Chimaira announce 15th anniversary edition of “The Age Of Hell”

Chimaira have unveiled a comprehensive deluxe box set to mark the 15th anniversary of their 2011 penultimate album, “The Age Of Hell”, as per theprp. Remastered specifically for this release, the record is set to arrive around November 30th and includes its original special edition bonus tracks, “Scum Of The Earth” and “Your Days Are Numbered,” available on vinyl for the very first time.

The premium collector’s set comes loaded with exclusive items, including a tour laminate replica, a sigil slipmat, a woven backpatch, and a bullet-shaped USB packed with a 51-minute documentary, digital media, and “The Lost Word” EP—an 8-track collection of previously unreleased demos that is also pressed on purple vinyl. Pre-orders for the box set, standalone 2-LP limited-edition vinyl variants, and new merch are live now via chimaira.com.

By the time The Age of Hell came out, Chimaira was already coming apart. People argued for years over whether it was a return to form or even really a Chimaira record, and both sides had a point. We finished it anyway, pulling from everything we had been because none of us knew if there would be another one. I have never apologized for this album. It is exactly what it is: the sound of holding on. Fifteen years later, thank you to everyone who found something in it, defended it, hated it, or cared enough to keep arguing about it. This one is still for you. – Mark Hunter

Before founding Chimaira, frontman Mark Hunter and bassist Jim LaMarca played together in a hardcore outfit called Skipline from 1996 to 1998. The band came to an abrupt end just before their debut Rhode Island show, when their van and all their gear inside were stolen in a carjacking. Stranded and forced to make their way back home to Ohio, Skipline disbanded shortly after. Soon after returning, Hunter was approached by guitarist Jason Hager of the local Cleveland metalcore group Ascension to start a fresh project. Eager for a new start, Hunter jumped at the chance. The duo quickly rounded out the original lineup by recruiting drummer Jason Genaro and bassist Andrew Ermlick, officially launching Chimaira in August 1998.