History Kimaera

In the year 2000, Kimaera was born on the stages of small pubs in the streets of Lebanon after dark. It has come a long way since, having become an international name and destroying the stage in music festivals across the globe such as Masters of Rock (Czech Rep.), 'Festivale Mediteranneen de la Guitare (Tunisia), and Unirock (Turkey). Hailed as the ‘Lebanese Ambassadors of DOOM’, Kimaera has helped put Lebanon on the map when it comes to metal music.

They were first discovered by Russian label company Stygian Crypt Prod., after Kimaera released its self produced single ‘God’s Wrath’ in 2004. The powerful single received very positive feedback, which in turn opened the way for the worldwide release of their debut album ‘Ebony Veiled’ in 2006. Due to the innovative interplay of Doom, Death & Oriental metal elements contained within one album, ‘Ebony Veiled’ was heralded by the press as “The doom metal discovery of the year”. Critics described it as “A true opus of beauty and sadness”.

But, it has not been an easy Journey. Before releasing their debut album, three band members had to leave the country simultaneously. With half the members gone, live performances became an impossibility, and many speculated about the future of the band. But, this did not deter the remaining

members. They proceeded with the recording & release of ‘Ebony Veiled’.

Furthermore, founder & frontman JP Haddad started composing the second album, ‘Solitary Impact’.

Released in 2010, ‘Solitary Impact” achieved great critical acclaim. As described by the press, Kimaera proved that they are “no longer a mere student, but now give lessons”. With recurring themes of betrayal and abandonment, ‘Solitary Impact’ is a lot darker than ‘Ebony Veiled’ while still maintaining the signature Kimaera innovation. Along with the album release, Kimaera produced its first music video for ‘The Taste of Treason’. Both album and music video were very well received, and brought Kimaera to sharper attention from the European metal scene, particularly from Metal Hammer Magazine which featured the band in their compilation for September 2011 issue.

Regional obstacles such as oppression, censorship and lack of funding, besides the several line up changes throughout the years, did not stop Kimaera from becoming one of the leading metal pioneers in the Arab world.

In 2011, they released the single ‘December Ends’ to whet the appetite of their fans as they wait for the release of the third studio album, ‘The Harbinger of Doom’.

Expected to be unleashed in 2012, ‘The Harbinger of Doom’ is clearly the result of years’ worth of experience and sacrifice. A strong collaboration between Kimaera’s talented members, the music can be best described as Revolutionary Metal. True to the nature of the region from which they hail, the songs are

unpredictable, feverish, and enraged. With strong roots set in Doom & Death Metal, Kimaera elevates those genres into something completely their own.

Through the combination of traditional Arabian instruments, violins and occasional female vocals, alongside guttural vocals, thundering drums and blasting guitars. ‘The Harbinger of Doom’ is the synapse of East & West, Doom & Death, Light & then the overwhelming Darkness.

- Some of the Press on KIMAERA

“Kimaera is living proof that the peripheries of the metal world map can hold treasures of at least equal value to those releases made in the heart of it. If Theatre of Tragedy ever returns from their musical journey into Scooter-land and decides to make an album that outdoes all their previous ones, then they might compete with Kimaera…

‘Ebony Veiled' is a work which stands firmly on its own feet. It's original, varied, catchy and "genuine".

With 'Solitary Impact', Kimaera have finally reached a certain maturity, and their Gothic Doom/Death is one of the most uplifting I have listened to this year. Kimaera are no longer a mere student, but now give lessons. A great success that I hope will last a long time. [Doom-metal.com]

“Ebony Veiled” is such a killer blend of melodic doom and heavy groove death metal.

Compared to bands like Opeth and Daylight Dies Kimaera really rival all the better doom.”

"It may appear that Doom has long since outlived itself, however, 'Ebony Veiled' the long awaited album of the Lebanese band 'Kimaera' which was released by the Russian label Stygian Crypt can destroy this stereotype and easily claim to be the Doom metal discovery of this year."

"..Currently, the band is working on its second album which can make us forget the old idols of Doom and make us talk about it but this will happen only if the band will be able to overstep the boundaries of Ebony Veiled. So, My Dying Bride, be aware!" [Darkside.ru]

"Their sound takes us back to the early 90's and into the British Isles, where bands such as My Dying Bride, Anathema and Paradise Lost were starting their careers."

'..I had never heard so many darker genres fused together at once. Theres a bit of something for every Metal fan.' [Metal-observer.com]

"Kimaera have produced an extremely admirable piece of work here. I’d put this on par with ‘Novembers Doom’ when they really hit a strong stride on Ebony Veiled, and some moments are nearly in league with Daylight Dies and Agalloch. It goes to show good metal can be found everywhere, and to give it all a chance. [metalreview.com]

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