Shocking update on the Chimaira front: both guitarists have left the band.
Holy shit.
Here’s what the last man standing (not counting new members who have replaced the original drummer, bass and the keyboard player), Mark Hunter, had to say:
Early in July, we were informed that Rob Arnold [guitar] and Matt DeVries [guitar] would be leaving Chimaira at the end of 2011. Of course, this was a huge blow, but there were no hard feelings. We understand that life invades art, everything runs its course, and we have to take different paths. We respect their decision and wish them only the best. We made heavy metal history together and that is all that matters at the end of the day. ‘Chimaira Christmas 12’ will be their last show, and we’ve been preparing to make it one that you’ll never forget.
I would personally like to thank Rob and Matt for all of their hard work, years of service to Chimaira, amazing songs, and for their friendship. Together we built something special that will remain for generations to come.
I’m looking forward to spending another five weeks on the road with two of the best (and criminally underrated) guitarists in modern metal.
What’s next for Chimaira in 2012? More on that very soon.
Rather than try and make light of unpleasant news, or downplay this by hyping up a new lineup, let’s take a few to honor Rob and Matt. My favorite solo of Rob’s is on ‘The Heart Of It All’ and my favorite riff of Matt’s is ‘The Dehumanizing Process’. I’ll be cranking those today. What about you?
Well, not to be a pessimist, rather simply realistic, this is pretty much the end of the band — both Rob and Matt are involved with Six Feet Under and it is now obvious they were just waiting to end whatever commitment they had to Mark , and the rest of the current lineup is almost all Daath anyway. I seriously doubt Mark would continue the band being the sole original member, and I also don’t see any of the older members coming back.
What’s done is done — it’s up to the band to wrap up the current tour, and we’ll keep you updated with any news.
