142,094 Wikipedia Articles Preserved

Mikael Johnston is an electronic dance music Musician, Producer, Remixer and DJ, of the Warner Bros. Records act Mephisto Odyssey, currently of Dresden & Johnston with Dave Dresden formerly of Gabriel & Dresden.
Biography
1993-2002: Mephisto Odyssey
As a co-producer, DJ and songwriter for the Warner Bros. Records act Mephisto Odyssey, Johnston gained the reputation of being eclectic, pivotal in defining the nascent San Francisco house sound. Johnston didn't start out doing electronic and house music though; like many current electronic artists, he got his start in the rock and new wave scene of the 1980s. By the end of the 80s Mikael decided to put aside his rock roots and check out the as-yet-uncharted territory of electronic dance music, which proved to be a wise career move. His first single under the artist name Mephisto Odyssey, "Dream of the Black Dahlia,"Was self released in January of 1994 and quickly earned kudos from Bay Area promoters and the international underground scene, including DJ Garth and the legendary DJ François Kevorkian. Johnston continued to release singles on the Mephisto label and eventually signed Mephisto Odyssey to the progressive West Coast label City of Angels, where they shared the talent roster with future breakbeat kings The Crystal Method.
After releasing a string of singles and a full length album on City of Angels, Mephisto Odyssey became the first U.S. electronic dance music act to sign to Warner Bros. Records, swiftly evolving them from underground darlings to crossover potentials. While at Warner Bros. Johnston produced a series of remixes for the Jane's Addiction "So What" maxi single, which spent 6 weeks in the Billboard Magazine charts. To date these are the only sanctioned remixes ever done for Jane's Addiction. During his tenure at Warner Bros. Johnston also had numerous collaborations with the electronic influenced Nu Metal act Static-X as a remixer and co author of the hit song "Crash" which was featured in an MTV video helmed by director Len Wiseman. Mephisto Odyssey left Warner Bros. Records in January of 2002.
2002-2005: The Athens Years
Shortly after leaving Warner Bros. Records Johnston relocated to Athens, Georgia to be with then girlfriend Alison Lipman (founder of Selva International) who was attending graduate school at the University of Georgia. While living in Athens Georgia Mikael worked on two notable projects. He co produced, and mixed the Gammon Records release, The Cover Up by I Am The World Trade Center , and he released the Mephisto Odyssey progressive house single, "Rites of Passage." Rites of Passage featured vocals by late Qawwali singer Badar Ali Khan which Johnston had recorded in 1999 . The single was released through mediaservicesnyc.com which was founded by Oscar Poche. Johnston returned to the San Francisco bay area in September of 2005.
2005-2006: Engineering and Production
After returning to the San Francisco bay area Johnston began working as an engineer at Skyline Studios which was part of the indie rock venue IMusicast. It wasn't long before IMusicast founder Bryan Matheson introduced Mikael to Miles Hurwitz manager for the pop punk band The Matches. Johnston's fresh approach to production and background in electronic music intrigued Miles, so he offered him the opportunity to work with The Matches as an engineer and co-producer for the Takeover Records 3-Way Issue #2 compilation. Mikael's work with The Matches reached the ears of Jeff Saltzman producer of The Killers debut album Hot Fuss. Saltzman was impressed with Johnston's engineering skills and knowledge of vintage gear. He soon invited Mikael to attend recording sessions he was doing with the band Smash Mouth. Mikael quickly found himself helping with vocal production on the sessions which earned him an assistant engineering credit for their album Summer Girl. Saltzman then invited Johnston to work as a co engineer on the upcoming album, "Dying to Say This to You" for Swedish New Wave band The Sounds.
2006-2008: Mephisto Odyssey Reborn
In 2006 the Mephisto Odyssey song "Some Kinda Freak" from their Warner Bros. Debut The Deep Red Connection was licensed for the Quentin Tarantino production , (Directed by Eli Roth). The song appeared in a European discotheque scene and was featured prominently for almost 3 minutes. It was rumored through the music licensing company that worked on the film that Quentin Tarantino picked the song personally because of the songs vocal hook, which was a sample from an obscure horror film called Ganja and Hess. The licensing deal garnered a nice payday for Johnston so under the advisement of his attorney Elliot Cahn Johnston decided to bring Mephisto Odyssey out of moratorium with the idea that he would attract more licensing deals by writing new material. Friend and Mephisto Odyssey touring DJ Josh Camacho was invited to join the latest incarnation of the band and the two got to work producing new tracks. Over the course of the next 2 years Mephisto Odyssey released 5 new singles including Superphonic, Sexy Love (Featuring Kristo), Watch You Go, Bump (Featuring DJ Polywog & ), and Supachron. The band did indeed have measurable success licensing their material to both TV and video games such as ABC's show "", and the MTV show "."
Johnston also continued to work as an engineer and producer during this period. His credits include San Francisco based singer songwriter Stacy Kray, DJ Toure of the Hip Hop collective , and R & B singer songwriter Goapele. Johnston Mixed the Goapele single "Don't Be Shy", Mixed much of DJ Toure's upcoming solo album, and engineered and mixed Stacy Kray's album "My Last Eye."
In addition to his production and engineering duties Mikael was also involved in the design of a new private studio complex being built by friend and fellow music collaborator David Watson called The Zoo. The Zoo is now home to several bay area entertainment industry entities including Mephisto Odyssey, Dresden and Johnston, Skyblaze, David Watson and Elliot Cahn to name a few.
2008-present: Dresden & Johnston

During the Original Japanese Release, TOMY released a number of kits containing extra parts and weapons systems for various Zoids models. While there was no name for the sub-line as a whole, the kits are often collectively referred to as Remodelling Kits.
The line was likely the inspiration for the Zoids Customise Parts line that accompanied the New Japanese Release. Several kits from this line would be partially reissued as a part of the newer line.
Zoids Remodel Set One
The Zoids Remodel Set was the first non-Zoid kit released by TOMY. The set consisted of a single frame of assorted weapons and other equipment. The kit was designed for use with the Garius, Glidoler, Elephantus and other early Zoids. Most of the parts were non-specific in nature and could be connected to most Zoid models.
The set was released in 1983 and discontinued sometime around 1985. The entire kit is yet to be reissued, although some of its parts were remoulded and reissued with the Godos and Guysack.
Republic Customise Set
In the ZAC 2030s, the Helic Republic began an upgrade program to increase the firepower of its Zoids. The end result was the Republic Supercannons, a pair of massive, long-range cannons capable of destroying most Zoids in a single volley. The Republic upgraded their Zoids to use these new weapons.
The Republic Customise Set consisted of three frames. The first consisted of a frame of weapons which included the Supercannons, the second was a frame of additional equipment, and the third was a frame of connectors. It also included four rubber caps and two rubber tubes. The kit was moulded in light grey. The connectors allowed the cannons and other equipment to be used on the Gojulas, Gordos, Mammoth, Salamander, Dibison and Ultrasaurus. While no instructions were provided, the cannons could also be mounted on the Bigasaur.
The kit was first issued in 1986 and discontinued in 1987. The entire kit was re-used in the New Republic Customise Set.
Empire Customise Set
Following the deployment of the Supercannons, the Zenebas Empire developed its own upgrade program. Focusing on improving both the firepower and mobility of their Zoids, the result was a series of upgrades to various machines in their arsenal.
The Empire Customise Set consisted of three frames. The first consisted of a frame of weapons, the second was a frame of additional equipment, and the third was a frame of connectors. It also included a transparent frame, two backpacks, four rubber caps and two rubber tubes. The kit was moulded in light grey and clear red. The connectors allowed the cannons and other equipment to be used on the Redhorn, Iron Kong, Sabre Tiger and Dimetrodon.
The kit was first issued in 1986 and discontinued in 1987. The entire kit was re-used in the New Empire Customise Set.
New Republic Customise Set
The New Republic Customise set was a simple update and re-release of the Republic Customise Set with additional parts. It included all the components included in original the Republic Customise Set, as well as an additional weapons frame and two rubber caps (different size to the initial four). The cannons from this frame were designed for use on the Shield Liger, and could also be mounted on the Madthunder.
The kit was first issued in 1987 and discontinued in 1989. The entire kit has yet to be reissued; although individual frames have been reissued on their own or included in various Zoid kits.
*The weapons frame was reissued in white with the Gojulas Mk II and the TDP Gojulas Mk II and bronze with the Gojulas Mariner. It was also recoloured in dull blue for the CP-10 Gojulas Cannons.
*The weapons and equipment frames were reissued in black with the Gojulas Mk II Limited and Gojulas the Ogre.
*The weapons and connector frame was reissued in mint green with Salamander Bombvern.
*The weapons, equipment and connectors frame were reissued in light blue with the Cannoneer Gordos.
*The second weapons frame was reissued in gold with the Shield Liger Mk II and the TDP Shield Liger Mk II and in silver with the Shield Liger DCS-J. It was also issued in silver as the CP-01 Dual Beam Cannons.
New Empire Customise Set
The New Empire Customise set was a simple update and re-release of the Empire Customise Set with additional parts. It included all the components included in original the Republic Customise Set, as well as a new weapons and parts frame. The new parts were intended for use by the Sabre Tiger, and could be used to connect other parts to the Death Saurer
The kit was first issued in 1987 and discontinued in 1989. The entire kit has yet to be reissued; although different frames from it have been reissued with various kits.
*The equipment frame, clear frame and one of the thruster packs were reissued in charcoal grey with the Iron Kong Mk II and the TDP Iron Kong Mk II and white with the Iron Kong Yeti. They were also reissued in bronze as the CP-11 Manoeuvre Thruster.
*The equipment frame, weapons frame, clear frame and one of the thruster packs were reissued in silver with the Iron Kong Mk II Limited and in dull grey with the Iron Kong PK.
*The weapons frame, clear frame and part of the equipment frame were reissued in dull grey with the NAR version of the Iron Kong.
*The second weapons frame was reissued in silver with the Greatsabre and the TDP Greatsabre and in gunmetal with the Limited Sabre Tiger. It was also issued in silver as the CP-02 Assault Unit
As of 2006, the Connectors frame and the second backpack are yet to be re-released. As a consequence, a complete Empire Customise Set can fetch over $200 on eBay.
Other Releases
Components from the New Republic and New Empire customise sets were intended to be released as a mail-in offer from the Zoids2 line, but the offer was cancelled before the kits reached production.

Zoids Neo-Blox are the sixth incarnation of the Zoids series released in Asia. The line was released in May 2006, later put on hold in December 2006 and then finally announced canceled in April 2007. The Neo Blox line was produced by Tomy and was released only in Asia. The line featured all new Zoids, but had two sub-lines, the "Legend Blox" were miniatures of previous released Zoids in NJR, and the "Custom Blox" which were smaller blox Zoids capable of being trnasformed into weapons for the main Zoids in the line.
The line, compared to previous "Blox" Zoids, features stronger, more posable blox systems allowing for actual play and posing. The Neo-Blox is abbreviated as either NBZ or NB. Alternate abbreviations are used for the Legends Series (LB) and the Custom Blox (CBZ).
Model Kits / Toy Lines
Main Neo-Blox
There were 12 models that were released for the Neo-Blox main line over the course of three waves, with more planned in a fourth wave which were never released due to the cancellation of the Neo-Blox line on April 2007.
NBZ-01 Brave Jaguar
The Bravejaguar was released in April 2006 as the first Zoid available in the first wave. It was priced at 750 yen. Bravejaguar is a Republic Zoid and can combine with CBZ-01.
NBZ-02 Hardbear
The Hardbear was released in April 2006 as the second Zoid available in the first wave. It was priced at 750 yen. Hardbear is a Republic Zoid and can combine with CBZ-02.
NBZ-03 Hurricane Hawk
The Hurricane Hawk was released in April 2006 as the third Zoid available in the first wave. It was priced at 750 yen. Hurricane Hawk is a Republic Zoid and can combine with CBZ-03.
NBZ-04 Raptojaguar
The Raptojaguar was released in April 2006 as the first Zoid available in the first wave. It was priced at 750 yen. Raptojaguar is a Empire Zoid and can combine with CBZ-04.
NBZ-05 Stegoganzer
The Stegoganzer was released in April 2006 as the first Zoid available in the first wave. It was priced at 750 yen. Stegoganzer is a Empire Zoid and can combine with CBZ-05.
NBZ-06 Brachio Rackte
The Brachio Rackte was released in April 2006 as the sixth Zoid available in the first wave. It was priced at 750 yen. Brachio Rackte is a Empire Zoid and can combine with CBZ-06.
NBZ-07 Brave Jaguar Set
The Brave Jaguar Set was a promotional box set that included both NBZ-01 Bravejaguar and CBZ-01 Metalhopper. It was released in April 2006 during the first wave and was priced at 1,000 Yen.
NBZ-08 Rapto Jaguar Set
The Rapto Jaguar Set was a promotional box set that included both NBZ-04 Raptojaguar and CBZ-04 Harper. It was released in April 2006 during the first wave and was priced at 1,000 Yen.
NBZ-09 Bite Griffin
Bite Griffin was a fusion set of recolored NBZ-01 Bravejaguar, NBZ-02 Hard Bear and NBZ-03 Hurricane Hawk reassembled to form a Griffin-like Zoid. It was released in July 2006 during the second wave and was priced at 2,300 Yen.
NBZ-10 Groundraco
Groundraco was a fusion set of recolored NBZ-04 Raptojaguar, NBZ-05 Stegoganzer and NBZ-06 Brachio Rackte reassembled to form a Dragon-like Zoid. It was released in July 2006 during the second wave and was priced at 2,300 Yen.
NBZ-11 Valkyrie Caesar
Valkyrie Caesar was a fusion set of recolored NBZ-01 Bravejaguar, NBZ-02 Hard Bear and LBZ-02 Murasame Liger LB reassembled. It was released in September 2006 during the third wave and was priced at 2,500 Yen.
NBZ-12 G2 Rex
G2 Rex was a fusion set of recolored NBZ-04 Raptojaguar, NBZ-05 Stegoganzer and LBZ-01 Gojulas LB reassembled. It was released in September 2006 during the third wave and was priced at 2,500 Yen.
Unreleased Neo-Blox / Fourth Wave
*NBZ-13 Croc-Type
Its mock-up was made of Barigator, Unenlagia, Laser Storm, Diploguns, Demonshead, Raptojaguar, Missile Tortoise and DimetroPtera parts. Was slated for a release in December 2006, but the series was cancelled prior to any final production models being produced.
*NBZ-14 Ptera-Type
Its mock-up was made of Mosasledge, Liger Zero X, Nightwise, Salamander, Flyscissors, and Unenlagia parts. Was slated for a release in December 2006, but the series was cancelled prior to any final production models being produced.
*NBZ-15 Lobster-Type
Seen in prototype illustrations. Was available for pre-order for a short period of time on various on-line store with a tentative release date of March 2007.
*NBZ-16 Anklyo-Type
Seen in prototype illustrations. Was available for pre-order for a short period of time on various on-line store with a tentative release date of March 2007.
*NBZ-## Ptera Set
Comes with a recolor of LB Iron Kong, NBZ-14 and new weapons. Was announced and on display at a toy show.
*NBZ-##
Combination of recolored Hurricane Hawk, LB Iron Kong, and Brave Jaguar. Was on display at a toy show.
*NBZ-##
Combination of recolored BrachioRakete, LB Red Horn, and RaptoJaguar. Was on display at a toy show.
Custom Blox
There were only six Custom Bloxs released during the first wave, and it is unknown if others were planned. Each Custom Blox was sold in a randomly assorted box for 300 Yen, with the exception of the Custom Blox Collection Box.
*CB-01 Metalhopper
Combined with NBZ-01 Brave Jaguar.
*CB-02 Spearwing
Combined with NBZ-02 Hard Bear.
*CB-03 Garnnard
Combined with NBZ-03 Hurricane Hawk.
*CB-04 Harper
Combined with NBZ-04 Raptojaguar.
*CB-05 Killerbee
Combined with NBZ-05 Stegoganzer.
*CB-06 Deadbuster
Combined with NBZ-06 Brachio Rackete.
*Custom Blox Collection Box
Included CBZ-00, a promotional Custom Blox Zoid; as well as CBZ-01 Metalhopper, CBZ-02 Spearwing, CBZ-03 Garnnard and CBZ-04 Harper.
Legend Blox
There were six models released over the course of three waves in the Legend Blox sub-lines, and the Zoids Evo-Drive series bear resemblance to the Legend Bloxs.
*LBZ-01 LB Gojulas
*LBZ-02 LB Murasame Liger
*LBZ-03 LB Gojulas MK-II
*LBZ-04 LB Iron Kong
*LBZ-05 LB Iron Kong MK-II
*LBZ-06 LB Red Horn
Limited/Special Edition Models
* CB-00 Air Splitter
Came with a promotional Custom Blox set of CB-00 through CB-04.
* LB Dark Horn
Limited to 500. Mail-in offer.
* RaptoCeaser
Production was limited to 3000. Was available at the Worlds Hobby Festival.
* Zoids Evo Drive LB CP-03
Zoids 25th Anniversary Special. Was available as a Zoids Core store Exclusive.
Battle Story
There was an official backstory to the Neo-blox line, however no official or unofficial translation has been done of the backstory. The story can be found on the back of the Zoid boxes.
Reception
The first wave (NBZ-01 to NBZ-08, CBZ-01 to CBZ-02, and LBZ-01 to LBZ-02) was met with a mixture of emotions from Zoids fans, some supporting the new line and others planning to boycott the line. After its release, feelings stayed mutual until the second wave (NBZ-09 to NBZ-10 and LBZ-03 to LBZ-04) when the sides began to tip towards the disapproving side. With the third wave (NBZ-11 to NBZ-12 and LBZ-05 to LBZ-06) the sides tipped down even more. However, with the prototype pictures of the fourth (unreleased) wave, the sides flipped, and many began to support the line. However, the fourth wave was never released due to the line being terminated by Tomy.