Chimaira
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | August 1998 |
| Headquarters | Cleveland, Ohio , United States |
| Products | Heavy metal music |
Chimaira ( ) is a heavy metal ensemble originating from Cleveland, Ohio, United States. Established in August 1998, the band's name is inspired by the legendary Chimera creature. Throughout its existence, vocalist Mark Hunter remained the only continuous member despite numerous personnel changes. Although the band disbanded in 2014, they briefly reunited in 2017 and made a comeback in 2023 featuring most of their long-standing lineup.
Formation and initial phase (1998–1999)
Prior to Chimaira, vocalist Mark Hunter and bassist Jim LaMarca played together in the hardcore outfit Skipline from 1996 until 1998, which disbanded following an incident involving a stolen van. Soon after, guitarist Jason Hager from Cleveland’s metalcore band Ascension approached Hunter to start a new project. Together with drummer Jason Genaro and bassist Andrew Ermlick, they established the original lineup.[1]
To achieve a richer sound, Ermlick suggested adding guitarist Rob Arnold, who had previously played with Common Thread and Sanctum. By 1999, Arnold joined as lead guitarist, shifting Hager to rhythm guitar duties.[1]
In early 1999, the group recorded their first demo. Arnold proposed replacing Genaro with his former Sanctum bandmate Andols Herrick on drums; after evaluating Herrick’s performance, the band welcomed him aboard.[1]
Throughout that year, Chimaira toured extensively across the United States. When Ermlick departed to concentrate on his academic pursuits, Rob Lesniak stepped in as bassist.[1]
Their second demo received airplay on college radio stations, which led to an appearance on USA Network's Farmclub.com and eventually secured a contract with Roadrunner Records.[1]
This Present Darkness and Pass out of Existence (2000–2002)
In 2000, Chimaira released their debut EP This Present Darkness through independent label East Coast Empire, achieving a top 10 position on Metal Radio charts. Shortly thereafter, they aligned with manager and A&R representative Thom Hazaert, who later headed Corporate Punishment Records and THC Music. The band embarked on extensive U.S. tours alongside acts such as Hatebreed and God Forbid, while developing demos including "Dead Inside," "Severed," and "Taste My...". They also recorded a rendition of The Cure's "Fascination Street," which garnered attention from major labels. Additionally, Chimaira contributed a cover of Accept's "Balls to the Wall" for the ECW Wrestling compilation album Anarchy Rocks Vol. 2.
Following their signing with Roadrunner Records, Chimaira entered the studio in 2001 to record their full-length debut Pass out of Existence with producer Mudrock. By this stage, Jim LaMarca had taken over bass duties while Chris Spicuzza handled all electronic elements. Released on October 2, 2001, the album coincided with rhythm guitarist Jason Hager's departure due to impending fatherhood; he was succeeded by Matt DeVries, formerly of Ascension. The record featured guest contributions from Stephen Carpenter of Deftones on the track "Rizzo." Promotion included touring with Machine Head, Fear Factory, Ill Nino, and Kittie, as well as opening for Slayer during their North American tour.
Despite consistent touring efforts, Roadrunner provided limited promotional support, resulting in modest sales figures—approximately 44,000 units sold within two years. Some live shows experienced poor attendance, and certain fans expressed dissatisfaction with the album’s cleaner production compared to This Present Darkness. Band members later reflected on this era as particularly difficult, especially during the early production phase of the The Dehumanizing Process music video.
The Impossibility of Reason (2003–2004)
Upon returning home in late 2002, the band commenced the writing and recording process for The Impossibility of Reason, aiming to create a significant follow-up after the previous album's lackluster results. Under pressure from their label Roadrunner Records, they transitioned towards a more unrefined and intense groove metal style by abandoning 7-string guitars and minimizing electronic effects. The making of this album was captured on their first DVD, The Dehumanizing Process. After the album's release and subsequent tours, drummer Andols Herrick left to pursue a degree in music, citing exhaustion from continuous touring.
Following Herrick's departure, Chimaira brought in Swedish drummer Ricky Evensand, formerly of Soilwork, though his time with the band was short-lived. Taking advice from Slayer guitarist Kerry King, vocalist Mark Hunter enlisted experienced death metal drummer Kevin Talley (formerly of Dying Fetus and Misery Index). With Talley on board, the band completed their tour dates before returning to write and record their next album. Some tracks from this period were featured on an episode of MythBusters titled "Talking to Plants."
Chimaira (2005–2006)
By early 2005, most of their self-titled album had been finalized, which was released in August 2005 during the first-ever Sounds of the Underground tour. This album marked the only appearance of Talley as the drummer. That year, Hunter and DeVries participated in Roadrunner Records' 25th anniversary project, The All-Star Sessions, which also included former drummer Herrick. These sessions renewed Herrick’s interest in rejoining the band full-time. Additionally, Chimaira co-headlined the Kings of Cleveland concert alongside Mushroomhead.
Resurrection (2007–2008)
After ending their relationship with Roadrunner Records in 2006, Chimaira signed with Ferret Records for distribution within the United States and partnered with Nuclear Blast for international releases. The band expressed revitalized enthusiasm leading up to their fourth studio album, Resurrection, which debuted on March 6, 2007, marking Herrick’s return behind the drums. However, they withdrew from the Eastpak Antidote tour featuring Soilwork, Sonic Syndicate, and Caliban, with Dark Tranquillity stepping in as replacements. In 2008, Chimaira appeared as guests on Brendon Small’s Dethklok tour.
The Infection (2009–2010)
Before releasing the album, Chimaira previewed segments from The Infection, recorded in Cleveland with producer Ben Schigel, who had previously worked on both The Impossibility of Reason and their self-titled album. The mixing was handled by Zeuss, renowned for collaborations with Hatebreed and Shadows Fall. The band aimed for an April 21, 2009 release date. At their annual Chimaira Christmas show on December 30, 2008, they premiered the single "Secrets of the Dead."
"Secrets of the Dead" was officially released as the lead single on March 3, 2009. The Infection launched globally on April 21, entering the Billboard 200 at number 30. During European tour dates promoting the album, Emil Werstler from Dååth substituted for Matt DeVries, who was attending to family obligations.
The band's tenth annual Chimaira Christmas event took place at Cleveland's House of Blues on December 27, 2009. This concert was recorded for a live DVD titled Coming Alive, which was released in 2010.
In late 2010, bassist Jim LaMarca announced his retirement after ten years with Chimaira. The band stated: "Following a decade filled with memorable moments and accomplishments, our friend and bandmate Jim LaMarca [bass] has chosen to step away from CHIMAIRA. We wish him all the best as he settles down and begins a family. Regarding a replacement ... we'll address that when the time comes. Meanwhile, expect 'business as usual' with CHIMAIRA as you know it."
The Age of Hell, lineup shifts, Crown of Phantoms, and disbandment (2011–2014)
On January 24, 2011, Chimaira inked a deal with eOne Music. By March that year, they had finalized recording their sixth studio album, slated for release in August. In the same month, the band uploaded a rendition of The Troggs' "Wild Thing" on YouTube and iTunes, leveraging the buzz surrounding the "Charlie Sheen phenomenon".
Keyboardist and programmer Chris Spicuzza exited the group on April 5, 2011, attributing his departure to a "negative environment" and dissatisfaction with the music industry's condition; he redirected his efforts toward a mobile gaming venture named IRL Gaming. Spicuzza did not participate in the album's production. Shortly thereafter, drummer Andols Herrick officially left on April 13 due to creative differences; although he had been inactive since December 2010, the announcement came later. Herrick declined an invitation to rejoin and did not contribute to the album but reassured fans regarding its quality.
On May 28, during a performance at Peabody's in Cleveland, the band unveiled their new record titled The Age of Hell, premiering the song "Trigger Finger". Lead vocalist Mark Hunter characterized the album as a transitional work recorded with a temporary drummer and lacking the band's typical intensity. He implied it might not fully capture Chimaira’s essence.
The Age of Hell was released stateside on August 16, 2011, followed by a UK release through Metal Hammer magazine. In November that year, Hunter announced that guitarists Matt DeVries and Rob Arnold would depart after Chimaira Christmas '11 due to personal reasons.
Emil Werstler stepped in to replace Rob Arnold as lead guitarist; meanwhile, Matt Szlachta from Dirge Within and Jeremy Creamer from Dååth joined as rhythm guitarist and bassist respectively.
During Chimaira Christmas 13 on December 29, 2012, the band debuted a fresh track titled "I Despise" from their forthcoming album. A teaser named Chimaira 2013 was also released that day. On April 18, 2013, a video disclosed the album name as Crown of Phantoms, with a release date set for July 30.
Emil Werstler parted ways with Chimaira on August 31, 2014, to focus on his solo ambitions. Shortly after, the remaining members collectively decided to disband.
Mark Hunter formally announced Chimaira's dissolution on September 4, 2014.
2017 Chimaira Christmas reunion
In late 2017, guitarist Rob Arnold shared an image displaying the numbers "1514688300," later identified as a Unix timestamp signaling the date for the band's reunion performance. On June 21, 2017, ThePRP.com reported a one-time reunion featuring Chimaira’s "classic" lineup scheduled for December 30, 2017—marking seven years since this ensemble last played together. The band confirmed this event via their official Facebook page.
On December 15, drummer Andols Herrick withdrew from the reunion owing to health concerns; former drummer Austin D'Amond filled in as his replacement.
Canceled Chimaira Christmas 2020
On October 14, 2020, Arnold disclosed that preparations for Chimaira Christmas 2020 had been in progress but were postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the performance was booked privately, it was never publicly announced. Arnold described the band as "reawakened and ready to resurface," mentioning ongoing talks about new material—riffs had been shared but no complete songs or recording sessions were yet arranged.
Reunions in 2023 and 2024
On December 13, 2022, Chimaira revealed plans for two reunion concerts scheduled for May 2023, marking the 20th anniversary of The Impossibility of Reason. Subsequently, their Instagram account shared an image displaying the band's emblem alongside "XXV," hinting at a potential 25th anniversary celebration.
Looking ahead to 2024, Chimaira announced appearances at Inkcarceration Fest—their first festival performance in over a decade—and at Headbanger's Boat, which features Lamb of God as the headliner.
Musical style
Chimaira is recognized within the new wave of American heavy metal movement. Their sound encompasses groove metal, metalcore, and early nu metal influences, while integrating aspects of death metal, thrash metal, hardcore punk, and industrial metal.
Current lineup
- Mark Hunter – lead vocals (1998–2014, 2017, 2023–present)
- Rob Arnold – lead guitar (1999–2011, 2017, 2023–present)
- Jim LaMarca – bass (2000–2010, 2017, 2023–present)
- Chris Spicuzza – keyboards, electronics, backing vocals (2000–2011, 2017, 2023–present)
- Matt DeVries – rhythm guitar (2001–2011, 2017, 2023–present)
- Austin D'Amond – drums (2011–2014, 2017, 2023–present)
Former members
- Jason Hager – lead guitar (1998–1999), rhythm guitar (1998–2001)
- Jason Genaro – drums (1998–1999)
- Andrew Ermlick – bass (1998–1999)
- Rob Lesniak – bass (1999–2000)
- Richard Evensand – drums (2003–2004)
- Kevin Talley – drums (2004–2006)
- Andols Herrick – drums (1999–2003, 2006–2011, 2017)
- Emil Werstler – lead guitar (2012–2014), bass (2010–2011; touring), live rhythm guitar (2009)
- Sean Zatorsky – keyboards, electronics, backing vocals (2011–2014)
- Jeremy Creamer – bass (2012–2014)
- Matt Szlachta – rhythm guitar (2012–2014)
Studio albums
| Album Title | Release information | Highest chart positions | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 |
US Hard Rock |
AUS | AUT | BEL (WA) | FIN | FRA | GER | NLD | UK | |||||
| Pass Out of Existence |
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| The Impossibility of Reason |
|
117 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 133 | |||
| Chimaira |
|
74 | — | 45 | — | — | — | 69 | 60 | 97 | 62 | |||
| Resurrection |
|
42 | — | 79 | 58 | — | — | 104 | 71 | 99 | 76 | |||
| The Infection |
|
30 | 4 | 81 | 71 | 97 | 32 | 109 | 85 | — | 155 | |||
| The Age of Hell |
|
54 | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| Crown of Phantoms |
|
52 | 4 | 86 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "—" indicates the album did not chart or was not issued in that region. | ||||||||||||||
Extended plays
| Title | Release information |
|---|---|
| This Present Darkness |
|
| The Age of Remix Hell |
|
Singles
| Title | Release Year | Corresponding Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Down Again" | 2003 | The Impossibility of Reason |
| "Eyes of a Criminal" | 2005 | |
| "Nothing Remains" | Chimaira | |
| "Resurrection" | 2007 | Resurrection |
| "Secrets of the Dead" | 2009 | The Infection |
| "Wild Thing" | 2011 | Non-album single |
| "Trigger Finger" | The Age of Hell | |
| "Born in Blood" | ||
| "The Age of Hell" | ||
| "All That's Left Is Blood" | 2013 | Crown of Phantoms |
| "No Mercy" |
Guest appearances
| Track Title | Year Featured | Album or Compilation |
|---|---|---|
| "Fascination Street" | 2000 | Disintegrated: A Tribute to the Cure |
| "Balls to the Wall" | 2001 | ECW Anarchy Rocks: Extreme Music, Vol. 2 |
| "Army of Me" | 2003 | Freddy vs. Jason soundtrack |
| "Threnody" | 2006 | Masters of Horror, Vol. 2 soundtrack |
| "Paralyzed" | 2007 | Resident Evil: Extinction soundtrack |
| "Warpath" | 2009 | Saw VI soundtrack |
Music videos
| Year | Video Title | Director Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | "Sp Lit" | Todd Bell |
| 2003 | "Pure Hatred" | |
| "Down Again" | P. R. Brown | |
| 2004 | "Power Trip" | Lex Halaby |
| 2005 | "Nothing Remains" | Shane Drake |
| 2006 | "Save Ourselves" | |
| 2007 | "Resurrection" | Todd Bell |
| 2009 | "Destroy and Dominate" | |
| 2011 | "Year of the Snake" | |
| 2013 | "All That's Left Is Blood" | |
| "No Mercy" | ||
| 2014 | "Wrapped in Violence" | |
| "Crown of Phantoms" |
Video albums
| Title | Release details |
|---|---|
| The Dehumanizing Process |
|
| Coming Alive |
|