A History of Bongzilla

Title: Unearthing the Heavy Haze: A Deep Dive into the History of Bongzilla

In the smoky realm of stoner metal, one band stands out for their unique blend of sludgy riffs, hazy vocals, and a name that perfectly encapsulates their sound – Bongzilla. Formed in 1995 in Madison, Wisconsin, Bongzilla quickly rose to prominence in the underground metal scene with their fuzzed-out, psychedelic sound and their unabashed celebration of all things cannabis.

The band’s original lineup consisted of Mike “Muleboy” Makela on guitar and vocals, Jeff Schultz on guitar, Cooter Brown on bass, and Mike “Magma” Henry on drums. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Black Sabbath, Sleep, and Electric Wizard, Bongzilla forged their own path in the stoner metal genre, blending thick, distorted guitar tones with groovy, hypnotic rhythms that transported listeners to a hazy, riff-filled dimension.

Bongzilla’s debut album, “Stash,” released in 1999, immediately caught the attention of metal fans and critics alike. The album’s raw, unapologetic sound and lyrics revolving around marijuana culture struck a chord with listeners seeking an escape from the mundane realities of everyday life. Tracks like “Gestation” and “Trinity” showcased the band’s ability to craft heavy, immersive sonic landscapes that enveloped listeners in a cloud of smoke and distortion.

Following the success of “Stash,” Bongzilla embarked on extensive tours, sharing the stage with fellow heavyweights like Eyehategod, Weedeater, and High on Fire. Their live performances became legendary for their sheer intensity and the band’s ability to create a palpable sense of camaraderie with their audience, united in their love for heavy music and a good smoke.

In 2002, Bongzilla released their sophomore album, “Gateway,” further solidifying their status as one of the leading forces in the stoner metal scene. Tracks like “Greenthumb” and “Keefmaster” showcased the band’s evolution in terms of songwriting and musicianship, while still retaining the signature heaviness and groove that defined their sound.

However, despite their growing success, Bongzilla faced internal conflicts and lineup changes that threatened to derail the band. In 2005, they announced an indefinite hiatus, leaving fans wondering if they would ever hear new music from the iconic stoner metal outfit.

After a decade-long hiatus, Bongzilla made a triumphant return in 2015 with a revamped lineup featuring founding member Mike “Muleboy” Makela on guitar and vocals, Cooter Brown on bass, and Magma on drums, joined by new guitarist Jeff Fischer. The band wasted no time in reclaiming their rightful place in the stoner metal pantheon, releasing their highly anticipated album “Stash II” in 2015.

With “Stash II,” Bongzilla proved that they had lost none of their potency or creative spark during their hiatus. Tracks like “Sundae Driver” and “Smoke Like the Wind” showcased a band revitalized and eager to continue their sonic exploration of all things heavy and hazy.

As Bongzilla continues to tour and release new music, their legacy as pioneers of the stoner metal genre remains firmly intact. With their uncompromising sound, unapologetic lyrics, and enduring devotion to the riff, Bongzilla stands as a testament to the enduring power of heavy music and the transformative experience of getting lost in a haze of distortion and smoke.