If you’ll excuse the rhyme, it was the end of an era for Chimaira last night, December 20th. That Ohioan groove metal band’s tradition of playing holiday shows in Cleveland, OH began back in 2000, running annually up until 2013. The group’s breakup back in 2014 put an obvious end to the practice for several years to come.
Since then it was held once more upon reuniting their classic era lineup in 2017, and of course, yesterday. As for what the end of the ‘Chimaira Christmas‘ concerts means, vocalist Mark Hunter offered some clarity yesterday, stating on social media:
“Is this the last Christmas show? Yes. But not because we are done jamming – it’s because it’s time to do something different. If we are going to have these kinds of parties, let’s do it when it is warm!”
Last night’s set at The Agora saw the group roll out some setlist surprises, including the live debut of “Impending Doom” from their 2009 album “The Infection“. Elsewhere, “Inside The Horror” from their 2005 self-titled album made it back into the set for the first time since 2010. 2013’s “Wrapped In Violence” also got its first live airing with the band’s classic era lineup.
The setlist for last night’s concert ran as follows:
“The Dehumanizing Process“
“Nothing Remains“
“The Flame“
“Impending Doom“
“Pictures In The Gold Room“
“Year Of The Snake“
“Destroy And Dominate“
“Needle“
“Inside The Horror“
“Pure Hatred“
“Lazarus“
“Resurrection“
“Wrapped In Violence“
“Let Go“
“Silence/Severed“
“Power Trip“
Fan-filmed footage of the entire set has been shared below: