Ipecac Recordings, the indie label co-founded by Greg Werckman and Mike Patton, is celebrating its 25th anniversary by reissuing the first three Fantômas albums on vinyl.
Werckman and Patton founded Ipecac in 1999 to release the self-titled debut by Fantômas — the experimental rock supergroup featuring Patton alongside Buzz Osborne, Dave Lombardo, and Trevor Dunn. The idea was to retain all creative control following Patton’s major label experiences with Faith No More and Mr. Bungle, and Ipecac has remained a vital and active underground label since its formation.
Expanding out from Fantômas, Ipecac has since released albums by the likes The Melvins, Mr. Bungle, ISIS, Faith No More, Eagles of Death Metal, Dälek (whose debut Negro Necro Nekros is also being reissued for the 25th anniversary), and many more.
“A label does not last 25 years without consumer support,” said Werckman via a press release. “We are not the biggest or hippest record label, that was never our goal, but we are so lucky to have such a loyal, adventurous fanbase. We appreciate you and THANK you!”
Added Patton: “Ipecac was us realizing we needed to start creating our own universe, where albums that didn’t necessarily fit other, more traditional labels, could have a home.”
The trio of Fantômas albums (the self-titled debut; The Director’s Cut; and Suspended Animation) are all arriving in multiple vinyl colorways — marking the first-ever individual release of the records on vinyl — on May 17th. You can pre-order the LPs via Ipecac’s webstore.
“As we look ahead to the next chapter, one thing remains certain: the spirit of creativity that has defined the label from the beginning will continue,” stated Ipecac General Manager, Marc Schapiro.
Speaking of Fantômas, two of the group’s core members — Buzz Osborne and Trevor Dunn — are heading on tour to perform material from their acoustic album, Gift of Sacrifice, which was released by Ipecac in 2020. The “King Dunn” tour kicks off in August, and you can get tickets here.
Check out product photos of the Fantômas vinyl reissues below.