Brain Drill
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2005 in Ben Lomond, California, United States |
| Founder | Dylan Ruskin |
| Defunct | September 10, 2019 |
| Headquarters | Ben Lomond , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
Brain Drill was a technical death metal group from the United States, established in 2005 in Ben Lomond, California by guitarist and composer Dylan Ruskin. They produced two albums through Metal Blade Records and independently released their third record, Boundless Obscenity.
Origins and The Parasites (2005–2006)
Brain Drill originated in 2005 as a side endeavor initiated by Dylan Ruskin after departing from his primary band Burn at the Stake. He enlisted session drummer Marco Pitruzella, recognized for his collaborations with Vile (band), Vital Remains, and The Faceless. Shortly thereafter, vocalist Steve Rathjen joined the lineup. The trio recorded a six-track EP titled The Parasites at Castle Ultimate Studios under producer Zack Ohren in early 2006. Rathjen temporarily left the band and was replaced by Andre Cornejo, with bassist Jeff Hughell (formerly of Vile) joining during this period before Rathjen returned to resume vocal duties.
Apocalyptic Feasting era (2007–2009)
In 2007, after receiving a recommendation from Cannibal Corpse bassist Alex Webster, Brain Drill secured a deal with Metal Blade Records. Their debut full-length album, Apocalyptic Feasting, was recorded once again with Zack Ohren at Castle Ultimate Studios and released on February 5, 2008. Soon after the release, drummer Pitruzella and bassist Hughell exited the band due to difficulties related to touring. Although breakup rumors surfaced, they were promptly refuted as the band searched for replacement members to proceed.
Quantum Catastrophe, Boundless Obscenity period and dissolution (2009–2019)
The band's sophomore album, Quantum Catastrophe, was recorded at Castle Ultimate Studios with Zack Ohren in December 2009 and released via Metal Blade Records on May 11, 2010. Prior to the album's release, the track "Monumental Failure" was made available for streaming, followed by "Beyond Bludgeoned," which also featured a music video broadcast on Comcast on-demand services.
In July 2016, vocalist Steve Rathjen and drummer Ron Casey departed from the group; they were succeeded by Travis Morgan and Alex Bent respectively. The third album, Boundless Obscenity, was self-released on July 2, 2016, once more recorded at Castle Ultimate Studios.
Brain Drill officially ceased operations on September 10, 2019.
Activities following Brain Drill (2019–present)
In May 2024, Dylan Ruskin initiated a new musical venture named Stellae Ignotus, releasing an instrumental single that highlights melodic elements and synthesizer use while preserving technical proficiency.
Members
- Last lineup
- Dylan Ruskin – guitar , bass
- Alex Bent – drums
- Travis Morgan – vocals
- Previous members
- Marco Pitruzzella – drums
- Steve Rathjen – vocals
- Andre Cornejo – vocals
- Jeff Hughell – bass
- Ivan Munguia – bass
- Joe Bondra – drums
- Ron Casey – drums
Discography
- Studio albums
- Apocalyptic Feasting (2008)
- Quantum Catastrophe (2010)
- Boundless Obscenity (2016)
- EPs
- The Parasites (2006)