Chimaira

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Chimaira

Origin	Cleveland, Ohio
Years active	1998 - present
Genres	Metalcore, Groove Metal
Labels	Roadrunner Records, Ferret Records, Nuclear Blast Records
Members	Mark Hunter, Matt DeVries, Rob Arnold,Jim LaMarca, Andols Herrick, Chris Spicuzza

Chimaira is a metalcore band from Cleveland, Ohio. The name is derived from Chimera, a lion-headed monster in Greek mythology whose name is pronounced kai-MEAR-uh. Their 2005 self titled album had a more Groove Metal influenced sound.

1 History
2 Current Members
3 Former Members
4 Discography
5 Videography
6 External links

[edit] History

Chimaira's initial lineup consisted of vocalist Mark Hunter, lead guitarist Rob Arnold, rhythm guitarist Jason Hager, bassist Jim LaMarca, drummer Andols Herrick and Chris Spicuzza who handled keyboards, electronics and samples. An early demo the band recorded began to receive widespread airplay on several college radio stations around the area. Eventually, the band recorded their first EP, "This Present Darkness" which was released in 2000. Banking on the success of the EP, the band was signed by RoadRunner Records and quickly recorded their debut album, "Pass Out of Existence" in 2001. Shortly after the release of the album and the tour that was to follow, Jason Hager left the band when he found out he was going to become a father. Matt DeVries, from another local band called Ascension was recruited to take over as rhythm guitarist.

The band returned home in late 2002 to begin writing and recording their next full-length album, "The Impossibility of Reason." The making of the album was documented and later seen on their debut DVD release called "The Dehumanizing Process." After the release and ensuing tours that followed, the band saw another member depart in drummer Andols Herrick. As evidenced in the DVD documentary, Herrick appeared to be less than enthused about being on the road all the time. He returned home to attend college and try to obtain a music degree.

Chimaira eventually welcomed Ricky Evensand to the fold as its new drummer. Evensand, hailing from Sweden, was probably most notable for being a part of Soilwork for a short time. Evensend's stay in Chimaira was relatively short-lived. Due to VISA problems and his temperamental nature, Evensand eventually left the band.

Going on advice from Slayer guitarist Kerry King, Hunter contacted Kevin Talley, an experienced death metal drummer who had previously been in the bands Dying Fetus and Misery Index. With Talley on board, the band finished their remaining tourdates before returning home for some downtime before beginning the writing and recording process on their next album.

By the first quarter of 2005, the band had finished most of their next release and hit the road once again. The self-titled album, the first (and only) one featuring Talley, was released in August of 2005 while the band was taking part in the inaugural Sounds of the Underground tour. Hunter and rhythm guitarist Matt DeVries had also taken part in another musical project that year; RoadRunner Records 25th Anniversary CD entitled "The All-Star Sessions." Also taking part in the recording of several songs was former drummer Andols Herrick. These recording sessions reignited Herrick's interest of being in a full-time band. Eventually, in early 2006, Herrick and the members of Chimaira conversed and Herrick was welcomed back into the band. Talley's split from the band was amicable, as he was already being offered spots in several different bands and projects (Misery Index, Daath).

In 2006 the band was released from their contract with RoadRunner Records and eventually signed with Ferret Records for US distribution and also struck a deal with Nuclear Blast for international operations. The band has said to be excited about their new deals and are currently constructing their fourth LP, titled "Resurrection." Hunter and guitarist Rob Arnold have made mention that this album is shaping up to be their heaviest and most musically technical album to date. The band feels rejuvenated after their split with RoadRunner and the readmission of Herrick on drums.