Drummer Bordin had studied Tribal Rhythm at Berkeley University, and was a major factor in their unique sound. Martin was a metal guitarist with an obsession for Black Sabbath heavy guitar riffs (he was recommended by Metallica's Cliff Burton), Gould played rock bass with funk elements such as 'slap' bass, and vocalist Moseley was a typical hardcore punk singer, with an unconventional yet melodic voice. Prior to Moseley being chosen, rumour has it that Courtney Love was auditioned and performed one gig with the band.
First album 'We Care A Lot' was initially a low-key affair, due to it's low budget and minor label status. It did, however, suggest the direction that their next release would take. Signed to Slash Records (part of the Warner Bros group), their first breakthrough came with 'Introduce Yourself', which benefitted from a major label production, giving their strange brew of different styles the 'widescreen' sound that it required. The single 'We Care A Lot' was re-recorded from their debut album and met with critical acclaim, also bringing them to the attention of the mainstream rock public for the first time.
By this point the band were constantly fighting, with all members having been reported as walking out on various different occasions. The upshot of the tensions were that vocalist Moseley was sacked (later taking a temporary role as vocalist for fellow innovators Bad Brains), and new member Mike Patton recruited in his place. With Moseley's departure Faith No More simultaneously lost a colourful, pop-art styled frontman with a punk attitude, and gained a slick but equally talented operatic rock vocalist.
The first release with this line-up brought the mainstream success that the potential of their previous release had suggested. 'The Real Thing' benefitted from the more accessible sound of a competent singer with less coarse edges than his predecessor, giving them a major hit with the single 'Epic'. Despite this success, the band were still reported to be constantly fighting, and even when interviewed admitted to ganging up on each other when not performing. This tension was always just beneath the surface, and it could be argued that this was what pushed their live performances into the realm of true rock 'n' roll experiences, with the hyperactive Patton often finishing the set high above the stage climbing amongst the lighting rigs.
The next release, 'Live at the Brixton Academy' was a mini-album, seemingly released to cash-in on the band's current popularity, and to fill the gap while the band toured for three solid years on the back of it's predecessor.
Patton released a new album with his still functioning pre-Faith No more act, Mr Bungle, before returning for the release of 'Angel Dust'. This album was a sharp turn away from the mainstream, but was typically both experimental and accessible, whilst taking on a darker feel both lyrically and sonically (the odd-one-out being a cover version of the Commodores 'I'm Easy' which brought them further chart success).
The continuing tension within the band manifested itself in the departure of founder guitarist Jim Martin, who was replaced by Patton's fellow Mr Bungle member Trey Spruance. The subsequent album 'King For a Day . . Fool For a Lifetime' continued the darker feel premiered on 'Angel Dust', with the band sounding more comfortable together than on previous releases. Spruance had also exited the band shortly after recording finished, and Dean Menta, a former member of their road crew was drafted in as a replacement.
Constant rumours of a final bust-up surfaced for the next 2 years as various members devoted time to other projects (Mike Bordin toured with Ozzy Osbourne, Patton with Mr Bungle, and Roddy Bottum formed an indie-pop band Imperial Teen, as well as breaking a still prevalent rock taboo by speaking openly about being gay).
Once again a new guitarist was required, as according to the band, Menta was unsuited to their usual writing and recording process. A friend of Gould, Jon Hudson became the final addition to the band before the recording and release of their last album, 'Stripsearch'.
Further rumours of a split again began circulating, this time proving to be true, and Faith No More played their last show on April 7 1998, in Lisbon, Portugal.
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE FAITH NO MORE: Janes Addiction, Bad Brains, Rage Against the Machine, Deftones, Living Colour, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Public Image Ltd, Killing Joke.