Mike Patton is a busy guy of late. A collaboration with the Avett Brothers resulted in an album, AVTT/PTTN at the tail end of last year and a subsequent tour. And more recently was the announcement of the reformation of supergroup of sorts, Tomahawk for the band’s 25th anniversary with Duane Denison (Jesus Lizard), John Stanier (Helmet/Battles), and Trevor Dunn (Mr Bungle). For the uninitiated, Tomahawk is heavy and rocks hard but doesn’t take itself too seriously.

The 25th Anniversary Tour made a stop at the famed 9:30 Club Sunday night. Of course, it couldn’t be a real reunion without a little help from King Buzzo and company, Melvins who were right there at the start of Tomahawk, touring side-by-side at the very beginning.

It didn’t take long for the massive line that had formed outside the club to fill things out by the time Bristol artist Ni Maitres took the stage as sort of an unannounced opener with a cinematically electronic set. Now is probably a good time for some self-disclosure. I’d never seen Melvins live before. I know what you might be thinking, but, hey, better late than never.

I only mention this because seeing their set at the 9:30 Club had me kicking myself for not seeing them before that night. Dueling drummers in Dale Crover and Coady Willis – check. Outfits emblazoned with all-seeing eyes – check. Some of the heaviest riffs while simultaneously looking like they are having the time of their lives – check and double check. While Buzz Osborne (guitar/vocals) took one side of the stage Steven Shane McDonald (bass/vocals) took the opposite matching each other with their brand of manic guitar thrash. The brilliant set culminated with “Honey Bucket” and a special version of “Night Goat” as Trevor Dunn joined the group making a double bass/double drums combo that ended in layers of feedback and screaming fans.

As Tomahawk made it to the stage, you could feel the anticipation. This is a band who hadn’t performed live in about 13 years. One day there’s no Tomahawk and the next there are a string of sold-out shows, including their DC stop. And without missing a beat (no pun intended) the band launched into “Flashback” from their self-titled debut.

The harmonizing bass and guitar lines that burst into frenetic mini explosions as Patton goes from melodic lines to shouts on “Predators and Scavengers” from Tomahawk’s last full-length Tonic Immobility was incredible to finally witness face-to-face.

Not having had the chance to tour the album previously, a good chunk of the set was devoted to Tonic Immobility. “Business Casual” with its slinky bass-heavy verses and hardcore punk chorus and “Doomsday Fatigue” followed.

I’m a big fan of John Stanier’s work with Helmet and Battles and he hasn’t lost any of that ferocious power. In fact, I got the feeling watching Tomahawk that these songs really bring out his range as drummer.

Going between a slower gothic southwestern rattlesnake groove in one moment as Patton croons on one song to a full-throated howl the next kept this crowd on its toes.

Check out the 2002 Channel V broadcast of “God Hates a Coward” by Tomahawk below:

“We’re gonna end with a really sad drunken note,” Patton told the crowd before the band played the possibly the drunkest version of George Jones’ “Just One More” I’ve seen. But that was far from all she wrote as Tomahawk returned for possibly the best encore you could hope for.

Following “White Hats / Black Hats,” Patton broke out a gas mask with built-in distorted mic for arguably the band’s most popular song, “God Hates a Coward.” At that point the whole club erupted.

Tomahawk gave DC one incredible night and I really hope this isn’t a one off thing. I think this world needs more of Tomahawk. In the meantime, the band continues their tour through mid-August and it’s one not to miss.

The setlist included:

Flashback
SHHH!
Predators and Scavengers
Business Casual
Doomsday Fatigue
Capt. Midnight
Rape This Day
Eureka
Birdsong
Howlie
Recoil
South Paw
I.O.U.
Fatback
Point and Click
Just One More (George Jones cover)

Encore:
White Hats / Black Hats
God Hates a Coward
Stalkin’ (Duane Eddy cover)
Sidewinder
Totem

Check out more photos of Tomahawk rocking a sold-out 9:30 Club on Sunday, July 26, 2026. All photos are copyright David LaMason:

And check out more photos of Melvins performing at the 9:30 Club:

And kicking things off was Ni Maitres: