ECHOBRAIN would come to the fore in 2001 with the departure of bassist Jason Newsted from the mighty METALLICA. The band, founded by former FLOTSAM & JETSAM man Newsted with school friends vocalist / guitarist Dylan Donkin and drummer Brian Sagrafena, had actually been a going concern for many years behind the scenes of METALLICA's progress.

ECHOBRAIN put in their debut live showing on August 19th 2001 as part of the 'Nadine's Wild Weekend' events in San Francisco. Their debut eponymous album arrived in March of 2002. It proved to be an ambitious affair with both the San Francisco and the National symphony orchestra's contributing. Other guests included METALLICA band mate Kirk Hammett and ex-FAITH NO MORE guitarist JIM MARTIN.

For touring throughout the summer ECHOBRAIN enlisted the talents of second guitarist Chris Scianni and keyboard player Dave Borla. Quite incredibly a Dallas based, ECHO DRAIN, took Newsted's band and label to court citing unfair trade practices, trademark disparagement, false designation of origin, cybersquatting, reverse confusion, dilution of mark and injury to business reputation and unfair competition. The Texans reportedly wanted more than $100,000 for each supposed infringement.

Newsted revealed details of a further project band, the 'Stoner Punk' PAPA WHEELIE. With Newsted appearing under the pseudonym 'Jaylor' PAPA WHEELIE comprised Newsted as vocalist / guitarist, Joe Ledesma (a.k.a. Joefus) on bass and Steven Wiig (a.k.a. Swiiglor) on drums. Because of the anonymity of Newsted in this venture many fans had missed the band's debut album release 'Unipsycho' in May.

By August Newsted had made his exit from the band, being replaced by Adam Donkin of DE'BRIAH, brother of guitarist/vocalist Dylan Donkin.