Chimaira:
Chimaira is a groove metal band from Cleveland, Ohio that formed in 1998. The band started off as a nu-metal project, but evolved into a mixture of groove, thrash, and metalcore; however, some death metal elements were displayed on the band’s third album, Chimaira.
Early Days:
Chimaira began as a collaboration between vocalist Mark Hunter and guitarist Jason Hager. The band released a successful EP, This Present Darkness, and was signed to Roadrunner Records. Their debut album, Pass Out Of Existence, was similar-sounding to a lot of the mainstream metal bands of the time. With their sophomore album, The Impossibility of Reason, Chimaira carved a more unique path and incorporated faster melodies and greater lead guitar presence.
Lineup Change and New Musical Approach:
Drummer Andols Herrick left after the release of the sophomore album, and death metal drumming extraordinaire Kevin Talley took his place. With a new drummer came a heavier, more relentless approach on Chimaira. The critics and fans reacted positively, but the band was suffering from internal conflicts that almost drove the members apart.
Herrick Returns:
Chimaira changed their line-up again, bringing Herrick back into the fold, and leaving Roadrunner Records to sign with Ferret/Nuclear Blast. The 2007 album Resurrection was highly regarded as Chimaira’s best work to date, and the band followed it up with a headlining tour and support for bands like Soilent Green and Dethklok.
If You Like Chimaira, You Might Want To Check Out:
Fear Factory, Pantera, Machine Head
Current Chimaira Band Members:
Mark Hunter - Vocals
Rob Arnold - Guitar
Matt DeVries - Guitar (Ringworm)
Jim LaMarca - Bass
Andols Herrick - Drums
Chris Spicuzza - Keyboard, Samples, Backing Vocals
Rob Arnold - Guitar
Matt DeVries - Guitar (Ringworm)
Jim LaMarca - Bass
Andols Herrick - Drums
Chris Spicuzza - Keyboard, Samples, Backing Vocals
Former Band Members:
Jason Hager Guitar (1998-2001)
Andrew Ermlick - Bass (1998-2000)
Rob Lesniak - Bass (2000)
Richard Evensand - Drums (2003-2004)
Kevin Talley - Drums (2004-2006)
Andrew Ermlick - Bass (1998-2000)
Rob Lesniak - Bass (2000)
Richard Evensand - Drums (2003-2004)
Kevin Talley - Drums (2004-2006)
Chimaira Discography:
2000 This Present Darkness (East Coast Empire)
2001 Pass Out Of Existence (Roadrunner)
2003 The Impossibility Of Reason (Roadrunner)
2005 Chimaira (Roadrunner)
2007 Resurrection (Ferret)
2009 The Infection (Ferret)
2001 Pass Out Of Existence (Roadrunner)
2003 The Impossibility Of Reason (Roadrunner)
2005 Chimaira (Roadrunner)
2007 Resurrection (Ferret)
2009 The Infection (Ferret)
Recommended Chimaira CD:
Resurrection
Chimaira’s fourth album is the band’s strongest to date, with a solid mix of everything from the past three albums. The band experiments a bit, including the nine-minute progressive “Six” and the brutal “Worthless,” which is one of Chimaira’s heaviest tracks. Producer Jason Suecof does a fantastic job at sharpening the band’s sound and the band’s songwriting is top-notch, showing a level of maturity on Resurrection that was lacking on their previous album, Chimaira.
Chimaira’s fourth album is the band’s strongest to date, with a solid mix of everything from the past three albums. The band experiments a bit, including the nine-minute progressive “Six” and the brutal “Worthless,” which is one of Chimaira’s heaviest tracks. Producer Jason Suecof does a fantastic job at sharpening the band’s sound and the band’s songwriting is top-notch, showing a level of maturity on Resurrection that was lacking on their previous album, Chimaira.
