CHIMAIRA Parts Ways With Drummer

Drummer Andols Herrick has announced his departure from Cleveland, Ohio metallers CHIMAIRA. In a statement released to ThePRP.com, he said, "Since [keyboardist/programmer] Chris [Spicuzza] released his statement recently [announcing his departure from the band], I suppose it's time that I do so as well since I have been dodging questions and comments for almost as long.

"I am no longer a member of CHIMAIRA, and actually haven't been since before Christmas. I did play at CHIMAIRA Christmas 11, which was my last show. I certainly couldn't have asked for a better and more memorable way to go out.

"I cannot stress enough how significantly different the circumstances are now than back in 2004 [when Andols last left CHIMAIRA. — Ed.]. The short story is that the guys had taken issue with certain aspects of my role in the band. Nothing discussed was out of anger or anything personal, but I was definitely not expecting it and it was quite the spirit crusher for me. The decision was made that it would be in the band's best interest to move forward without me. I was obviously devastated, but again there was no ill will between us. Later I was asked to rejoin, but after some painful contemplation in my mind, I decided it was best not to. I started to see everything that happened as something that was ultimately positive.

"I share some of the same concerns that Chris mentioned in his statement, namely the current state of the music industry and concerns about my future.

"A major transition in life is much more manageable at 31 than it is in your late 30s or early 40s, so as a guy with literally zero experience in anything else, better now than later. Plus, it would be hard to go back without feeling constantly uneasy about the situation.

"So where does that leave me musically? Well, I damn sure am not done as a drummer! I will be releasing an instructional book/DVD through Hal Leonard later this year. I teach private drum lessons in New Jersey. I'm also really trying to get busy with session recording work, so if you're a guitarist or a band that needs drum tracks, I can be contacted at [email protected].

"I've had a couple opportunities to track drums for two great bands, and I hope to be a part of a lot more.

"Although I did not record the new [CHIMAIRA] album, I was around for the majority of the writing process, and I know you guys are going to love it.

"Despite the recent dramatic lineup changes, I'm quite confident the band will press on just fine. I will always love my brothers, both current and former, in CHIMAIRA!"

Spicuzza announced his departure from CHIMAIRA last week, explaining that 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?"

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.