Cacophony (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Founder | Marty Friedman, Jason Becker |
| Defunct | 1989 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Music albums |
| Parent | Shrapnel Records |
Cacophony was a heavy metal group from the United States, established in 1986 by guitarists Marty Friedman and Jason Becker and signed under the Shrapnel Records label. The band produced two studio albums before dissolving in 1989, after which both Friedman and Becker embarked on individual solo ventures and joined different musical acts.
Steve Huey of AllMusic characterized their music as "exceptionally technical neo-classical metal."
History
The band's releases, Speed Metal Symphony (1987) and Go Off! (1988), exemplified the intricate playing style emblematic of the 1980s shred movement, incorporating rapid tempos, melodic lead work, neoclassical scales, and harmonized dual guitars. Several instrumentals on these albums emphasized the virtuosic abilities of Friedman and Becker. In 2009, Guitar World placed Speed Metal Symphony at number nine on its list of greatest shred albums ever.
In 1988, both guitarists issued solo records—Friedman with Dragon's Kiss and Becker with Perpetual Burn—preceding the release of Go Off!. Friedman later became a member of the thrash metal band Megadeth in 1990, remaining for nearly a decade while also producing multiple solo projects. Becker briefly collaborated with David Lee Roth's solo ensemble from 1989 to 1991 until his career was tragically interrupted by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which ultimately rendered him unable to perform or communicate.
Band members
- Peter Marrino – vocals
- Dan Bryant – vocals (final tour)
- Marty Friedman – guitar
- Jason Becker – guitar
- Atma Anur – drums
- Deen Castronovo – drums
- Kenny Stavropoulos – drums (live)
- Jimmy O'Shea – bass, backing vocals
- Craig Swain – bass, backing vocals (live)
Discography
- 1987: Speed Metal Symphony
- 1988: Go Off!