ApocryphA

Apocrypha emerged from Las Vegas as another Shrapnel Records signing from California that favored flashy guitar displays over memorable material. Singer Steve Plocica, guitarist Tony Fredianelli, bassist Al Rumley, and drummer Mike Poe formed the group, which went on to issue three metal albums dominated by shredding: The Forgotten Scroll in 1987, The Eyes of Time in 1988 after rhythm guitarist Chip Chrovian joined, and Area 54 in 1990 once bassist Breck Smith and drummer Dave Schiller replaced the original rhythm section. The records maintained a reliably heavy sound undermined by weak songwriting, yet they gained distinction from Plocica’s operatic screams, often reminiscent of Queensrÿche’s Geoff Tate, and especially from Fredianelli’s lightning-fast fretwork.

The band’s fortunes collapsed with the decline of guitar-hero culture, although Fredianelli has remained active in numerous roles and across varied styles. He launched a solo career in 1993 with the release Breakneck Speed, later served as a session musician on Run-D.M.C.’s Crown Royal LP, and eventually joined alternative rockers Third Eye Blind.