Tim Aymar

Timothy Lee Aymar (September 4, 1963 – February 13, 2023) was an American heavy metal vocalist, renowned for his powerful and melodic singing style in the progressive and power metal genres.^[1][2] He is best remembered as the lead singer of the Philadelphia-based band Pharaoh, which he fronted from its formation in 1997 until his death, contributing to five studio albums that defined the band's epic, multi-layered sound.^[3] Aymar also gained prominence for his work with Control Denied, the progressive metal project led by Chuck Schuldiner of Death, where he provided vocals on the band's debut album The Fragile Art of Existence (1999) and was involved in early sessions for its follow-up before Schuldiner's passing in 2001.^[1][4] Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he grew up in Hampton, Aymar graduated from Hampton High School in 1981.^[5] His early musical interests included school chorus and trumpet, evolving into a professional career spanning over four decades in heavy metal.^[6] Beyond Pharaoh and Control Denied, Aymar performed with bands such as Psycho Scream, Helios, Angband, and Vicious Cycle, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter, lyricist, and performer.^[4][7] In later years, he worked as a recording engineer, producer, and vocal coach, teaching classical voice techniques and ear training to aspiring musicians.^[8] Aymar's death on February 13, 2023, at his home in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, at the age of 59, was mourned widely in the metal community, with tributes highlighting his enduring influence and the unique timbre of his voice.^[1][5] He left behind two children, grandchildren, and a legacy of dedication to heavy metal music, as well as his passions for Pittsburgh sports teams like the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates.^[5]

Early Life

Birth and Upbringing

Timothy Lee Aymar was born on September 4, 1963, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to parents Daniel Lawrence Aymar and Sandra Lee (Nesbit) Aymar.^[5] Both parents predeceased him, with his mother passing away before his father, who died in 2020.^[5][9] Aymar grew up in the Hampton area, a suburb of Pittsburgh, alongside his brothers Raymond C. Aymar and the late Daniel L. Aymar Jr., who died in 1999.^[5] He attended Hampton High School, graduating in 1981, and A.W. Beattie Technical School during high school.^[5] Aymar later resided in Trafford before settling in New Kensington, maintaining close ties to the Pittsburgh region throughout his life.^[5] His formative years unfolded amid Pittsburgh's industrial landscape of the 1960s and 1970s, a period when the city was synonymous with steel production, employing hundreds of thousands in mills and supporting a robust working-class economy centered on manufacturing and resource extraction.^[10] This environment, marked by strong community bonds and blue-collar resilience, shaped the socio-economic context of Aymar's childhood before his interests shifted toward music in adolescence.^[11]

Musical Beginnings

Tim Aymar first encountered heavy metal in the early 1980s Pittsburgh scene through influences such as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Exciter, which shaped his vocal style during his late teens. Born in 1963, he had initial exposure to rock music around age nine via his uncle's records of Black Sabbath and Uriah Heep, but his passion ignited around age 15 in the late 1970s, amid the rising influence of bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden.^[12][13] These bands, alongside Scorpions and Aerosmith, inspired him amid Pittsburgh's burgeoning metal underground, where local acts drew from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.^[14] Aymar's entry into performing began with self-taught singing techniques, building on school chorus and trumpet lessons from third grade, though he was expelled from choir in ninth grade for refusing to sing baritone.^[13][12] He honed his high-range vocals independently, emulating singers like Rob Halford and Bruce Dickinson, before formal training later in life. His first vocal performances occurred in high school bands, starting at age 15 with Sweet Destruction (later Aladdinsane and Overlord), where he sang covers of Aerosmith and Blue Öyster Cult at local parties and clubs.^[14][12] This period marked his immersion in Pittsburgh's metal community, supported briefly by his family, who provided rides to early gigs despite concerns over the scene's intensity.^[14] In 1985, at age 22, Aymar joined his debut heavy metal band, 313, as lead vocalist, following its formation in Pittsburgh from the merger of local group Discipline and ex-Overlord members.^[15] The band, featuring guitarist Doug Appel and others, blended melodic hard rock with traditional heavy metal elements, reflecting the era's speed metal trends in the city's DIY venues. Aymar's involvement included early rehearsals and gigs in Pittsburgh's tight-knit metal circuit, where acts performed at festivals and clubs to build a grassroots following.^[15][12]

Career

Early Bands

Tim Aymar's musical career began in 1985 when he joined the Pittsburgh-based band 313 as lead vocalist, where he contributed to an experimental blend of heavy and progressive metal over the next several years. The group, formed amid the local underground scene, focused on crafting original material that showcased Aymar's developing vocal range, including high-pitched screams and melodic delivery. During this time, 313 recorded several unreleased demos, such as tracks later compiled on the 2019 retrospective album Three Thirteen, which highlighted songs like "Arrogance and Aggression" and "Suite 313." The band performed a limited number of live shows in Pittsburgh venues, gaining modest local radio airplay and popularity, though lineup shifts and recording setbacks, including unusable master tapes from a near-CBS deal, ultimately led to its dissolution by the early 1990s.^[16][14][12] Around 1990, Aymar transitioned to Triple X, a hard rock outfit with glam and heavy metal influences, serving as frontman and contributing vocals to their energetic, riff-driven sound. The band quickly became one of Pittsburgh's top-drawing acts, packing clubs with full-production live performances that emphasized Aymar's dynamic stage presence and soaring choruses. In 1991, Triple X released their debut album Bang on Substitute Records, the first independently produced CD by a Pittsburgh band, featuring tracks like "Invisible" and "Liar" that blended anthemic hooks with aggressive guitar work from Fred Nelson and Nundo Palumbo. Despite generating buzz, including demo sales to major artists, the group struggled with major label negotiations and internal changes, disbanding after about four years without further releases.^[17][18][14] In the early 1990s, Aymar joined Psycho Scream, a progressive heavy/power metal band formed in 1994 with guitarist Jim Dofka and bassist Brian Mihalovich, where he took on lead vocals and provided significant songwriting input, particularly lyrics and melodic structures. The group's style drew from European power metal traditions, emphasizing technical riffs and Aymar's versatile vocal style, which ranged from clean highs to aggressive delivery. They recorded demos like the 1994 Virtual Insanity EP, which garnered attention in international metal zines, and performed live shows in the region, though frequent drummer departures hampered consistency. Aymar co-wrote material for a follow-up album during this period, but lineup instability delayed progress, reflecting broader challenges in sustaining momentum.^[19][13][14] Throughout the 1980s and mid-1990s, Aymar's development in Pittsburgh's metal scene was marked by persistent obstacles, including limited access to professional recording facilities and frequent band member turnover due to economic pressures from the city's declining steel industry. Local acts like 313, Triple X, and Psycho Scream often relied on self-financed demos and club gigs, facing competition from more established musicians displaced by mill closures, which made breaking out regionally difficult. These constraints honed Aymar's adaptability as a vocalist and songwriter, though they restricted opportunities for wider exposure until external connections emerged.^[14][12]

Control Denied

In 1997, Tim Aymar auditioned for Control Denied after Chuck Schuldiner, seeking a vocalist for material outside the death metal style of his band Death, heard Aymar's work with Psycho Scream and arranged a meeting through mutual acquaintance Jim Dofka. Aymar traveled to Orlando, Florida, where he recorded vocals for three songs—"Believe," "What If?," and "Cut Down"—over 2.5 days in Schuldiner's home studio, impressing the guitarist enough to select him over higher-profile candidates like Rob Halford. This marked Aymar's entry into the project, which Schuldiner had envisioned as a progressive heavy metal outlet since the early 1990s, emphasizing melodic structures over extreme vocals.^{[20][14][6][21]} The debut album, The Fragile Art of Existence, was recorded primarily at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, with producer Jim Morris overseeing sessions that adapted Aymar's vocal approach to the band's progressive elements, blending clean, soaring melodies influenced by Ronnie James Dio and Halford with occasional screams delivered on pitch. Schuldiner provided guitar riffs, lyrics, and initial demos, while Aymar focused on infusing emotional depth, particularly after personal losses that Schuldiner encouraged him to channel into the performances. The core lineup featured Schuldiner on guitar, Shannon Hamm on lead guitar, Richard Christy on drums, and Aymar on vocals, with bass duties initially handled by Scott Clendenin and later Steve DiGiorgio for the final mixes; the album was released in 1999 by Nuclear Blast Records. Support for the release included limited live appearances in 1999 and 2000, though extensive touring was curtailed by Schuldiner's emerging health issues.^{[20][14][6][21]} Schuldiner's death from brain cancer on December 13, 2001, halted progress on the follow-up album When Man and Machine Collide, which had advanced to completed guitar and drum tracks but suffered from corrupted data and ultimately remained unfinished despite early plans to finalize it posthumously. Aymar reflected on the collaboration as a profound brotherhood, noting Schuldiner's professionalism and vision had fostered a deep personal bond, with the unfinished work representing lost potential for numerous future albums they had discussed. During this period, Aymar also began developing his own project, Pharaoh, in 1997 alongside the Control Denied commitments.^[20][6][21]

Pharaoh

Pharaoh was formed in late 1997 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, initially as a side project dedicated to classic heavy metal influences like Iron Maiden and Saxon. Drummer Chris Black initiated the band to counter perceptions that the genre was dying, recruiting bassist Chris Kerns, guitarist Matt Johnsen, and vocalist Tim Aymar to complete the lineup; Aymar, fresh from his work with Control Denied, brought a powerful, raspy vocal style that became central to the band's sound.^[22][23] The band's debut album, After the Fire, was self-released in 2003 after production began in 1999, later reissued on vinyl by Cruz del Sur Music in 2018. Aymar served as lead vocalist and co-wrote several tracks, contributing lyrics that explored epic power metal themes of freedom, conflict, and renewal, delivered through his soaring, gritty delivery which blended technical precision with emotional intensity.^[24][25][26] Pharaoh's follow-up, The Longest Night, arrived in 2006 via Cruz del Sur Music, marking a maturation in their progressive power metal style with layered harmonies and dynamic riffs. Songwriting was a collaborative effort led by the core quartet, often starting with instrumental demos shared digitally—Johnsen or Black would compose music, followed by Aymar adding lyrics inspired by personal frustrations, such as the track "Sunrise," which reflects on disrupted inner peace amid daily chaos; Aymar noted, "The rising of the sun meant… any time for reflection or inner peace I was going to have was over until midnight or so."^[27][28] While no full tour supported the album at the time, the band gauged fan interest through online campaigns, leading to selective live performances in subsequent years that honed their high-energy stage presence.^[28] After releasing Bury the Light in 2012, Pharaoh entered a nine-year hiatus, during which members pursued other projects amid shifting music industry demands. The band reunited for their fifth studio album, The Powers That Be, in 2021 on Cruz del Sur Music, with Aymar again leading vocals and lyric-writing to emphasize themes of struggle, resilience, and confrontation against injustice—evident in songs like "Will We Rise" and "Waiting to Drown," which capture cathartic defiance in chaotic times. Aymar's passing effectively ended the band's activities.^[29][30][31]

Later Collaborations

Following his establishment with Pharaoh, Tim Aymar contributed guest vocals to the Pittsburgh-based band Vicious Cycle's 2002 demo Burrn, showcasing his high-range capabilities in a traditional heavy metal context. In 2012, Aymar provided additional vocals on track 5, "Indoctrinated Wrath," from Advent of Bedlam's debut album Flesh over God, adding his signature operatic intensity to the Costa Rican death metal outfit's sound. Aymar participated in several projects during the 2010s, including lead vocals on Xthirt13n's 2014 album A Taste of the Light, a heavy metal release that highlighted his versatile phrasing and melodic delivery. He also lent his voice as Lucifer on Art X's 2016 concept album The Redemption of Cain, contributing dark, narrative-driven performances to the progressive metal work. His involvement with Angband began with additional vocals on track 5 of their 2009 album Reality Divine, and evolved into full-time lead vocals for the band's 2020 self-titled release IV, where he delivered powerful, Schuldiner-inspired leads across the Iranian power metal ensemble's tracks. In 2020, Aymar joined Helios, a heavy metal band formed in Pittsburgh from the remnants of Stormdragon, serving as lead vocalist on their 2022 debut album Touch the Sun, which drew on NWOBHM influences and featured his commanding style on tracks exploring themes of cosmic exploration and heroism.^[32][33] These later collaborations, often with acts connected through the Pittsburgh metal scene and international networks, underscored Aymar's enduring demand as a session vocalist and his ability to adapt to diverse subgenres while maintaining his core progressive style, even as Pharaoh remained his primary commitment.^[2]

Personal Life and Death

Family and Non-Musical Career

Tim Aymar was born to parents Daniel Lawrence and Sandra Lee (Nesbit) Aymar, both of whom predeceased him.^[5] He maintained close family ties throughout his life, including with his brother Raymond C. Aymar of Russellton, Pennsylvania; his other brother, Daniel L. Aymar Jr., passed away in 1999.^[5] Aymar was survived by two children—son Keaton Aymar of Pittsburgh and daughter Nicole Howe (married to Matthew Howe) of Cincinnati, Ohio—as well as two grandchildren, Hayden and Owen Howe.^[5] No spouse was mentioned in records of his later years, and there are no documented references to sisters or other immediate family members. Outside of music, Aymar pursued practical professions to support himself while developing his artistic pursuits. Early in adulthood, he worked in construction for three years in Florida before transitioning to a role as an automotive technician.^[14] He attended A.W. Beattie Technical School during high school and later studied music engineering and voice at Pittsburgh Broadcasting School. In 2010, he earned a degree in computer electronics and engineering technology from ITT Technical Institute, which enhanced his skills in audio production and engineering.^[5] These roles and studies provided financial stability, allowing Aymar to balance demanding music commitments, including recording sessions and performances, without relying solely on band income. Aymar enjoyed fishing as a personal hobby, often spending time on the water with family members to unwind from his professional endeavors.^[5] His non-musical background in technical fields directly complemented his vocal coaching and engineering work, enabling him to remaster tracks and teach voice techniques to aspiring musicians in the Pittsburgh area.^[5]

Final Years and Passing

Tim Aymar died on February 13, 2023, at the age of 59 in his home in New Kensington, Pennsylvania.^[1][5] His passing was announced the following day by his Pharaoh bandmates via social media, where they expressed profound grief and devastation, noting that Aymar had meant so much to many people.^[1] Funeral arrangements were handled by the Siwicki-Yanicko Funeral Home in New Kensington, with visitation and services kept private in accordance with Aymar's wishes; his family planned a Celebration of Life at a later date, though no further public details on burial emerged.^[5]

Awards and Legacy

Recognition During Career

During his time with the Pittsburgh-based hard rock band Triple X in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Aymar contributed to the group's local prominence, culminating in their win for Best Metal Band at the 1990 In Pittsburgh Music Awards.^[34] He was also voted Vocalist of the Year in Pittsburgh tri-state area rock and entertainment publications' readers polls.^[34] This accolade highlighted Triple X's strong regional draw and stage presence, with Aymar as the lead vocalist. Additionally, the band secured a national sponsorship from Anheuser-Busch/Budweiser, marking them as the first regional act to receive such backing and enabling broader touring opportunities.^[34] Aymar's vocal performance on Control Denied's 1999 debut album The Fragile Art of Existence earned praise in the progressive metal community for its range and emotional delivery, setting it apart from the genre's typical growls. Reviews commended his ability to convey conviction and diversity, alternating between soaring cleans and intense expressions that complemented Chuck Schuldiner's intricate compositions.^[35] Outlets like Metal Rules noted the album's overall innovation, with Aymar's contributions enhancing its melodic yet heavy prog-metal sound.^[36] With Pharaoh, formed in 1997, Aymar helped establish the band as a respected force in American power metal, known for their gritty, riff-driven style that bridged traditional heavy metal and European influences. Critics highlighted their underground success and consistency, praising Aymar's powerful, versatile vocals as a key element in albums like After the Fire (2003) and The Powers That Be (2021).^[37] Publications such as Invisible Oranges described Pharaoh as "heavy metal heroes" for their enduring appeal and ability to connect diverse metal fans through melodic intensity.^[38]

Posthumous Tributes

Following Tim Aymar's death on February 13, 2023, the metal community expressed widespread grief through social media tributes. Pharaoh, his longtime band, posted a heartfelt statement on Facebook, describing him as "Pharaoh's one and only singer" and noting that "Tim has meant so much to so many people, whose hearts are suddenly flooded with sadness but also memories of his life and music."^[39] The official Death Facebook page, representing the band connected to Aymar's Control Denied collaborator Chuck Schuldiner, shared condolences, stating, "It is with deep sadness that from several sources it would appear that Tim Aymar has passed away. Our deepest and most sincere condolences to his friends and family."^[40] Fans and former collaborators echoed these sentiments in personal posts, with one anniversary tribute in 2024 by Pharaoh guitarist Jim Dofka recalling shared stages and recordings, saying, "We recorded so much music together and shared many stages. I miss you Timmy."^[41] Metal publications quickly published obituaries highlighting Aymar's vocal prowess and his pivotal role alongside Schuldiner. Loudwire praised his contributions to power metal via Pharaoh and progressive elements in Control Denied, emphasizing his enduring impact on fans and musicians.^[2] Revolver noted his work as the vocalist for Schuldiner's final project, The Fragile Art of Existence (1999).^[42] Metal-Rules.com described him as a "tireless vocalist" whose range and production skills elevated bands like Helios, culminating in their 2022 album Touch the Sun, and lauded his connection to Schuldiner as a gateway to international recognition in heavy metal.^[43] Aymar's influence on power and progressive metal vocalists persisted posthumously, inspiring dedications that underscored his melodic style and technical skill. In 2024, the tribute EP When Man and Machine Collide by Black Water Sunset honored Aymar and Schuldiner, drawing inspiration from Aymar's vocals in Control Denied for their progressive arrangements.^[44] Memorial observances continued into 2024 and 2025, marking anniversaries of his birth and death. On the first anniversary of his passing in February 2024, social media posts from fans and outlets like Instagram reels remembered his legacy with clips from Pharaoh performances.^[41] By September 2024, coinciding with what would have been his 61st birthday, tributes on platforms like Facebook highlighted his Control Denied tenure, with one post stating, "Gone, but not forgotten!! Singer for Control Denied (with Chuck Schuldiner)."^[45] In February 2025, another anniversary reflection on Instagram reiterated his role in Pharaoh and Control Denied, emphasizing his lasting contributions to the scene.^[46] These dedications, alongside the 2024 tribute release, affirmed Aymar's ongoing resonance within the metal community.

Discography

With Early Bands

Tim Aymar began his recording career as the vocalist for the Pittsburgh-based hard rock band 313, active from 1985 to 1987. The group, originally formed as Discipline, produced unreleased demos during this period, including a two-song tape under the earlier name that gained local radio airplay on Pittsburgh's Steel program.^[16] By late 1985, 313 had recorded a full 10-song session at Gamut Productions, blending melodic hard rock with heavier elements; additional material was tracked in 1987.^[15] These demos remained unofficial and locally circulated until a posthumous compilation in 2019, with no documented live recordings from the era.^[47] Aymar next fronted the hard rock outfit Triple X, contributing lead vocals to their sole album Bang, released in 1991 on Substitute Records. Produced independently in Pittsburgh, the record captured the band's energetic, street-level sound influenced by glam and classic heavy metal. The track listing includes:

• "Invisible" (4:46)
• "Liar" (3:42)
• "No Surprise" (3:36)
• "Money Money Money" (3:09)
• "Help From Your Daddy" (3:14)
• "Pump Up The Gas" (3:17)
• "Omni's Dream" (1:22)
• "More Than You Asked For" (4:07)
• "D.W.A." (3:48)
• "What's Up Doc" (3:05)

The album was issued on CD and cassette, reflecting Triple X's regional focus without broader distribution.^[48] In the early 1990s, Aymar joined Psycho Scream, a power metal project led by guitarist Jim Dofka, where he handled vocals and co-wrote lyrics. The band's outputs were limited to self-released demos: Limited Edition Spring '94 (cassette, 1994), on which Aymar provided lyrics for select tracks, and Virtual Insanity (cassette EP/demo, 1994), featuring songs like "Strength," "Memories," and "No Sign of Life." These recordings showcased Aymar's soaring vocal style amid technical riffs, though they remained underground releases without formal production credits or wide availability.^[4][49][50]

With Control Denied

Tim Aymar served as the lead vocalist for Control Denied, the progressive metal band founded by Death's Chuck Schuldiner in the mid-1990s.^[51] The band's sole studio album, The Fragile Art of Existence, was released on November 30, 1999, by Nuclear Blast Records.^[52] Aymar provided all lead vocals on the record, which featured Schuldiner on guitar alongside Shannon Hamm, Steve DiGiorgio on bass, and Richard Christy on drums. The album's full track listing is as follows:

• "Consumed" – 7:24
• "Breaking the Broken" – 5:41
• "Expect the Unexpected" – 7:17
• "What If...?" – 4:29
• "When the Link Becomes Missing" – 5:15
• "The Fragile Art of Existence" – 5:34
• "Unforgiven" – 4:22
• "Cut Down / The Year of Lies" – 4:38

The total runtime is 44:40.^[53] Work began on a follow-up album, tentatively titled When Man and Machine Collide, with demos recorded in late 2000 and early 2001 at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida.^[34] Plans included at least eight tracks, with Aymar set to reprise his vocal role, but production halted due to Schuldiner's illness and death in 2001. Four instrumental demo tracks—later identified as "Intricacy," "The Number Speaks," "Chameleon," and "Evanescent Misery"—were leaked without authorization in 2004 on the bootleg compilation Unreleased Themes from Control Denied, released by Zero Tolerance Records.^[54] No official live recordings or additional compilation appearances featuring Aymar's vocals with the band have surfaced.^[51]

With Pharaoh

Tim Aymar served as the lead vocalist for the American power metal band Pharaoh from 1998 until the group's dissolution in 2023 following his death. Formed in 1997 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the band released five studio albums and one EP with Aymar at the helm, showcasing his distinctive, gritty vocal style over intricate, melody-driven compositions.^[22] The band's debut full-length album featuring Aymar, After the Fire, was independently self-released in 2003 before receiving a wider distribution via a 2008 reissue from Cruz del Sur Music. The album's tracklist includes:

• "Unum" (0:58)
• "After the Fire" (5:09)
• "Flash of the Dark" (5:31)
• "Forever Free" (5:13)
• "Heart of the Enemy" (3:48)
• "Solar Flight" (6:07)
• "Now Is the Time" (4:51)
• "Never, Not Again" (4:42)
• "In the Violet Fire" (5:07)

^[24] Pharaoh's sophomore effort, The Longest Night, arrived in 2006 through Cruz del Sur Music, expanding on the debut's energetic riffs with longer, more atmospheric arrangements. Its tracklist comprises:

• "Sunrise" (8:04)
• "I Am the Hammer" (3:01)
• "In the Violet Fire" (5:06)
• "By the Night Sky" (8:12)
• "Endlessly" (5:25)
• "The Longest Night" (4:06)
• "Fight the Dark" (5:03)
• "Like a Ghost" (5:17)
• "Up the Gates" (5:19)
• "Strength" (5:55)

^[27] The third studio album, Be Gone, followed in 2008 on Cruz del Sur Music, delivering a refined blend of aggression and melody that solidified the band's underground reputation. The tracklist is:

• "Speak to Me" (4:42)
• "Dark New Life" (5:10)
• "No Remains" (4:40)
• "Cover Your Eyes and Pray" (5:08)
• "Red Honor" (5:24)
• "Buried at Sea" (7:03)
• "Rats and Rope" (4:39)
• "Telepath" (5:11)
• "Be Gone" (5:26)

^[55] In 2011, Pharaoh issued the EP Ten Years via Cruz del Sur Music to mark the band's anniversary, featuring new material alongside covers and outtakes from prior sessions. The EP's tracklist includes:

• "Ten Years" (4:13)
• "When We Fly" (3:31)
• "Whitelight" (New Model Army cover) (4:33)
• "Reflection and the Inevitable Future" (4:15)
• "Nothing I Can Say" (4:16)
• "Tormentor" (Slayer cover) (2:47)

^[56] Bury the Light, the fourth studio album, emerged in 2012 on Cruz del Sur Music, noted for its epic scope and thematic depth in exploring loss and resilience. The tracklist features:

• "Leave Me Here to Dream" (4:55)
• "The Wolves" (4:51)
• "Castles in the Sky" (5:02)
• "The Year of the Blizzard" (7:45)
• "The Spider's Thread" (4:04)
• "Cry" (5:15)
• "Graveyard of Empires" (5:34)
• "Burn with Me" (5:27)
• "World of Ice" (5:10)
• "To the Life" (4:43)

^[57] After a nine-year hiatus, Pharaoh returned with The Powers That Be in 2021 through Cruz del Sur Music, serving as Aymar's final recording with the band and emphasizing themes of defiance and introspection. The album's tracklist is:

• "The Powers That Be" (6:00)
• "Will We Rise" (4:21)
• "Waiting to Drown" (2:41)
• "Lost in the Waves" (5:28)
• "Ride Us to Hell" (4:24)
• "When the World Was Mine" (5:59)
• "Freedom" (5:57)
• "Dying Sun" (5:07)
• "I Can Hear Them" (4:51)

^[58] No official singles, additional EPs, or live albums were released by Pharaoh up to 2023.^[22]

With Other Projects

In addition to his primary band commitments, Tim Aymar contributed vocals to several side projects and guest appearances starting in the early 2000s, showcasing his versatility in heavy metal subgenres.^[2] One of his earliest such involvements was with the American metal band Vicious Cycle, where he provided lead vocals on their 2002 demo Burrn. This unreleased recording captured Aymar's powerful delivery in a raw, traditional heavy metal style, though the project did not progress to a full album.^[4] In 2012, Aymar made a notable guest appearance on the Costa Rican death metal band Advent of Bedlam's album Flesh Over God, performing additional vocals on the track "Indoctrinated Wrath." His contribution added a layer of melodic intensity to the song's aggressive structure, highlighting his ability to blend with extreme metal ensembles.^[59] Aymar served as the lead vocalist for the short-lived project Xthirt13n from 2013 to 2015, appearing on their 2014 album A Taste of the Light. The release featured his soaring, progressive-inflected singing across its tracks, emphasizing thematic elements of enlightenment and struggle within a modern heavy metal framework.^[60] He also provided guest vocals portraying the character of Lucifer on the conceptual metal project Art X's 2016 album The Redemption of Cain, with dark, intense vocals that underscored the narrative's biblical themes. This role allowed Aymar to explore theatrical elements in his performance, distinct from his band work.^[4] Later in his career, Aymar joined the Iranian power metal band Angband as their vocalist in 2017, contributing lead vocals to their 2020 self-produced album IV. He performed on all nine tracks, including "Fighters," "Visions in My Head," and "Mirage," infusing the music with his signature high-range power metal style and helping to elevate the band's international profile. Aymar was the lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Helios, formed in 2020, on their debut album Touch the Sun, released in 2022 by Stormspell Records. The album's tracklist is:

• "Fire From the Sky"
• "Touch the Sun"
• "Like a Gun"
• "Kill Your Mother"
• "Mystery"
• "That's What You Get"
• "Keep It True"
• "You Knew It All"
• "Hellbender"
• "Ancient One"

^[33]