Neurotica was formed in 1995 by Shawn Bowen and Kelly Shaefer, the latter only a couple of years removed from his prior band, the mighty prog/deathsters Atheist. They caught their first break when none other than AC/DC's Brian Johnson caught one of their shows and was inspired to help the band out, going so far as to produce their debut album. Several years later came another break, in the form of extensive Ozzfest appearances that heightened their popularity, eventually leading to their being signed by WWE's new Smackdown Records label for their third, and last, album. Musically, Neurotica has nothing to offer old Atheist fans, as there is no sign of death metal here. Instead, the focus is on high-energy loud hard rock, with a slight grunge influence that might remind one of a more upbeat Alice In Chains (musically, not vocally). Shaefer has a fine, gruff, forceful vocal style that suits this music perfectly. Though the album garnered some good reviews, the band decided to not to continue, and broke up somewhere around late 2002. As late as 2004 Shaefer indicated an interest to revive the band, but as of this writing he is focused on the reunited Atheist.