Totimoshi

Originating from a fusion of alternative rock, punk, and metal elements drawn chiefly from Melvins and early Nirvana, the enigmatic Oakland, California-based trio Totimoshi assembled in 1997 when vocalist/guitarist Tony Aguilar joined forces with bassist Meg Castellanos. Since that point a rotating cast of drummers has joined the founding duo. Their catalog comprises the self-titled debut LP from 1999, 2001’s ¿Mysterioso? (with Johann Zamora on drums), and 2003’s Monolí (featuring Don Newenhouse). As the group’s direction matured, Luke Herbst came aboard for the 2007 album Ladrón, another enigmatic set produced by Helmet’s Page Hamilton. Volcom released Milagrosa in 2008; Aguilar portrayed the record as “an imaginary fight between love/compassion and hate/violence.” Recording for a follow-up began in 2009, yet the band’s dismissal from its label forced an independent path that stretched out the sessions. Avenger finally surfaced in summer 2011 on the group’s own At a Loss Recordings imprint, with guest appearances by Dale Crover of the Melvins, Brent Hinds of Mastodon, and Scott Kelly of Neurosis.