Photo credit: Marv Watson

Last Saturday, lucky metal fans were able to see a slew of acts at Tool’s one-day California festival. Tool was joined by Primus, Melvins, Clutch and previously-inactive metal supergroup, Fantômas. This was the first time that Fantômas has played together in nearly two and a half years, and the first show they’ve played in the states since December 31st, 2008. The appearance was announced back in May, and fans have been psyched since. During their set, they played the entirety of fan favorite album, “The Director’s Cut.” Check out the footage at the bottom of the page.
 
Primarily active and releasing four albums between 1999 to 2005, Fantômas is known for their avant-garde style, absurdism, and consistent reference to comic books and fiction. Primary credit for the group is attributed to prolific musician, Mike Patton, who is most known as the lead singer of alternative metal band, Faith No More. Though, he is far from the only member worthy of mention – the lineup is rounded out by Buzz Osborne of the Melvins on guitar, avant-garde musician of many projects Trevor Dunn on bass, and Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo.
 
What was strange about Saturday’s show is that typical drummer, Dave Lombardo, was replaced by was replaced by Melvins drummer, Dale Crover. This led many to wonder whether Lombardo was still a part of the project. A representative confirmed Dave Lombardo is still officially Fantomas’ drummer – Crover was just filling in for the set. As Lombardo is currently touring with Suicidal Tendencies in Europe, it would be difficult for him to make it to the festival. To the disappointment of many, it was also confirmed that this was, in fact, just a one-off show, there are no immediate plans for further tour dates.
 

Anyone who wants to read more about last Saturday’s gargantuan show can check out mxdwn’s concert write-up here!
 
So, maybe we’re not going to see another Fantômas show for a good while. But, hey, they never said anything about no new music, right? In any case, there’s always the new Tool album to look forward to, which according to bassist Justin Chancellor, is about 90% done.