Audiotopsy
American alternative metal band formed in 2015 by ex-Mudvayne members.
Audiotopsy, an alternative metal band from Peoria, Illinois, got its start in 2015. The group’s original lineup featured Greg Tribbett and Matthew McDonough, both formerly of Mudvayne. Their first album, *Natural Causes*, came out on Napalm Records in October 2015 and was self-produced. Two tracks, “Headshot” and “The Calling,” were previewed on Loudwire and Revolver. A second album, *The Real Now*, followed in November 2018 on Megaforce Records, supported by the singles “What Am I” and “War.” In 2021, Tribbett and McDonough left to reunite Mudvayne, and were replaced by guitarist James Vinson and drummer Trevor Bodkins. The band’s current members are vocalist and rhythm guitarist Billy Keeton, lead guitarist Vinson, bassist Perry Stern, and drummer Bodkins. Critics have described their sound as alternative metal, nu metal, or post-grunge, though Tribbett has called it “progressive hard rock”—a label some reviewers have questioned.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Peoria, Illinois, U.S.
- Genre
- Alternative metal
- Years Active
- 2015–present
- Label
- Napalm · Megaforce
- Spinoff Of
- Mudvayne · Hellyeah
- Current Members
- Billy Keeton / Perry Stern / James Vinson / Trevor Bodkins
- Past Members
- Greg Tribbett / Matthew McDonough
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Audiotopsy formed in 2015 after Greg Tribbett left Hellyeah along with bassist Bob 'Zilla' Kahaka. The band's debut studio album, Natural Causes, was released on October 2, 2015, via Napalm Records, and was self-produced and engineered by Tim Laud. Tracks 'Headshot' and 'The Calling' premiered on Loudwire and Revolver respectively. In September 2017, the band announced recording had begun on a second studio album, set for release in 2018. The Real Now was released on November 2, 2018, via Megaforce Records, with singles 'What Am I' (September 7, 2018) and 'War' (October 11, 2018). In 2021, Greg Tribbett and Matthew McDonough left Audiotopsy following the reformation of Mudvayne. They were replaced by James Vinson on lead guitar and backing vocals, and Trevor Bodkins on drums.
Reader's Guide
Audiotopsy represents a transitional project for former Mudvayne members Greg Tribbett and Matthew McDonough, bridging their earlier nu-metal work with a more alternative metal and post-grunge sound. The band's music has been categorized as alternative metal, nu metal, and post-grunge, though Tribbett referred to it as 'progressive hard rock,' a tag disputed in media. Ghost Cult Magazine noted that while the pairing of Tribbett and McDonough seemed promising, the angular Mudvayne rhythms were largely absent, with only occasional echoes on tracks like 'Distorted' and 'Darken the Rainbow.' The band's two albums, Natural Causes and The Real Now, were released on different labels and received modest attention. After the departure of its founding members in 2021, Audiotopsy continued with a new lineup, but its significance lies primarily in its connection to the Mudvayne legacy and its brief exploration of a more straightforward hard rock direction.
Did You Know?
- Audiotopsy's debut album Natural Causes was self-produced and engineered by Tim Laud.
- The band's second album The Real Now was released on Megaforce Records.
- Greg Tribbett and Matthew McDonough left Audiotopsy in 2021 following the reformation of Mudvayne.
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