In spite of his group's slow-but-steady advance to the top, Johnston became somewhat frustrated at what felt like a career stall. He began to try his hand at side projects. He co-produced albums by fellow techno artists including Simply Jeff (Funk-da-Fried, Vol. 2, 1998), released tracks under the name Seraphim Odyssey (also a collaboration with Dejournette), and began to explore the idea of collaborating with DJ Barrie Eves, who had been a supporter and friend since Dream of the Black Dahlia was first released. However, Johnston could not improve upon or even duplicate the success of Mephisto Odyssey, and eventually the band (which now included Eves) decided to get back together. Success followed success; soon the act was signed to Warner Bros. and swiftly evolving from underground darlings to crossover potentials.
As the co-producer and songwriter for Mephisto Odyssey, Johnston has gained the reputation of an eclectic (the band has been classified as everything from jazz to drum'n'bass) and a great remixer. Indeed, the remixes of So What by Jane's Addiction first brought the group to Warner Bros.' attention in 1999, and the remixes of Static X's album Machine (2001) brought Johnston full circle -- back into the realm of rock once again. ~ L. Katz, Rovi