Cacophony (band)

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Cacophony

Background information
Origin	USA
Genre(s)	Speed metal Heavy metal shred guitar
Years active	1986–1989
Label(s)	Shrapnel
Associated acts	Megadeth David Lee Roth
Members
Marty Friedman Jason Becker Jimmy O'Shea Kenny Stavropoulos Peter Marrino

Cacophony is a American neoclassical speed metal/shred band formed in 1986 by guitarists Marty Friedman and Jason Becker. Cacophony is often recognized for its technically challenging, neo-classical metal elements, as well as featuring two virtuoso shred guitarists. The band broke up in 1989, with Friedman joining the sucessful thrash metal band Megadeth, and Becker joining David Lee Roth's solo band.

1 History
2 Breakup
3 Band Members
4 Discography
5 External links

[edit] History

Their first album, the predominantly instrumental Speed Metal Symphony, fused classical and hard rock styles with Friedman's preference towards exotic scales (especially obvious in the song "The Ninja"). It featured exceptionally fast, melodic and technical music that could only be equalled by other virtuosi such as Yngwie Malmsteen. It has been heralded as one of the most awe-inspiring instrumental guitar albums of all time.^{[citation needed]} The title track, "Speed Metal Symphony", was an incredible combination of amazing lead solos and fast rhythm guitar.

Their second album Go Off! was a commercial failure.^{[citation needed]} Besides Becker, Friedman and Marrino, it featured a new bassist and a new drummer. The drums were played by Deen Castronovo, however the picture of new drummer Kenny Stavropoulos was included on the back cover. Go Off! featured a more song oriented approach, valuing songwriting as much as display of skill. The guitar playing is more technical and the harmonisation of the lead lines and solos resulted in interesting double harmonies that wildly differed from the common "Iron Maiden harmony style".

[edit] Breakup

Though the second album was a commercial failure, it spawned cult followings around the band. Cacophony broke up with Jason Becker joining David Lee Roth and Marty Friedman joining Megadeth. Friedman and Becker have since left Megadeth and David Lee Roth's band respectively (in Becker's case due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Both released several solo albums that include a wide variety of music. Jason Becker's album Perpetual Burn is considered one of the greatest neo-classical shred albums of all time.^{[citation needed]}