Psyopus

History

Psyopus formed in 2002. The band drew attention for the unorthodox and extremely technical guitar techniques of Christopher Arp, who was often referred to as "Arpmandude". To secure endorsement deals from guitar and amp companies, Arp had to send a live video of himself playing to prove he could play as fast as he does. Arp stated that he understood people not understanding the band, so the music came across as noise, but the music made sense to them and every 16th note was scrutinized. He learned to play guitar in his bedroom, starting in eighth grade with Metallica and Megadeth tablature books and guitar magazines. The band released its second album, Our Puzzling Encounters Considered, in February 2007. The techniques Arp used made it even more difficult to receive endorsements; he noted that Mesa Boogie had not sponsored him much because he did too much of a certain technique, raising his guitar by the whammy bar and shaking it. The third studio album, Odd Senses, was released on February 17, 2009. The band entered an extended hiatus in 2010. In 2011, Arp posted several YouTube videos explaining the history and eventual hiatus of Psyopus. In October 2012, Metal Injection reported that Psyopus would reunite with three of the four original members: Chris Arp, Adam Frappolli, and Fred Decoste, joined by drummer Jason Bauers, who had been a member until the hiatus. On July 17, 2015, a YouTube account named The Infamous Arpmandude posted a video in which Arp played Imogen's Puzzle Pt. 2 and discussed himself, playing guitar, and the band's history, stating that Psyopus was no longer active due to frustrations and hardships.