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Rating: THE REVIEW
In chronological order: Mr. Bungle, Faith No More, Fantomas, Maldoror, Tomahawk.
The good "Mr. Icchis" this time wanted to be a "show-off":
Duane Denison (Jesus Lizard) on guitar
John Stainer (Helmet) on drums
Kevin Rutmanis (Melvins/Cows) on bass
After the release of "She," a unique work with Masami Akita, fans of FNM are delighted to return to a "Hardrockmelodicosemisperimental" sound that made the five Californians famous; given that, despite Denison's guitar reviving (vague) memories of Jesus Lizard and the samples bringing to mind "Disco Volante," this work inspires more FNM to me than anything else: Jesus Lizard were a different thing, the breaks, even if sudden, remain more or less in the same musical genre, so we exclude Mr. Bungle, Fantomas are Fantomas and there are few comparisons (The Director’s Cut).
This was the necessary premise that now accompanies any work of "Icchis," and even though with the lineup that was put together it was a bit difficult to make a poor work, it was also normal to expect an album of the highest level, and in my opinion, the goal was fully achieved.
The album opens with "Flashback," and it's immediately clear from the "decisive" sound that you are listening to a unique group, no self-copying, no excessive reimagining; it continues with "101 North," a dark song with a melodic chorus; with "Point And Click" you go even deeper into the "dark-zone" of Denison & Co., then with "God Hates A Coward" you return to a powerful sound wave, while "Pop 1" illustrates the schizophrenia that will characterize the whole album, reaching hospitalization peaks with "Sir, Yes Sir," a track suitably mitigated by the previous "Sweet Smell Of Success," melodically very FNM; from here on you depart for the planet Tomahawk with distorted sounds/voices and alternating rhythms: "Jocstrap" "Malocchio" "Laredo," the distressing "Honey Moon." For those wondering about the oddities, we find in the central part of the album the country ballad "Cul De Sac", and the final "Narcosis," whose name says it all.
"Mr. Icchis" doesn't miss a beat, and just a few months after the release of "The Director's Cut," he offers crossover enthusiasts another collector’s piece, which given the release of "Mit Gas," I don’t think pleased only me.
Rating 4/5 only because it came out in 2001, and Mr. Bungle in 1989.....
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Summary by Bot
This review praises Tomahawk's 2001 debut album as a successful experimental hard rock project led by Mike Patton. The lineup of accomplished musicians delivers a unique and powerful sound reminiscent of Faith No More but stands apart from related acts. Tracks range from melodic to dark and distorted, with notable diversity including country ballad elements. The album is recommended for fans of innovative rock and crossover genres, earning a 4/5 rating.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Tomahawk
Tomahawk is an American rock supergroup formed in 1999 by Mike Patton, Duane Denison, John Stanier, and Kevin Rutmanis. Trevor Dunn later joined on bass. Their albums include Tomahawk (2001), Mit Gas (2003), Anonymous (2007), Oddfellows (2013), and Tonic Immobility (2021).06 Reviews
Other reviews
By TheSilentMan
Tomahawk is a remarkable record that recalls, in some moments, the regretted Faith No More.
A lot of melody and atmosphere often dominate this album.
By vv
This first Tomahawk album is a real trip, which makes me think of trashy fake chic hotel rooms with black sheets and lines of coke spread out on the table.
Patton keeps you in suspense, you become his toy, because he totally captures you; he is your puppeteer, he plays with you and his voice, with his sound tricks.
