Tomahawk: A Supergroup Built on Collaboration and Sonic Prowess

Tomahawk, the American rock supergroup, emerged from the fertile musical minds of Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle) and Duane Denison (The Jesus Lizard) in 1999. Their shared passion for pushing sonic boundaries led them to exchange music with the aim of creating something truly unique.

Denison, known for his searing guitar work, brought in drummer John Stanier (Helmet), a powerhouse behind the kit. Patton, the enigmatic vocalist and keyboardist, rounded out the lineup with bass player Kevin Rutmanis (Melvins/ex-Cows).

The group's debut album, recorded in Nashville during the spring of 2001, marked the beginning of their journey. The following years saw extensive touring and the release of two more critically acclaimed albums.

While the band went on an extended hiatus in 2007, their sonic legacy continued to resonate. In 2013, Tomahawk returned, with Trevor Dunn replacing Rutmanis on bass, ready to unleash their intense and experimental rock upon the world once more.

Early Days (1999-2000):

Patton, fresh off the breakup of Faith No More in 1998, had already established the Ipecac Recordings label and returned to the fold with Mr. Bungle. He also formed the experimental metal supergroup Fantômas with Buzz Osborne of the Melvins and Dave Lombardo of Slayer.

It was during a Mr. Bungle concert in Nashville that Patton met Denison. This meeting sparked a creative fire, resulting in a musical exchange and jamming sessions that would ultimately shape the sound of Tomahawk.

Underoath: A Rock Band's Journey Through Sound and Change

Underoath, often stylized as Underøath or UnderOath, emerged from the Florida music scene, born in Ocala in 1997. The band, originally a Christian group, was founded by vocalist Dallas Taylor and guitarist Luke Morton. They later relocated to Tampa, where drummer, clean vocalist, and last remaining original member Aaron Gillespie joined the fold.

Underoath's early years were marked by frequent lineup changes. Taylor's powerful vocals graced the band's first three releases - Act of Depression, Cries of the Past, and The Changing of Times. However, he left in 2003, paving the way for Spencer Chamberlain to become the new lead vocalist. This change marked a turning point for Underoath, leading to a more stable lineup that would define their sound for years to come.

The band's breakthrough came with the release of They're Only Chasing Safety and Define the Great Line, both achieving Gold certification from the RIAA. These albums cemented Underoath's mainstream success, with Define the Great Line hitting number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Underoath continued to explore their musical direction with their sixth album, Lost in the Sound of Separation, which also achieved top-ten success on the Billboard 200. However, following its release, Gillespie left the band, making way for former Norma Jean drummer Daniel Davison.

The band's seventh album, Ø (Disambiguation), saw the departure from their Christian roots and the emergence of Chamberlain and McTague's clean vocals in Gillespie's absence. This marked a new chapter in Underoath's story, showcasing their ability to adapt and innovate while retaining their core sound.

Throughout their evolution, Underoath has left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape. Their distinctive blend of heavy riffs, emotive lyrics, and shifting vocals has captured the hearts of millions, establishing them as a powerful and enduring force in the music world.