Amen vocalist Casey Chaos has passed away. Various friends and former bandmates have taken to the internet to share tributes to the late musician. John Fahnestock, bassist of Amen, also confirmed the news on his Instagram today, December 21st, stating:
“With a heavy heart and a tear in my eye I must announce that we lost another legend today. I’ve lost two legendary frontmen in my career and Casey has now also passed on. It’s was an absolute honor to have been in AMEN and witnessed without a doubt the genius that was Casey Chaos. He was a force unlike no other before him, a true artist, an uncompromising soul and a true punk rock icon! This is hard for me I sit here going over all the memories just speechless ….”
A statement issued by Brian Perera, founder and CEO of Cleopatra Records confirmed the news today as well, it read:
“With heartfelt sadness, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Casey Chaos.
I had the privilege of working with Casey during his unforgettable live performance with Christian Death at the American Legion Hall back in 1993. Walking into the hall with my good friend Matt Green and my wife, Yvonne, was an experience I’ll never forget—especially seeing Nicolas Cage sitting front-row center, completely captivated.
Casey wasn’t just an extraordinary musician—he truly lived and breathed the lifestyle. May he rest in peace alongside Rozz Williams and the many tortured souls we admire and respect.
— Brian Perera“
L.A musician Skumlove also commented on Chaos‘ passing, offering:
“I am really thrown back right now. I don’t know what to think. What to say. One of my good friends and in some ways someone who I look up to as a performer just passed away. Casey Chaos i’m gonna miss you. I love you. Thank you for always being a big support of what I did. You know I was your biggest fan and friend. RIP”
The 55-year-old Chaos, born Karim George Chmielinski, originally pursued his passion of skateboarding before taking up a love of punk and metal that saw him involved with Christian Death, Disorderly Conduct, Scum and others.
However, it was his time fronting Amen that brought him him the most fame. That band’s 1999 self-titled effort was produced by Ross Robinson (Slipknot, Korn) and came out through Robinson‘s I Am imprint label on Roadrunner Records.
The group made the jump with Robinson to Virgin Records for their 2000 follow-up, “We Have Come For Your Parents“. The band’s last release “Death Before Musik” landing in 2004. Allegations of drug abuse, embezzlement and more ultimately brought the band to an end in 2009 before Chaos attempted to resurrect the group several over the past decade or so.
While there were indications studio sessions were taking place for new material, none of it appears to have surfaced.
