Chimaira is a six-membered alternative metal/heavy metal band, originating in Cleveland, Ohio. Chimaira's name has been the source of much confusion; its correct pronunciation being (kim-EAR-uh). The name is derived from Chimera, a lion-headed monster in Greek mythology.

Chimaira was formed in 1998, composing itself of Mark Hunter (vocals), Matt DeVries (guitar), Rob Arnold (guitar), Jim LaMarca (bass), Andols Herrick (drums) and Chris Spicuzza (keyboards). 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 Lamb of God, and this was found to be very popular--the album reached #2 on Billboard's "Heatseekers" chart.

Members

• Mark Hunter (vocals)
• Matt DeVries (guitar)
• Rob Arnold (guitar)
• Jim LaMarca (bass)
• Chris Spicuzza (keyboards)
• Kevin Talley (drums)

Discography

• This Present Darkness (2000)
• Pass Out of Existence (2001)
• The Impossibility of Reason (2003)
• The Dehumanizing Process (2004)

External Links

• Official site