Echobrain
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founder | Jason Newsted, Brian Sagrafena, Dylan Donkin |
| Defunct | 2005 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Rock and metal music albums |
Echobrain was a United States-based rock and metal ensemble established in 2000, recognized primarily for including bassist Jason Newsted following his exit from Metallica. The band produced three albums prior to their split in 2005.
History
The inception of Echobrain occurred in 2000, initiated by Newsted alongside drummer Brian Sagrafena and vocalist/guitarist Dylan Donkin, who had first connected in the late 1990s. During a trip to Baja, Mexico, Sagrafena and Donkin laid down preliminary demos, which Newsted later joined to enhance with bass lines and songwriting contributions. These demos were professionally recorded in May 2000, with participation from notable musicians such as Metallica's guitarist Kirk Hammett and former Faith No More guitarist Jim Martin.
Newsted personally financed Echobrain, later acknowledging that it resulted in considerable monetary loss. His participation in the project created tension within Metallica, playing a role in his decision to leave after fourteen years. Metallica's lead singer James Hetfield expressed disapproval of Newsted’s focus on side projects, questioning their effect on the band's cohesion. In response, Newsted pointed out Hetfield’s own extracurricular musical endeavors. Members of Metallica along with producer Bob Rock attended an Echobrain performance that was featured in the 2004 documentary Metallica: Some Kind of Monster.
In 2002, Echobrain was subjected to a trademark infringement suit filed by the Dallas–Fort Worth funk rock group Echo Drain. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2003 when the court determined that Echo Drain's trademark was descriptive and geographically restricted, concluding there was no probable confusion or cybersquatting by Echobrain.
Echobrain served as an opening act for Neil Young and appeared in his film Greendale. Following the band's dissolution, members embarked on various paths: Dylan Donkin pursued a solo career; his brother Adam became a producer; Andrew Gomez took the lead in acoustic rock band the Cons; and Newsted joined Voivod as their studio bassist.
Line-ups
- Dylan Donkin – vocals, guitar, piano (2000–2005)
- Brian Sagrafena – drums, percussion (2000–2005)
- Jason Newsted – bass (2000–2004)
- Chris Scianni – guitar (2000–2002)
- David Borla – guitar (2002–2004)
- Andrew Gomez – guitar, bass, piano (2004–2005)
- Adam Donkin – bass (2004–2005)
Discography
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2002-03-05 | Echobrain | Surfdog |
| 2002-07-23 | Strange Enjoyment | Chophouse |
| 2004-01-01 | Glean | Surfdog |