Monster Magnet

Monster Magnet
Monster Magnet live in Spain, 2008.
Background information
Origin	New Jersey, United States
Genres	Stoner rock, hard rock, psychedelic rock, heavy metal, space rock
Years active	1989–present
Labels	Circuit Records (1989) Glitterhouse (1989–1991) Caroline (1991–1993) A&M Records (1993–2003) SPV Records (2003–2009) Napalm (2009–present)
Website	Official Website
Members	Dave Wyndorf Garrett Sweeny Phil Caivano Bob Pantella Chris Kosnik
Past members	Ed Mundell Joe Calandra Jon Kleiman Michael Wildwood John McBain Tim Cronin Jim Baglino

Monster Magnet is an American stoner rock band. Hailing from Red Bank, New Jersey, the group was founded by Dave Wyndorf (vocals and guitar), John McBain (guitar) and Tim Cronin (vocals and drums). The band first went by the names "Dog of Mystery", "Airport 75", "Triple Bad Acid" and "King Fuzz" before finally settling on "Monster Magnet", taken from the name of a 1960s toy made by Wham-O, which Wyndorf liked when he was a child.

In 1989, Monster Magnet released two demo cassettes: Forget About Life, I'm High on Dope and I'm Stoned, What Ya Gonna Do About It?. The band's first "official" release was a single "Lizard Johnny/Freakshop USA" on Long Island-based Circuit Records. The first demo and single was recorded as a three piece (McBain, guitar, Wyndorf, guitar and vocals, Cronin, drums and vocals). Before the second demo Jon Kleiman and Joe Calandra joined on drums and bass respectively. Thus the line up was composed of Mcbain on guitar, Wyndorf on guitar and vocals, Cronin on vocals, Kleiman on drums and Calandra on bass. An EP followed self-titled EP from Glitterhouse Records of Germany. The EP contained the songs "Snake Dance" and "Nod Scene", (both of which would appear again on Spine of God), and "Tractor", (which would be re-recorded later for Powertrip).

In 1990 the band signed with Caroline Records and released a single "Murder/Tractor". Cronin left shortly after; although he would remain in the background- particularly at live shows- contributing to auditory effects, lights, and visuals, for many years. In 1991 they released their first full-length album, the cult classic Spine of God. The album is hailed as one the classics of the stoner rock genre ranking 28th on Heavy Planet's "Top 50 of All Time". The album contained the single "Medicine" (which would be recorded ten years later on God Says No), which was also the band's first music video. The band followed with a tour alongside rising grunge band Soundgarden. The tour helped the band get a recording contract with major record label A&M Records.