The band originally formed as Riverfenix in Houston, Texas. Riverfenix released an EP, entitled G.B.O.H.(Gansta Bitches on Heroin), and an album, Riverfenix, on independent record labels, before having to change their name due to a cease and desist order from the estate of the late actor River Phoenix. Following the name change, they signed with major label MCA Records in 1999. On MCA, they released two further albums, 1999's Fenix TX and 2001's Lechuza, which collectively sold over 600,000 units. The band parted ways in 2002 in the middle of writing sessions for its third album. Creative differences were cited as the reason for the breakup.

After the split, bassist Adam Lewis and drummer Damon DeLaPaz devoted themselves to their now defunct side project Sing the Body Electric, while vocalist/guitarist Will Salazar and guitarist Chris Lewis formed the band Denver Harbor.

In September 2005, Fenix TX announced their reunion along with the release of a live album, "Purple Reign in Blood." They supported the live album with tours across the United States and a few other countries. The band has been writing, recording and playing since then without a major tour in place. But that might change very soon.