CACOPHONY arrived with perfect timing in the mid 80's heightened interest in speed guitarists. MARTY FRIEDMAN had paid his dues with HAWAII and VIXEN and forging an alliance with another six string whizz kid JASON BECKER founded CACOPHONY with erstwhile LE MANS singer Peter Marrino. The resulting album 'Speed Metal Symphony' sparked considerable interest, enough for both guitarists to capitalize on it with solo outings. Friedman launched 'Dragon's Kiss' whilst Becker's 'Perpetual Burn' was released simultaneously.

Drummer Atma Anur departed prior to the second CACOPHONY album, 1988's 'Go Off!', and was superseded by ex-LE MANS skinbasher Kenny Stavropoulos. However, drums on the album are in fact supplied by Dean Castronovo, most recognised for his work with WILD DOGS, HARDLINE, OZZY OSBOURNE and JOURNEY. Stavropoulos later joined STARSHIP. Marrino would front San Francisco's 9.0 for their 1990 album 'Too Far Gone'.

Friedman was later to enjoy global recognition as part of MEGADETH and for his solo workouts. Becker also made a name for himself with a string of authoritive solo albums and an appearance in DAVID LEE ROTH's band. However, just as Becker seemed on the edge of the stardom he deserved touring with DAVID LEE ROTH the young guitarist was diagnosed as suffering with the crippling Lou Gehrig's disease commonly known as ALS. Tragically, the disease left the guitarist completely without the use of his body. Becker still composed music albeit with great difficulty using a computer scanner to read and his eyes to communicate to others. When the true extent of his predicament was learned his fellow musicians rallied around in a show of camradarie resulting fresh recording interpretations of Becker's music to remind the world of his talent by way of the 'Warmth In The Wilderness' tribute album. Naturally, MARTY FRIEDMAN contributed.

After a high profile run of gold and platinum albums Friedman left MEGADETH in 2000. He would then embroil himself in the highly lucrative world of Japanese J-Pop, working with such artists as Rock diva AIKAWA NANASE.

2004 saw Peter Marrino back in the spotlight, albeit in the rather unexpected guise as the self styled "greatest Ozzy impersonator on Earth" fronting the OZZY OSBOURNE tribute band OZZY UNAUTHORISED alongside NIGHT RANGER and ex-OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist BRAD GILLIS.