Chimaira

Mark Hunter ~ vocals
Rob Arnold ~ guitars
Matt DeVries ~ guitars
Jim LaMarca ~ bass
Chris Spicuzza ~ electronics
Kevin Talley ~ drums

Chimaira hails from Cleveland, OH. Forming in 1998 the band obtained their name from the mythological beast comprised of several disparate animals. Since their debut album This Present Darkness,through East Coast Empire, in 1999, the band has widened its fan base.

In 2001, Chimaira made their Roadrunner Records debut with Pass Out of Existence. In light of this debut they have had the oppurtunity to tour with Slayer, Danzig, Fear Factory, and Machine Head. This album is considered to be the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, as are Chimaira themselves alone.

In 2003, Chimaira released their second album through Roadrunner Records titled The Impossibility of Reason. An album that is 100% trend free.“This is a more mature record,” says singer Mark Hunter. “But at the same time, it's more in your face. Whether it's the heaviest, or the most melodic, tame song, it's full on. It's everything our fans love, but with something else,” offers Hunter. In 2003 the band has been touring almost none stop playing over 165 shows since the release of the album.

Hunter traces three prevalent themes: rejection, revenge, and repercussion, when writing lyrics. “Lyrically, we always try to have songs that our fans can relate to. Everyone has been rejected. Everyone has gotten revenge in some form or another. We know a lot of these lyrics will strike a nerve, especially with what is going on in today's society,” admits Hunter.

The band's sound is uniquely their own, yet it pays homage to those metal giants that came before them, drawing up the blueprint for the New Wave of American Heavy Metal.

Sources: www.chimaira.com & www.roadrun.com