Mike Patton must laugh at rock bands that take extended periods between albums and complain of time restraints. Since the dissolution of Faith No More in 1998, Patton worked like a man possessed -- unleashing a steady stream of releases by the numerous groups he fronts -- among them Mr. Bungle, Fantômas, and Tomahawk (not to mention that he founded his own label, Ipecac). Joining Patton in Tomahawk is a star-studded cast that includes former Jesus Lizard/Hank Williams III guitarist Duane Denison, former Mark of Cain/Helmet drummer John Stanier, and Melvins bassist Kevin Rutmanis, which proves to be quite similar musically to FNM's latter-day output (circa Angel Dust, King for a Day, and Album of the Year). October 2001 saw the release of Tomahawk's self-titled debut on Ipecac (produced by Joe "Jerry" Reed, Emmylou Harris, the Judds' Joe Funderburk) and followed with a supporting tour. In May 2003 the supergroup completed another savage mix of experimental alternative metal titled Mit Gas with Joe Barresi before founding member Rutmanis left the band. In 2007, inspired by when Denison visited Indian reservations on tour as guitarist for Hank Williams III, Tomahawk switched gears and recorded Anonymous, a concept album that combined spooky Native American-inspired songs with metal. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
In 2001 the band released their first album, the self-titled Tomahawk, produced by Joe Funderburk. The band recorded their next album, Mit Gas, with producer Joe Barresi in 2003. Both albums were issued by Ipecac Recordings.
Tomahawk have toured extensively, playing in many countries around the world, including the United States, Australia, Europe and Japan. They generally headline shows but have been the supporting act for bands such as Tool. Tomahawk took part in the "Geek Tour", which featured labelmates The Melvins and Fantômas. Tomahawk have also played at various festivals, including the Big Day Out festival in Australia.[2]
The band's third album, Anonymous, was released on June 19th 2007 through Ipecac Recordings. Kevin Rutmanis left the band during the recording; reasons for his departure are unknown. Rutmanis claims that he didn't even know he had been fired until hearing that the group had begun working on new material.[citation needed] The band is now working as a trio.[3]
