Keyboardist/programmer Chris Spicuzza has left Cleveland, Ohio metallers Chimaira. "The choice was extremely tough and stewed around in my mind for quite awhile", he told ThePRP.com. "Many things led to this decision. The situation in Chimaira had ultimately become a negative environment that I had to get out of. Secondly, the music industry is completely fucked and honestly, I became concerned for my future. The amount of work and stress I took on got the best of me. I guess if you're not happy or having fun, what's the point?"
He added, "
As far as the new Chimaira album, I have not contributed to it. There is no doubt in my mind that Chimaira's sound will not suffer minus my presence. The demos I heard showed great potential and I’m sure the album will melt faces. I'm proud to say I was on five Chimaira albums and wish those guys the best."
Chimaira has tapped Chris "Zeuss" Harris (Hatebreed, Shadows Fall, Murderdolls, 3 Inches Of Blood) to mix the band's new album, due in August in North America, South America and Japan via eOne Music. The CD was recorded with producer Ben Schigel, who has previously worked with Drowning Pool and Walls Of Jericho, among others.
Bassist Jim LaMarca left Chimaira last year in order to focus on family life. He was temporarily replaced by Daath guitarist Emil Werstler.
Chimaira released a DVD/CD set, "Coming Alive", on July 20, 2010 via Ferret Music.
Chimaira recently released its cover version of The Troggs' hit song "Wild Thing" as a tribute to actor Charlie Sheen.
Sheen's iconic Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn character was featured in "Major League", the 1989 American satire comedy film written and directed by David S. Ward.
Thanks for the report to Blabbermouth.net.
