Chimaira unearths rare 2000 concert footage and early studio sessions

With a ton of goodies, Chimaira is commemorating the 25th anniversary of their debut EP, “This Present Darkness”. In addition to a staggering ten live performances from the subsequent tour around the EP’s release, Chimaira has shared some behind-the-scenes video of the recording process (in all its VHS-like beauty). Mark Hunter, guitarists Rob Arnold and Jason Hager, drummer Andols Herrick, and bassists Rob Lesniak and Andrew Ermlick were all part of the lineup for “This Present Darkness”. And we were thinking that the Christmas gifts were all but gone!

25 years ago, This Present Darkness was released—a declaration of who we were, crafted in just four days with $1,500 and unrelenting drive. More than an EP, it’s a testament to the grind, passion, and brutal energy that still drives us today. To celebrate, we’ve opened the vault, sharing raw, unedited live performances from the year 2000—a gritty and honest glimpse into the chaos and determination of those early days. Thank you for being a part of our journey and commemorating this milestone with us.

Check out the playlist here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chimaira (@chimairaband)