As Katzenjammer and Sons of Kyuss (1987–1991) The band formed in 1987 jamming under the name
Katzenjammer (German slangword for "Hangover" [
archaic], literally "moaning of a cat") before eventually deciding upon
Sons of Kyuss. Brant Bjork selected the name from the
undead monster found in the
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. consisted of small crowds of people, beer drinking, and the use of gasoline-powered generators to provide electricity for the equipment. Homme commented that playing in the desert "was the shaping factor for the band" noting that "there's no clubs here, so you can only play for free. If people don't like you, they'll tell you. You can't suck." Guitarist Josh Homme soon gained a reputation for his unique downtuned,
psychedelic style of guitar playing, and his convention of playing electric guitars through bass guitar amplifiers to create a bass-heavy sound. In 1992, the band, along with new producer
Chris Goss, began work on their next album,
Blues for the Red Sun. Goss understood the band, and was able to accurately capture their live sound in the studio. Released in June that year, the album was critically hailed and is today widely regarded as a pioneering
stoner rock record. By the end of 1993, they were invited to open nine dates for
Metallica touring Australia. However, personal problems emerged and drummer Brant Bjork left the band following completion of the recording sessions. Bjork cited his extreme distaste for touring, particularly band relationship problems that develop during long periods on the road. He was replaced by
Alfredo Hernández, who had previously played with Reeder in the band Across the River during the mid-80s. The album was initially scheduled to be released in January 1994, but Chameleon went under in November 1993. In July 1995, Kyuss released their fourth and final album,
...And the Circus Leaves Town. The band's only album recorded for a major label, it featured a simpler sound, in contrast to the instrumentally based
Welcome to Sky Valley. The band has reportedly received numerous offers to reform, all of which have been turned down: Scott Reeder also commented on a possible Kyuss reunion in early 2008, saying "I think everyone but Josh would do it in a heartbeat". Reeder also noted that he would "do it for free beer again". In 1997, Homme, Bjork, and Oliveri recorded three songs together ("13th Floor", "Simple Exploding Man", & "Cocaine Rodeo") for Mondo Generator's debut album
Cocaine Rodeo, released in 2000. Also featuring Garcia and Chris Goss on one track, the songs are regarded by many fans as the true final Kyuss recordings. In 2000, a compilation album,
Muchas Gracias: The Best of Kyuss, was released. The album is a collection of the band's singles, as well as B-sides and live material. Although Kyuss left behind some "rarities", many of them were released on
Muchas Gracias, and further releases from the band appear unlikely. Singer John Garcia told
Billboard in a 2005 interview: In 2010, a European "John Garcia plays Kyuss" tour was announced. In June 2010, former Kyuss members Nick Oliveri and Brant Bjork joined Garcia onstage to perform "Green Machine" and "Gardenia" during a headlining appearance by "Garcia Plays Kyuss" at
Hellfest in
Clisson, France, and they also appeared onstage with Garcia in other concerts on the tour. in 2011 In November 2010, Garcia, Oliveri and Bjork announced plans to tour under the moniker "
Kyuss Lives!" with guitarist Bruno Fevery. In reference to the new band name, Garcia stated that "there is never going to be a Kyuss without
Josh Homme" and that "hopefully in the future him and I can get together and do some writing." The band went on to tour Europe, New Zealand, and North and South America. The band then announced plans to record a new studio album for a summer 2012 release in addition to a live album. However, in March 2012, it was revealed that Josh Homme, after persuading bassist Scott Reeder to support him, had filed a federal lawsuit against John Garcia and Brant Bjork alleging "trademark infringement and consumer fraud" over the use of the Kyuss name despite the fact Brant Bjork had originally created the name. Nick Oliveri left the project later that month after it was revealed that Garcia and Bjork had tried to take control of the Kyuss trademark. On November 29, 2012, it was announced that Kyuss Lives! had changed their name to
Vista Chino. In 2021, Bjork stated he had reached out to Homme in regards to his comments, however, the probability of a reunion has been put into question due to a lack of communication from Homme. == Style and legacy ==