy for nearly 15 blistering years. Their stage presence is a hypnotic spectacle that leaves audiences hungry for more as they juxtapose brutal, aggressive riffs with beautiful melodies that wail with emotional redemption. With the news of a double album releasing July 7, anticipation for a full Butcher Babies European tour has reached a fever pitch.   Finally, completing the lineup, IGNEA, a Ukrainian prog and melodic metal band, will bring their unique mix of groovy riffs with cinematic and electronic arrangements to the table. The band will showcase their new album, released through Napalm Records, which has already garnered critical acclaim and praise from fans, solidifying their position as firestarters in the metal scene.  

Since forming in 1997, Twiztid have changed the face of music, redefining the relationship between rap and metal while pushing the limits of lyrical creativity. By remaining true to underground culture, they have built an international movement: Despite receiving little mainstream airplay, every album they've released has reached the Billboard album chart. Nevertheless, in 2012, the duo, comprised of the rappers Monoxide and Jamie Madrox, left Psychopathic Records to begin a new chapter. Now, for the first time in the career, they have true independence.   Things have moved fast. In 2014, Twiztid formed a label of their own, Majik Ninja Entertainment, and it now includes underground favorites like Blaze and Boondox alongside rising stars like Young Wicked and G-Mo Skee.   "We have artists that are killing it in every different type of music," says Madrox. "We're keeping alive these old ideas that other motherfuckers let go to the wayside, and at the same time, we're offering a whole bunch of new type of flavor as well. We're putting out stuff that makes you say, 'Damn, that's what it's about!'"   Twiztid have become experts in the art of releasing records. Now they're using what they've learned to guide the next generation of underground talent. But this isn't limited to music—Majik Ninja is on its way to becoming an independent conglomerate worthy of Tyler Perry. "Music is just the kickstart," says Monoxide. "Five years from now we might not even be talking about a Twiztid record. We'll be talking about the movies we're making, and the other artists on Majik Ninja."   At the moment, however, there's still time for the studio, and the duo has more to say than ever. In January, Twiztid released a new album, The Continuous Evilution of Life's ?'s, to widespread acclaim, debuting at Number Two on Billboard's Rap Albums chart. One listen reveals why: This is one of the most energetic releases of the band's career, pushing the pedal on a furious sound that recalls fan favorites like Mutant (Vol. 2).   Fans and critics have pointed to the record's amplified metal influence, but Monoxide takes a more nuanced approach. "As far as talent—song structuring, songwriting—I think this album encompasses everything from where we started to where we are now," he says. "There is metal, but to me it's 75 percent a rap record. Only now we've found a way to encompass both worlds without it being forced." He laughs as he considers the accomplishment. "We actually got good at it!"   "This album is pissed off," says Madrox. "That's what rock is really about."   Twiztid was formed in Detoit—Detroit proper—in 1997. They released their first album, Mostasteless, in 1999, and followed with their legendary Freek Show LP, which contained the single "We Don't Die," in 2000. All 11 of the group's albums have reached the Billboard album chart. W.I.C.K.E.D., released in 2009, peaked at Number 11, making it the biggest independent release in the country.   Twiztid left Psychopathic Records in 2012, and they independently released their A New Nightmare EP in 2013. Underground Australia would name it the best album of year, making it the first EP ever to win the award. They released their first album on Majik Ninja, The Darkness, in January of 2015. It too won Underground's album of the year poll.   The group has collaborated with rappers like Three 6 Mafia, E-40 and Tech N9ne, and scored deals with Island and Def Jam. "Lyor Cohen pulled us into his office as was like 'You two motherfuckers can rap,'" remembers Monoxide.   Outside of music, they've co-starred in the movies Big Money Hustlas and Big Money Rustlas. Their radio show, Ashtrays & Action Figures, has expanded Majik Ninja's reach into podcasts and digital media. Never compromising their integrity, they've remained on the cutting edge of music for 20 years and counting.   "We're the epitome of the underground," says Methric. "There's nothing in the world like us, and our entire record label is built on that principle, promoting other artists who are like that too. We saw a lane open up, and we were like, 'That's it. This is our calling.'"   What does it mean for a group like Twiztid to remain underground in 2017, especially after so many years of success?   "For us being underground means continuing to be what made you true—staying true to that," says Monoxide. "We don't have to worry about anyone taking our songs off the radio. We don't have to worry about TV not playing our videos. Because we control everything. We found a way to survive without it."   "But make no mistake," adds Madrox, "if they want to put us on TV and see what it's like to be inside of our world, we still might show y'all."