CHIMAIRA WELCOMES BACK DRUMMER

NEW YORK (Roadrunner Records) - Chimaira, fresh off a tremendously successful year that saw the release of a critically acclaimed third album and a world tour, has welcomed original drummer Andols Herrick back into the group.

"He is a totally different person," enthused singer Mark Hunter. "We jammed the other day and he's a monster behind the kit. There is a lot of passion and excitement in his eyes, I can really tell he is renewed." Andols will hit the road with the band for a handful of headline dates in March and then as they tour with Children of Bodom. Chimaira will official welcome Andols back with a hometown show at Peabody's Down Under on March 31st.

Many people got a glimpse into the reasons why Andols originally left the group in Chimaira's DVD, The Dehumanizing Process. Seen pacing parking lots for hours at a time, Andols clearly, was not happy being on the road. "Being away from the band and touring for almost two years made me realize how much I missed it," said Herrick. "Being involved in the Roadrunner 25th album and concert made me realize that this is where I want to be."

The reemergence of Andols means that recent drummer Kevin Talley is no longer in the group. "Kevin is an amazing drummer," stated Hunter. "This decision had nothing to do with his skills and everything to do with getting someone back who has been with us since day one. Some of us have known Andols since we were in High School." The split was amicable and Talley is tapped to play drums with The Red Chord on their upcoming US tour.

On January 10th, Chimaira released a special edition of their critically acclaimed, eponymous third album. This 2-disc set features the full-length album, seven live songs and two previously unreleased tracks. Chimaira, originally released on August 9th was named one of the years" best albums by both Revolver and Decibel magazines.