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Editorials

CHIMAIRA IS THE WANDERLEI SILVA OF METAL

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 at 9:55am by

wanderlei silvamark hunter

For some reason it makes sense that Mark Hunter from Chimaira is a martial artist and fan of MMA. Furthermore it also makes sense that one of his favorite fighters is the one and only Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva, who is known for being both aggressive and technical. Mark had this to say to MMA Insider about “The Axe Murderer”:

“When I watch him, I try to emulate him quite a bit. He’s got the staredown to end all staredowns.”

One of Mark’s other favorite, who should come as no surprise, is none other than Clay “The Carpenter” Guida, who gets his nickname by being a workhorse who always delivers exciting fights, win or lose. Once you see “The Carpenter” fight once or twice, it doesn’t matter if he wins or loses, the crowd always loves him. He is so energetic that he has been compared to the energizer bunny.

Earlier this evening I gave 2007′s Resurrection a listen keeping this in mind and for some reason, it just made sense. A common theme across
most martial arts is channeling one’s energy and personal growth through training and discipline. I could feel those themes coming through the speakers. Or maybe I just forgot to take my meds. Either way it made me appreciate Chimaira in a slightly new way.

The breif article on MMAWeekly’s MMA Insider Blog also touches on some of Mark’s own training in the martial arts, which to me makes him that much cooler. I’d love to ask him how his training affects his music and vice versa.

Read the whole article here:

-MPg

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  • vmanv

    I finally took a listen to these guys, after reading 1000′s of blog entries on this website, and I am amazed to say they aren’t that bad

  • groverXIII

    I’ve never really been able to get into Chimaira. Something about their music bores me. The Infection hasn’t done anything to change that either.

    I think they’re just… generic. Bland.

    • Idiot ^

      your life is generic and bland. obviously. go listen to whatever garbage you like. If you seriously think they are generic your not listening close enough.

      • Julian

        They’re bland, generic metalcore by the numbers. With horrible lyrics to top it all of, sorry you need to insult people personally for having a different opinion.

  • Pacey

    I am a martial artist, 1st dan blackbelt in wado ryu karate and 2nd dan in goshin kickboxing
    and i completely agree! martial arts is all about using not ‘agression’ but that internal energy and making a serious form of art into it
    for example tai chi and yoga are like the classical music of martial arts and kcikboxing/karate/MMA are the more violent types
    for me its fairly obvious btu its cool to see other ppl are picking up on it, i’d also like to note that Dez fafarea of devildriver and herman li of dragonforce are both martial artists and train whilst on tour
    i think we can say that there is a connection between martial arts and metal – even if its just for the mosh pits!

  • Julian

    What the fuck? Aggressive sure, but technical? I’m a huge fan of Wandy myself but the guy is a sloppy as fuck striker, can’t avoid a takedown to save his life and has a very average sub game.

  • uLy

    They’re overrated.

  • hackman

    I’m gonna go ahead and throw in my worthless two cents: The Infection is the frontrunner for album of the year, narrowly edging out Crack The Skye. Holy shit is this record incredible from beginning to end! Mark Hunter’s never sounded more bad ass with the range and awesome death growls. Rob Arnold has solidified himself as one of the premier riff writers in metal and their overall songwriting has really grown. Once again Chimaira totally evolved their sound and it worked; every album gets better! And based on that pile of shit known as Wrath, at this very moment I’d have to say….Chimaira > LoG. There, I said it.

  • Sin and Death

    Why come so many MMA fighters go to the ring with hip – hop blaring? Fighters should be blasting the most extreme death metal possible when they make the walk. If metal don’t get you pumped up, nothing will! Props to Chuck Liddell for using Slayer as his walking music in what should be his last fight.

    Oh yeah, and Chimaira is pretty good… New album: 4 out of 5. I like the bass outro on track 10.

  • Brandon

    Wow, you guys are totally gay for this band, aren’t you? They opened for Slayer here in Toronto back in 2001 and were awful. People were throwing shit at them and booing them off the stage. Good times.

  • hackman

    @ brandon

    I’ve heard that from lots of people who saw them 8 years ago. A lot changes over that many albums, tours, etc. These guys deserve another shot!!

    • Brandon

      Perhaps. I had never heard them at that point and haven’t heard them since. It doesn’t help, too, that, in their then-mallcore form, they opened for fuckin’ Slayer. Heh.

  • dfl

    Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida would kill Wanderlei Silva anyday… W Silva is past his prime, and its almost time to hang up the gloves. haha they even have to give him easier opponents now like Rich Franklin. How do u go from fighting rampage to fighting rich “jim carrey” franklin. oh yeah, cause he got knocked the fuck out!