CHIMAIRA has exciting news to share as they prepare for their first festival appearance in 14 years at the upcoming Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival
This fantastic event is scheduled to take place from July 19 to 21, 2024, at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, OH. CHIMAIRA‘s enthusiastic announcement hints at more updates coming later this week, sparking hopes of a possible full reunion on the horizon.
CHIMAIRA‘s lineup for these shows includes vocalist Mark Hunter, guitarists Rob Arnold and Matt DeVries, bassist Jim LaMarca, keyboardist Chris Spicuzza, and drummer Austin D’Amond. Tickets for this highly anticipated event are now available.
“We are pleased to announce our first US Festival appearance in 14 years,” wrote CHIMAIRA of the appearance. “Join us this July at the Mansfield Reformatory for Inkcarceration Festival 2024!” They added: “More announcements to come this week.”
Although CHIMAIRA disbanded in 2014, they have made a few special reunion appearances, with the 2024 Inkcarceration festival marking a significant return. Prior to this, they played one show in 2017 and two more in May of this year, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their album “The Impossibility Of Reason.” While a full-fledged reunion is yet to be confirmed, the possibility of new music from the band remains uncertain.
CHIMAIRA guitarist Rob Arnold made an appearance on BAD WOLVES and GOD FORBID guitarist Doc Coyle‘s podcast and mentioned that the situation with the band is quite complex.
“I won’t say that new Chimaira material, while we’re not talking about it, is completely off the table. But there’s a very good chance we may never have it, but there may be. We all know in Chimaira that people want more music but like you guys I’m sure, we’re not a band that’s going to throw something together just because. There’s going to be so much planning and stewing to make that happen.
“We’ve actually tried – maybe you heard – we were kind of geared up after that last show as you know, things were great. As you know, God Forbid is probably fired up right now, but then the pandemic hit and it just wiped everything out. It just stopped completely. Now for these shows it’s re-getting everything going again.”
CHIMAIRA is an American heavy metal band known for its aggressive and innovative sound. The band was formed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1998, by guitarist Jason Hager and vocalist Mark Hunter. They soon recruited additional members, and the lineup solidified to include Hager and Rob Arnold on guitars, Andols Herrick on drums, Jim LaMarca on bass, and Chris Spicuzza on keyboards and samples.
In 2001, theband released their debut album, “Pass Out of Existence,” which showcased their blend of metalcore and nu-metal influences. The album received attention for its intense and abrasive sound, setting the stage for the band’s future success.
Their breakthrough came with their second album, “The Impossibility of Reason,” released in 2003. This album featured a more refined and aggressive style, earning them critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Tracks like “Pure Hatred” and “Down Again” became anthems in the metal community.
Over the years, CHIMAIRA underwent several lineup changes, but the core members, Mark Hunter and Rob Arnold, remained consistent. Their subsequent albums, such as “Chimaira” (2005), “Resurrection” (2007), and “The Infection” (2009), continued to build their reputation as a leading force in the heavy metal scene.
The group was known for their intense live performances and relentless touring, which contributed to their growing fan base. Their music evolved over the years, incorporating elements of groove metal, death metal, and industrial influences, making them a dynamic and ever-evolving force in the metal genre.
CHIMAIRA left a lasting impact on the heavy metal scene with their aggressive sound and willingness to experiment with various subgenres.