CHIMAIRA rhythm guitarist Matt DeVries is sitting out the remainder of the band’s European tour so that he can be home in time for the birth of his son. Filling in for him for the rest of the European dates is Emil Werstler of DAATH.

DeVries will be back on stage with CHIMAIRA for the band’s U.S. tour with TRIVIUM, which kicks off on October 29.

Commented Matt: “This is going to be one of the happiest moments of my life and I want to thank the fans for understanding my absence. Emil is one of the most talented guitarists I have ever jammed with and I am fully confident he will do a fantastic job filling in. I’ll be back on stage riffing in a few weeks.”

CHIMAIRA will play its tenth annual Christmas show on December 27 at the House Of Blues in the band’s hometown Cleveland.

The band will embark on a tour of Australia and New Zealand in January 2010. Support on the trek will come from DOUBLE DRAGON. This will be CHIMAIRA’s first headlining Australian tour, having previously played the country as a support act for IN FLAMES, BIOHAZARD and KORN.