Chimaira’s Mark Hunter considers longer tours but says new music is not on the horizon yet

Chimaira vocalist Mark Hunter has discussed the possibility of the band undertaking longer tours and eventually recording new music. Speaking with Suicide Silence guitarist Chris Garza on the Garza Podcast, Hunter said the group is now considering opportunities that would have been difficult to commit to in recent years.

The reunited band has largely focused on selected performances rather than extensive touring. Hunter explained that family responsibilities and personal circumstances have shaped his willingness to spend long periods away from home. He had been caring for his mother before her death in August.

Asked whether the time was right to consider a longer run of shows, Hunter replied: “I think it’s time. We’ve obviously had opportunities come across our table and we’re considering things now, which is a big step.”

He added that although an eight-week tour still sounded daunting, a shorter run of three to five weeks might be possible. Nothing has been confirmed, but he made clear that the band would like to explore the opportunities.

The situation is different when it comes to writing new material. Hunter said the musicians are “not there spiritually” at present. He did not rule out a future return to the studio, but stressed that it would need to happen naturally rather than simply because fans are asking for new music.

The wide-ranging conversation also revisited Chimaira’s early years, including an appearance on the music competition television programme Farmclub.com in 2000. The band had attracted interest from Roadrunner Records but had not yet secured a recording contract.

Hunter recalled that the waiting period was frustrating and that performing on Farmclub helped convince the label to move forward. “We were an unsigned band. So that like helped us seal the deal, if you will, with Roadrunner,” he explained.

The appearance came about through connections involving former Chimaira member Chris Spicuzza, Theprp.com and music industry representative Marcie Jacobson. Fans voted for unsigned bands to appear on the show alongside established artists.

Hunter also remembered the unusual circumstances of the television recording. The group had to perform multiple takes, leaving him exhausted by the end of the session. They also performed “Severed”, but that footage was not included in the broadcast.

He believes former bassist Jim LaMarca may still have a copy of the unused footage and hopes it could eventually be made public. The full interview also covers Hunter’s experience with thyroid cancer, lineup changes and the band’s history.

For now, Chimaira remain open to more live activity, while the possibility of new recordings is still uncertain.