Neurotica (band)

Neurotica was a heavy metal band, started around 1995 by singer Kelly Schaefer (formerly of progressive death metal band Atheist) and guitarist Shawn Bowen.[1] Performances in local clubs brought the band to the attention of AC/DC singer and Sarasota resident Brian Johnson, who helped them find a management deal and produced their debut album, Seed.[1] The album was not a success, but the follow-up, Living in Dog Years, also produced by Johnson, and now featuring bassist Migwell Przybyl, was more impressive and earned the band a major-label deal with the WWF's SmackDown! Records.[1]

After further line-up changes and a move towards nu metal, the band's third album, Neurotica, was issued in 2002, composed mainly of updated versions of tracks from their debut.[1] In the same year the band was included on the Ozzfest tour.[1] They split up later that year after being dropped by SmackDown! Records.[2] Schaefer subsequently auditioned for Drowning Pool as a replacement for Dave Williams,[2] but would form a new band, Starrfactory, in 2003, before reforming Atheist in 2006.[3] Schaefer also auditioned for Velvet Revolver, but ultimately lost the gig to Scott Weiland from Stone Temple Pilots.