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Echobrain was an American rock musical group, who came to prominence as the first offering from former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted since leaving that band. Echobrain was formed in 2000 by Newsted, Brian Sagrafena and Dylan Donkin who had close contact with one another throughout the late-90s after they met at a Super Bowl party at Newsted's home in 1995. On a road trip to Baja, Mexico, Sagrafena and Donkin recorded some rough demos that, when they came home, eventually caught Newsted's attention, who then offered to help out on bass guitar and assist the songwriting. In May 2000, they entered a studio to record the demos more professionally, with help from several musicians including Newsted's then-colleague and Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett, and former Faith No More guitarist Jim Martin.

[edit] History

Newsted funded Echobrain himself, later claiming that he lost a great deal of money in the project.^[1] The tension created out of Newsted's work in Echobrain ultimately led to his departure from Metallica after just over 14 years with the group. Metallica frontman James Hetfield expressed disapproval of Newsted's new focus, saying, "When someone does a side project, it takes away from the strength of Metallica"^[2] and pondered, "Where would it end? Does he start touring with it? Does he sell shirts? Is it his band?"^[2] Newsted responded by pointing out Hetfield's side projects with members of COC. The remaining members of Metallica with producer Bob Rock were also filmed going to an Echobrain performance in the 2004 documentary Some Kind of Monster. After the performance, they hoped to speak with Newsted in congratulations, but he was nowhere to be found.

In 2002, Echobrain was sued by Echo Drain for trademark infringement.^[3]

Echobrain is currently non-active; although, all members have other projects currently in progress. Dylan Donkin has a solo project. His brother, Adam, is focusing on producing emerging artists (including Dylan). Andrew Gomez fronts the acoustic rock outfit, The Cons. Newsted played bass for Voivod.

[edit] Line-ups

[edit] Live performances in 2001

• Ariss Onadnac
• Jason Newsted
• Dylan Donkin
• Chris Scianni
• David Borla

[edit] Recording "Echobrain" (2002)

• Dylan Donkin - Guitar
• Brian Sagrafena - Drums
• Jason Newsted - Bass
• Jim Martin - Guest Guitar, Banjo
• Kirk Hammett - Guest Guitar on "Suckerpunch"

[edit] Recording "Glean" (2004)

• Brian Sagrafena
• Adam Donkin
• Dylan Donkin
• Andrew Gomez

[edit] Discography

[edit] References