Tomahawk (band)

Lore & Background

Tomahawk formed in 1999 when Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle) met guitarist Duane Denison (The Jesus Lizard) at a Mr. Bungle concert in Nashville. They began exchanging tapes and jamming, then recruited drummer John Stanier (Helmet) and bassist Kevin Rutmanis (Melvins/ex-Cows). The band recorded their self-titled debut album in May and June 2001 in Nashville, released on October 30, 2001, produced by Joe Funderburk. They toured extensively, including as support for Tool in 2002, where they were frequently booed for insulting crowds, and played festivals like the 2002 Big Day Out in Australia.

Their second album, Mit Gas (2003), was produced by Joe Barresi. The band participated in the 2003 "Geek Tour" with labelmates the Melvins and Fantômas. During early years, they dressed as police officers in promotional photos and concerts. After touring ended in late 2003, the band went on hiatus from 2004 to 2006. Their third album, Anonymous (2007), incorporated Native American music elements; Kevin Rutmanis left during recording for unknown reasons. No live shows were performed for that album, and the band remained inactive from 2008 to 2011.

In 2011, Patton announced a fourth album. Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantômas) replaced Rutmanis on bass. The box set Eponymous To Anonymous was released in 2012. The band played their first live shows since 2003 in late 2012. Oddfellows was released on January 29, 2013. A planned 2014 Mexico show was canceled due to illness. The single "M.E.A.T." was released in May 2014. After another hiatus, the band released Tonic Immobility on March 26, 2021. In 2024, they announced a 2025 festival appearance that was later canceled. A 2026 tour with Melvins is scheduled for the band's 25th anniversary, but no new music is being worked on.

Reader's Guide

Tomahawk's significance lies in its role as a supergroup that consistently pushed genre boundaries while maintaining a core rock foundation. The band's debut album was noted as one of Patton's most straightforward rock projects, yet still eclectic and not mass-marketable. Their second album, Mit Gas, incorporated metal and punk influences with instrumental segues. Anonymous marked a stylistic shift by integrating Native American music elements, while Oddfellows was described as "avant-pop" with jazz influences. The band's long hiatuses and periodic reunions reflect the members' other commitments, but their catalog remains a touchstone for experimental rock and alternative metal. The 2021 album Tonic Immobility was recorded over several years, with pandemic lockdowns finally allowing Patton to complete vocals. Tomahawk's legacy includes influencing later experimental rock acts and demonstrating how a supergroup can evolve its sound across decades without losing its identity.

Did You Know?

• Tomahawk formed after Mike Patton met Duane Denison at a Mr. Bungle concert in Nashville in 1999.
• During their early years, the band often dressed as police officers in promotional photos and concerts.
• Their third album, Anonymous, incorporated Native American music elements and was recorded without live performances.
• The band's 2021 album Tonic Immobility was recorded over four years, with Patton finishing vocals during the COVID-19 pandemic.