'90s Metal Band, Rejected by Rock Legend, Ranked Among 'Greatest Supergroups' of All Time
Fantômas is celebrated for its avant-garde and experimental metal sound and has been recognized among the greatest supergroups of all time.
On its list of the 12 greatest supergroups in hard rock and heavy metal history, Revolver Magazine included the quartet among the most influential all-star acts the genre has ever produced.
Formed in 1998 in California, the band united notable members from Slayer, Melvins and Mr. Bungle, creating one of heavy metal's most acclaimed supergroups.
Fronted by Mike Patton of Faith No More and Mr. Bungle on vocals, the lineup also featured Slayer's Dave Lombardo on drums, Buzz Osborne on guitar and Trevor Dunn of Mr. Bungle and Tomahawk on bass.
As for the band's name, the members chose one inspired by a fictional character.
Fantômas was named in tribute to the supervillain known as the "Lord of Terror" from the World War I era of pulp novels.
Before the turn of the new millennium, the band released its self-titled debut album in 1999.
The 30-track album is an experimental concept record that showcases a fusion of hardcore, thrash metal,punk and grindcore-infused metal.
What made the album unique was that, instead of traditional song names, the tracks were simply titled "Page 1," "Page 2," and so on.
"Page 5" has become one of the band's best-known tracks, praised for its intense and frantic structure.
Fantômas released three more albums, including the critically acclaimed 2001 album, The Director's Cut which featured the band's reinterpretations of theme songs from classic horror and crime films including The Godfather, Rosemary's Baby, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and The Omen.
Adding to its discography were Delìrium Còrdia in 2004 and Suspended Animation in 2005, the band's fourth and final studio album.
Before Fantômas was officially formed, Patton sent a set of demos to Sepultura's Igor Cavalera in hopes of forming a band with him.
However, only Osborne and Dunn agreed, while the legendary Brazilian drummer declined the invitation since he couldn't fully relate to the concept of the band.
Instead, he recommended Dave Lombardo, who ultimately completed the band's original lineup.
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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 10:10 AM.