Bongzilla

Bongzilla is a cornerstone of the American sludge and stoner metal scene, hailing from Madison, Wisconsin. Formed in 1995, they carved out a niche by combining the slow, oppressive tempos of doom metal with a gritty, hardcore-influenced vocal style and a singular lyrical focus on cannabis culture.

Their sound is characterized by extreme down-tuning, heavy use of fuzz and feedback, and a rhythmic swing that betrays a deep influence from early Black Sabbath and blues-rock. Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, particularly during their tenure on Relapse Records, they became leaders of the 'weed metal' subgenre alongside peers like Weedeater and Sleep. After a significant hiatus starting in 2009, the band returned in 2015, eventually transitioning to a trio format. Their later work, such as 2023's Dab City, shows a shift toward more improvisational, jam-heavy structures while maintaining their signature crushing tone. They remain a vital influence on the heavy psych and sludge underground, respected for their uncompromising commitment to their aesthetic and their mastery of the 'slow and heavy' ethos.