COAL
CHAMBER
9:30 Club; Washington, DC; 08/02/02
Reviewed by Alicia Downs
What has happened to Coal
Chamber? I sat there thinking that exact thing as I watched a band - a band that
had all the potential in the musical world six years ago - apparently
disintegrate before my eyes on the last night of their headlining tour in
support of their junior release "Dark Days."
I had seen Coal Chamber perform along this Spring's Jager Tour alongside
headliners Drowning Pool and, while not on top of their game, they still seemed
more solid than on this summer night. Be it the rumors of constant feuding
between lead singer Dez and guitar player Meegs, or perhaps just a band well
past its prime (before it ever really got rolling) Coal Chamber, as a band,
seemed to be no more. Instead, it seemed as though there were four distinct
players up on stage just going through the motions playing to a far from packed
house.
They went through their usual selections of songs including heavy hitters from
their platinum selling self-titled release "Loco," "Sway"
and "Big Truck." They tried to keep things fresh playing bits
"Fiend" and "Row Boat" off their new album "Dark
Days." But just the same they seemed so bored and disenchanted
onstage I could not help but yawn and look at my watch on several occasions.
The simultaneous bounces between guitar player Meegs and bassist Nadja were just
too calculated. Nadja's stage presence seemed 'created' with the help of a fan
blowing that gorgeous hair while she just stood there. Dez appeared to be the
only member even attempting to work the crowd (as a lead singer should) but he
was so far off from his band members that it seemed like two separate shows were
going on. Drummer Mikey just stared out into oblivion playing with that 'are we
done yet?' flair. It was almost painful to watch.
Now, before anyone goes hating me, let me tell you that I am quite the fan of
Coal Chamber's music. I thought their debut was fresh and their live show, then,
seemed to energetic. I thought they were solid all the way around. "Chamber
Music" never really rubbed me the right way but I had full expectations of
seeing them bounce back with "Dark Days" which ended up being a better
effort. Unfortunately, that CD was issued by a band with so much inner turmoil
oozing out onstage it is hard to believe any of them really want to be there. So
why should I? How can you support a band who does not even seem to believe in
themselves anymore?
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Revised: 06 Oct 2019 11:48:58 -0400.
