Ixion: Okay, who am I speaking to and what is your part in Chimaira?
Mark: Mark Hunter, Vocals
Ixion: Now... Anyone who knows about the band knows what a chimaira is(a mythological creature composed of different species, for those who don't know!). But, why did you decide on the name and why the unusual spelling?
Mark: The spelling because it looked more centered, hard to explain...we chose the name because of the meaning. We are a creature composed of different dudes, if you know what I mean.
Ixion: The members of the band, along with fellow Clevelanders Sw1tchED have been playing out together in several projects for over a decade. How did it all begin?
Mark: We all went to the same high school. You would have sworn it was Beverly hills 90210, anyway there were about 10 dudes, who did not fit in with everyone else because of our love for long hair and heavy metal. We all just met, and knew we were going to jam together for a long time.
Ixion: Do you still keep in touch with the fellas from Sw1tchED?
Mark: All the time, I talked to Brad yesterday.
Ixion: Your Road Runner debut, "Pass Out of Existence" has gained the band a lot of recognition. Are you thus far pleased with the success of the band, and the album?
Mark: I am happy, not blown away. There could have been better circumstances surrounding this record, but all in all we are proud of the record, and we will continue to tour on it for those fans that we did make.
Ixion: The album name also has a title track... whats the meaning behind "Pass Out of Existence"?
Mark: It is a metaphor about disappearing. Basically, it's about those times in your life when you want to curl up into a ball and die...
Ixion: Was the title track written for the name of the album, or was the album named after the track?
Mark: Wrote the song, and said that is a cool name for the record.
Ixion: Compared to "This Present Darkness", was there any directional difference Chimaira was going for with POOE?
Mark: Just better song structure, we wanted to get to the point musically, and vocally we added melody which I think accented the heavy parts well.
Ixion: What song of the album do you feel best represents Chimaira?
Mark: Sp Lit, that song has all of the elements we do well, heavy, catchy, brutal double bass, good electronics, and evil lyrics.
Ixion: I read on the site that Jason Hagar's wife somewhat recently gave birth. Do you still keep in touch with him much?
Mark: Yes, actually, he is doing well and they had a healthy boy named Londyn.
Ixion: As you well know, Fear Factory has recently disbanded. I read that back during the writing process of your debut album that you and FF communicated some. So at the least you were acquaintances... What do you think about the break-up?
Mark: I feel metal lost some true heroes. We had the pleasure of touring their last US tour. A band like Fear Factory gives me hope that a band like Chimaira can have similar success. They will be missed.
Ixion: The Cleveland Free Times recently named you "Best Hardcore Band"... do you see the band as hardcore? As much as labeling is cliche, how would you label yourself?
Mark: I think they label us hardcore because vocally we are a little rough for metal, but we do not consider chimaira to be a hardcore band at all. We are metal, plain and simple.
Ixion: Soon Chimaira starts up its US headlining tour with Diecast, 36 Crazyfists and God Forbid. From what I gathered, you're all pretty close to the bands going out with you. What is the chemistry like between the bands?
Mark: Well, all bands are great musicians and good people. We are the same, so it is easy to get along with everyone. We will have a great time.
Ixion: Where did the concept for the Chimaira "Chaos" symbol come from?
Mark: The chaos logo has been used for centuries, we just modified it and made it look good for our purposes.
Ixion: What bands have you found yourself listening to lately?
Mark: American Headcharge, the new Coal Chamber and 36 Crazyfists
Ixion: What are Chimaira's plans for the near future?
Mark: Tour, tour and tour
Ixion: For any aspiring artist/band, what advice would you give them?
Mark: Quit now! Or, don't quit...but if you don't quit and are dead serious, start working twice as hard as you were before.
Ixion: Anything you'd like to say in closing?
Mark: thank you for your time, we appreciate all of your support by giving us the opportunity to answer some questions for you.
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