Chimaira

Formed in 1998, the Cleveland, OH-based hardcore sextet Chimaira (pronounced kim-ear-uh and is derived from a certain feared monster in Ancient Greek mythology) consists of singer/screamer Mark Hunter, guitarists Matt DeVries and Rob Arnold, bassist Jim LaMarca, drummer Andols Herrick, and electronic specialist Chris Spicuzza. The band's mixture of hardcore, metal, and electronics proved to be a big hit back home, as they sold 10,000 copies of their independently issued debut EP, The Present Darkness, leading to an appearance on the now-defunct USA Network TV show Farmclub, and opening for the likes of Soulfly, Hatebreed, Spineshank, and Snapcase. The band was eventually signed to Roadrunner Records, issuing their 14-track debut full-length, Pass Out of Existence, in August of 2001.