It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Casey Chaos, the dynamic frontman of the renowned alternative metal and hardcore punk band Amen. He has left us at the age of 59, as confirmed by the official Amen Facebook page on December 21. While the cause of death remains undisclosed, the impact of his loss is deeply felt among fans and fellow musicians alike.

The heartfelt message shared by the band reads:

It is with profound sadness that we confirm the news of Casey Chaos’s passing, as reported widely. All of us in the band, both past and present, are utterly devastated by this tragic loss. Over the past five to six years, there were numerous developments within Amen that we chose not to disclose. Casey truly cherished and valued your support, preferring to wait until projects were fully realized rather than sharing incomplete works. We are committed to finding meaningful ways to honor Casey, ensuring that his extraordinary genius, talent, and passion are celebrated and shared with the world and all who appreciated him. We encourage you to share any fond memories you have of Casey in this post…

In time, we will provide more information. REFUSE AMEN, LONG LIVE CHAOS. Farewell, brother.

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Exploring the Impactful Career of Casey Chaos

Born in Trenton, N.Y. in 1965, Casey Chaos, whose birth name was Karim George Chmielinski, initially did not pursue a career in music. Instead, he found his passion as a professional skateboarder during his youth, where he was first introduced to the gritty world of hardcore punk through bands like Black Flag. This exposure inspired him to form his first band, Casey and the Skate Punx, which later transitioned into Disorderly Conduct, releasing their sole LP, Amen, in 1986.

In 1990, Chaos, alongside guitarist Ken Decter (also known as Duke Decter), rebranded the group as Amen. Between 1994 and 2004, the band released four celebrated studio albums, beginning with Slave and concluding with Death Before Musick. These albums were distributed through major labels like Columbia, Virgin, and Roadrunner. Throughout this prolific period, Casey remained the cornerstone of the band while a rotating cast of over a dozen musicians, including members from Godsmack, Black Veil Brides, and Sevendust, contributed to the lineup.

Amen took a hiatus in 2009, but the band reunited for a performance at Knotfest in 2014, featuring Roy Mayorga from Stone Sour on drums. They were in the process of recording a new album with former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo set for release in 2015, although this project ultimately remained unfinished.

In the days leading up to his passing, Chaos collaborated with the experimental metal band Scars on Broadway and the black metal group Scum, with members from Emperor. He also worked alongside artists from Queens of the Stone Age and Twiggy Ramierz in a project named Headband, which never saw an official release. Notably, in 2006, he was awarded a Grammy Award for his songwriting contributions to System of a Down’s “B.Y.O.B.”

Personal Challenges and Triumphs in Chaos’ Life

In 2012, Casey Chaos faced legal troubles when he was arrested for DUI in Los Angeles after reportedly crashing his SUV into as many as 15 parked cars along a residential street. This incident marked a difficult period in his life. Later, in 2019, he encountered further legal challenges with an arrest for felony domestic violence when police were summoned to his home in the San Fernando Valley.

Tributes Pour In from Rockers and Fans Following Chaos’ Passing

The news of Casey Chaos’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians, industry colleagues, and devoted fans. Brian Perera, the founder and CEO of Cleopatra Records, shared his heartfelt condolences on Instagram, stating:

With deep sadness, I express my sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Casey Chaos. I had the honor of collaborating with Casey during his unforgettable live performance with Christian Death at the American Legion Hall back in 1993. Casey was not just an incredible musician—he embodied the punk rock lifestyle. May he rest peacefully alongside Rozz Williams and the many other artists we admire and respect.

Amen’s bassist John Fahnestock also paid tribute via Instagram, expressing his grief:

Having lost two legendary frontmen throughout my career, the passing of Casey hits hard. It has been an absolute privilege to be part of AMEN and witness the undeniable genius of Casey Chaos. He was a unique force, a true artist, and an uncompromising spirit—a punk rock icon! Reflecting on our memories together leaves me speechless.

Further tributes came from Mayorga, who shared, “Knowing you and calling you my friend was a privilege. I will always miss you. Love you, brother,” while DJ Skum Love reflected, “One of my dear friends and a performer I have always looked up to has passed away. Casey Chaos, I will deeply miss you. Thank you for your unwavering support; I was always your biggest fan and friend.”

Music industry veteran Matt Pinfield expressed his sorrow, stating, “Today my heart is heavy because we’ve lost one of my brothers, our friend Casey Chaos. Rest in peace, my rock and roll brother.”

You can read more of these heartfelt tributes below and take a moment to explore some of Casey’s remarkable music.

Listen to Amen’s “The Price of Reality”

Experience Amen’s “California’s Bleeding”