The supergroup Tomahawk formed in 1999 after Mike Patton of Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, and Fantomas fame started swapping tapes with ex-The Jesus Lizard guitarist, Duane Denison.

More of a joint venture than other Patton “collaborations”, both recruited the final two members of the band: Denison selected drummer John Stanier of Helmet and math rock band Battles, whilst Kevin Rutmanis, of Cows and Melvins, a band who Patton has multiple connections with, filled in on bass.