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Core Atoms

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Core Atoms
OriginRochester, New York, U.S.
GenresProgressive rock, synth-metal, experimental rock
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, vocals
Years active1995–present

Core Atoms is an American musician and songwriter known for his work in progressive and experimental rock. He is a founding member of the synth-metal band Arcadea and the bands Gaylord and Zruda.[1] A multi-instrumentalist, Atoms is known for his unconventional guitar technique—playing a right-handed guitar left-handed and upside down[1] —and for his experimental songwriting, which blends genres and explores shifting time signatures.[2] He is also noted for his synthesizer arrangements[3] and lyrical themes rooted in science fiction and narrative-driven concepts.[1]

Early life and career

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Atoms is originally from Rochester, New York.[3] At age 18, he co-founded the progressive funk rock trio Gaylord, known for its fusion of funk, metal, jazz and classical music.[4] His distinctive guitar style contributed to the group's eclectic sound and local recognition.[1][3][2]

Gaylord (1995–2009)

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Gaylord was a three-piece progressive rock band active from 1995 to 2009, founded by guitarist Core Atoms and bassist Jeff Steverson.[5] Drummer Brann Dailor, who later co-founded Mastodon, joined in 1996.[6] Following the departure of Dailor and several subsequent drummers, percussionist Drew Verstraete joined the band in 2000 and remained through its later years.[7] The band released several recordings, including Tsunami (2005),[8] and Resplendent Locution (2007),[9] before disbanding around 2010. Afterward, Atoms and Verstraete formed the progressive metal quartet Zruda.[10]

Zruda

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In the early 2010s, Atoms and Verstraete co-founded Zruda, a progressive metal quartet based in Atlanta, Georgia and featuring members of Lazer/Wulf.[10]

Arcadea

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In 2015, Atoms formed the synth-driven progressive rock project Arcadea with Brann Dailor (Mastodon) and Raheem Amlani.[1] The band's self-titled debut album, released in 2017 by Relapse Records, is a concept work set five billion years in the future, thematically centered on synthetic life and cosmic evolution.[3] On the album, Atoms performed exclusively on synthesizers and keyboards, omitting guitar to emphasize the band's futuristic, science fiction-inspired sound.[11] A visual artist as well, Atoms is credited with creating the official videos for “Gas Giant,” “Army of Electrons,” and “Through the Eye of Pisces.”[3][12][13][14]

In July 2025, Relapse Records released “Fuzzy Planet,” the first single from Arcadea’s second album, The Exodus of Gravity, scheduled for release on August 22, 2025.[15][16][17] The Exodus of Gravity features Atoms’ distinctive science fiction themes and lyrics. He contributed as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, performing on synthesizers, guitars, bass, Moog Taurus pedals, Mellotron, Hammond organ, theremin, and samples.[18] The album features founding member Brann Dailor on lead vocals, drums, and percussion, and introduces keyboardist João Nogueira.[19]

Musical style and influences

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Atoms' musical style combines elements of progressive and experimental rock, characterized by complex compositions and a blending of genres.[2][20] His self-taught guitar technique—playing a standard right-handed guitar left-handed and upside down—contributes to his unconventional chord voicings and phrasing.[3][1] Atoms' work with Arcadea features science fiction themes and conceptual narratives within a synth-driven progressive rock style. By contrast, his earlier band Gaylord incorporated funk, metal, and jazz influences, with lyrics spanning satire, social, and political commentary.[7][9]

Atoms' musical influences include 1970s progressive rock, funk, classical music, electronic music, heavy metal, punk, and jazz.[21] He has cited artists such as Stevie Wonder, Rush, Charles Mingus, and Beethoven as inspirations.[3][6][1]

Selected Discography

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With Gaylord

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  • Tsunami (studio album, 2005)
  • Resplendent Locution (studio album, 2007)

With Zruda

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  • Zruda (EP, 2011)

With Arcadea

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Reed, Ryan (22 June 2017). "Mastodon's Brann Dailor Talks Psychedelic, Synth-Heavy Side Project, Arcadea". Revolver. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  2. ^ a b c De Blase, Frank (31 January – 6 February 2007). "The Glorious Result of Unnatural Pairings". City Magazine. Vol. 36, no. 19. p. 14.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Hatton, Thomas (16 June 2017). "Interview with Core Atoms from Arcadea (Side Project for Members of Mastodon, Zruda, Withered)". Proglodytes. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  4. ^ "Gaylord". Archived from the original on 30 January 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
  5. ^ Reyes-Kulkarni, Saby (8 February 2006). "Music Reviews 2.8.06: Gaylord: Tsunami". City Magazine. Archived from the original on 26 November 2023. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
  6. ^ a b Lawson, Dom (August 2017). "Revenge of the Synth". Prog Magazine. No. 79. pp. 60–62.
  7. ^ a b Richards, Dave (4 October 2007). "Anything Goes". Erie Times-News. p. 16.
  8. ^ De Blasé, Frank (4 January 2006). "Isotopocity". Rochester City Magazine. Archived from the original on 25 July 2025. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
  9. ^ a b Lamb, Gordon (16 July 2008). "Gaylord: Not as Popular as Beethoven" (PDF). Flagpole. p. 22. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 July 2025. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
  10. ^ a b De Blase, Frank (17–23 August 2011). "Zruda". City Magazine. Vol. 40, no. 49. p. 17.
  11. ^ Tepedelen, Adem (August 2017). "Arcadea". Decibel. No. 154. p. 26.
  12. ^ Arcadea (2017). ARCADEA – "Gas Giant" (Official Music Video) (YouTube video). Relapse Records. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
  13. ^ Arcadea (2017). Army of Electrons (YouTube video). Relapse Records. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
  14. ^ Arcadea (2017). Through the Eye of Pisces (YouTube video). Relapse Records. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
  15. ^ Stormblast Editorial Team (1 July 2025). "Arcadea release official music video for "Fuzzy Planet" from upcoming album The Exodus of Gravity". Stormblast. Retrieved 9 July 2025. Premiere of single "Fuzzy Planet" via Relapse Records, lead single ahead of album release on August 22, 2025.
  16. ^ "Arcadea – The Exodus of Gravity". Relapse Records. July 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
  17. ^ "Mastodon's Brann Dailor to release new Arcadea album 'The Exodus of Gravity' in August". Blabbermouth. 1 July 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
  18. ^ "Arcadea feat. Mastodon's Brann Dailor release The Exodus of Gravity on Aug 22 via Relapse Records". Metalheads Forever Magazine. 2023-08-22. Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  19. ^ Adams, Gregory (1 July 2025). "Mastodon's Brann Dailor goes synth‑rock on Arcadea's 'Fuzzy Planet'". Revolver. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
  20. ^ Lawson, Dom (August 2017). "Revenge of the Synth". Prog Magazine. No. 79. pp. 60–62.
  21. ^ Reyes-Kulkarni, Saby (8 February 2006). "Music reviews 2.8.06 Gaylord: Tsunami". Rochester City Newspaper. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
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