Cacophony (band)
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Cacophony was an American heavy metal band formed in 1986 by guitarists Marty Friedman and Jason Becker,<ref name="LarkinHR">Template:Cite book</ref> and signed to Shrapnel Records.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> They released two studio albums and remained active until 1989, after which both guitarists forged their own solo careers and joined other bands.
History
The two albums released by Cacophony, Speed Metal Symphony (1987) and Go Off! (1988),<ref name="LarkinHR"/> were showpieces of the kind of highly technical playing typical of the 1980s shred era, with songs featuring fast tempos, melodic solos, exotic neoclassical scales and dual guitar harmonizations. Several of the tracks were entirely instrumental,<ref name="LarkinHR"/> which prominently demonstrated Friedman and Becker's renowned technical skills.<ref>Hinds, Andy. "Speed Metal Symphony - Cacophony" Template:Webarchive. AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved 2015-08-03.</ref> In a 2009 article by Guitar World magazine, Speed Metal Symphony was ranked ninth in a list of all-time top ten shred albums.<ref>Guitar World Staff (2009-07-09). "Top 10 Shred Albums of All Time". Guitar World. Future US. Archived from the original on 2011-05-28. Retrieved 2015-08-03.</ref>
Both Friedman and Becker released their own solo albums—Dragon's Kiss and Perpetual Burn, respectively—in 1988, before the release of Go Off! Friedman later joined the thrash metal band Megadeth in 1990,<ref name="LarkinHR"/> remaining with them for nine years as well as releasing several more solo albums, while Becker enjoyed a short stint in David Lee Roth's solo band from 1989 to 1991.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> Becker's time with Roth was abruptly cut short due to an onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a degenerative disease that rendered him completely unable to play and, soon afterwards, move or speak.
Band members
- Peter Marrino – vocals
- Dan Bryant – vocals (last tour only)
- Marty Friedman – guitar
- Jason Becker – guitar
- Atma Anur – drums
- Deen Castronovo – drums
- Kenny Stavropoulos – drums (live only)
- Jimmy O'Shea – bass, backing vocals
- Craig Swain – bass, backing vocals (live only)
Discography
- 1987: Speed Metal Symphony
- 1988: Go Off!<ref name="LarkinHR"/>