Chimaira is a six-membered alternative metal/metalcore, originating in Cleveland, Ohio. Chimaira's name has been the source of much confusion. Its correct pronunciation is kim-EAR-uh, even though the name is derived from Chimera, a lion-headed monster in Greek mythology whose name is pronounced kai-MEAR-uh. Chimaira was formed in 1998, composing itself of Mark Hunter (vocals), Jason Hager (guitar), Rob Arnold (guitar), Jim LaMarca (bass), Andols Herrick (drums) and Chris Spicuzza (keyboards and electronics). Jason Hager later left the band after Pass Out Of Existence due to family issues and the band gained Matt DeVries. Their first EP, This Present Darkness, was released two years later, on January 11, 2000, featuring a few of the songs that were later on their release, Pass Out of Existence. This Present Darkness found much popularity and critical acclaim, and Chimaira found themselves on a short-term record contract with East Coast Empire. The band further skyrocketed in popularity, acquiring a new contract with RoadRunner Records. Pass Out of Existence, released in 2001, and The Impossibility of Reason, released in 2003, was enough to fund Chimaira's extensive touring with In Flames, and their second-stage performance at Ozzfest, also in 2003. Musically, Pass Out of Existence had a much more "electronic" sound than The Impossibility of Reason, with Chris Spicuzza's pronounced electronic loops featured in many songs. This sound was often compared to artists like Fear Factory, Spineshank and Machine Head. The Impossibility of Reason kept with a more pure, metal-esque instrumentation, akin to metalcore and thrash-ish bands such as Killswitch Engage, and this was found to be very popular--the album reached #2 on Billboard's "Heatseekers" chart. Their selftitled album, released in August 2005, built upon the progress of The Impossibility of Reason. The electronic feel of Pass Out of Existence and This Present Darkness is much reduced, and the guitar riffs and solos are taking a more central position to the band's music. The themes of "rejection, revenge and repercussion" [1] from The Impossibility of Reason reamain, although there are exceptions here - the track "Lazarus" is named for, and written about a friend of Hunter's commiting suicide. Contents 1 Members 1.1 Former members 2 Discography 3 See also 4 External links Members Mark Hunter (vocals) Matt DeVries (Rhythm guitar) Rob Arnold (Lead guitar) Jim LaMarca (bass) Chris Spicuzza (keyboards - backup vocals) Kevin Talley (drums) Former members Ricky Evensand (drums) Andols Herrick (drums) Jason Hager (guitar) Rob Lesniack (bass) Andrew Ermlick (bass) Jason Genaro (drums) Discography This Present Darkness (2000) Pass Out of Existence (2001) The Impossibility of Reason (2003) The Impossibility of Reason Re-Release (2-disc edition) (2004) The Dehumanizing Process (DVD) (2004) Chimaira (2005) See also Wall of Death External links Official site Chimaira World .com - Official fansite Message board Roadrunner Records (Label) Rob-arnold-rocks.com(Fan site)de:Chimaira (Band) Search Term: "Chimaira" Categories: Heavy metal musical groups | American heavy metal musical groups