Bongzilla Members, Gear & Sound
American sludge/doom/stoner metal band
Members
Select a Bongzilla band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Bongzilla is an American metal band hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, known for their crushingly heavy and slow-paced sound that blends elements of doom metal, sludge metal, stoner metal, and drone. The group was formed in the mid-1990s by Mike "Muleboy" Makela (guitar/vocals), Jeff Schultz (guitar), Nate Dethlefsen (bass), and Mike Henry (drums). Their music is unapologetically dedicated to themes of cannabis culture, and they've built a cult following with releases like Stash, Gateway, and Amerijuanican. Over the years, the band has become a staple in the stoner metal scene, delivering a sound that's both hypnotic and heavy.
How to Sound Like Bongzilla
Bongzilla's sound is characterized by its thick, down-tuned guitar riffs and thunderous bass lines, creating a wall of sound that's both oppressive and mesmerizing. The guitars often use fuzz and distortion effects to achieve their gritty tone, while the bass, frequently played through a Mesa/Boogie 2x15 Road Ready Bass Cabinet and Sunn Concert Bass, provides a rumbling foundation that's both deep and resonant. The slow, deliberate drumming punctuates their sound with a steady, hypnotic rhythm, contributing to the band's overall drone-like, immersive atmosphere. For musicians aiming to capture Bongzilla's essence, focusing on creating an intensely thick and heavy sound with a deliberate pace is key.
Discography
Get the Bongzilla Sound
Want to sound like Bongzilla? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
