Editing Monster Magnet

{{short description|American rock band}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}

{{Infobox musical artist
| background        = group_or_band
| name              = Monster Magnet
| image             = Monster Magnet live in Hungary in 2008 (cropped).jpg
| landscape         = yes
| caption           = Monster Magnet live in Hungary, 2008
| origin            = [[Red Bank, New Jersey]], U.S.
| years_active      = 1989–present
| genre             = {{hlist|[[Stoner rock]]|[[space rock]]|[[hard rock]]|[[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]}}
| label             = {{flatlist|
* Circuit
* [[Glitterhouse Records|Glitterhouse]]
* [[Caroline Records|Caroline]]
* [[Atypeek Music|Atypeek]]
* [[A&M Records|A&M]]
* [[SPV GmbH|SPV]]
* [[Napalm Records|Napalm]]
}}
| current_members   = [[Dave Wyndorf]]<br/>Garrett Sweeny<br/>Phil Caivano<br/>Bob Pantella<br/>Alec Morton
| past_members      = [[Ed Mundell]]<br/>Joe Calandra<br/>Jon Kleiman<br/>Michael Wildwood<br/>[[John McBain (musician)|John McBain]]<br/>Tim Cronin<br/>Jim Baglino<br/>Chris Kosnik
| website           = 
}}
'''Monster Magnet''' is an American [[rock music|rock]] band formed in [[Red Bank, New Jersey]], in 1989 by [[Dave Wyndorf]] (vocals and guitar), [[John McBain (musician)|John McBain]] (guitar), and Tim Cronin (vocals and drums). The band has since undergone several lineup changes, with Wyndorf remaining the only constant member. Monster Magnet has released 11 studio albums to date and is best known for their 1990s hits "[[Negasonic Teenage Warhead (song)|Negasonic Teenage Warhead]]" and "[[Space Lord]]." The band is also credited with developing and popularizing the [[stoner rock]] genre, along with [[Masters of Reality]], [[Kyuss]], [[Fu Manchu (band)|Fu Manchu]], and [[Sleep (band)|Sleep]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/10-essential-stoner-rock-albums|title=10 essential stoner rock albums|publisher=[[Metal Hammer|Louder]]|date=October 16, 2016|access-date=December 28, 2020|archive-date=March 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327211629/https://www.loudersound.com/features/10-essential-stoner-rock-albums|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2012/01/11/monster-magnet-bring-larger-than-life-rock-to-williamsburg/|title=Monster Magnet Bring Larger-Than-Life Rock to Williamsburg|publisher=[[The Village Voice]]|date=October 16, 2016|access-date=December 28, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/subgenre/stoner-metal|title=Stoner Metal, a metal music subgenre|publisher=Metal Music Archives|access-date=December 28, 2020}}</ref>

==History==
=== Beginnings and ''Spine of God'' (1989–1992) ===
Original names considered for the band included Dog of Mystery, Airport 75, Triple Bad Acid, and King Fuzz before they ultimately settled on Monster Magnet, a name taken from a 1960s toy made by [[Wham-O]], which Wyndorf liked as a child.<ref name="net bio">{{cite web
| title = Biography
| url=http://www.monstermagnet.net/bio.htm
|work=monstermagnet.net
| access-date = June 17, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070403035815/http://www.monstermagnet.net/bio.htm |archive-date = April 3, 2007}}</ref>

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 the single "Lizard Johnny/Freakshop USA" on Long Island-based Circuit Records. The first demo and single were recorded as a three-piece (McBain on bass, Wyndorf on guitar and vocals, and Cronin on drums and vocals). Before the second demo, Tom Diello joined on drums, and McBain and Cronin switched to guitar and bass, respectively. This new lineup featured McBain on guitar, Wyndorf on guitar and vocals, Cronin on bass and vocals, and Diello on drums. The [[Extended play|EP]] ''[[Monster Magnet (album)|Monster Magnet]]'' followed on [[Glitterhouse Records]] of [[Germany]], containing 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 (U.S.)|Caroline Records]] and released the single "Murder/Tractor." Cronin left shortly after, although he would remain involved in the background, particularly at live shows, contributing to auditory effects, lights, and visuals for many years. After Cronin's departure, Joe Calandra joined on bass. In 1991, Monster Magnet released their first full-length album, ''[[Spine of God]]'', on the labels Go Get Organized/[[Atypeek Music]], Primo Scree, [[Glitterhouse Records]], and Caroline Records. Shortly afterward, drummer Tom Diello left the band and was replaced by Jon Kleiman. Although not a commercial success, ''Spine of God'' was praised by critics and is hailed as one of the classics of the stoner rock genre. It is also considered a major influence on the genre.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tepedelen |first=Adem |date=2017-12-04 |title=Monster Magnet - "Spine of God" |url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2017/12/04/monster-magnet/ |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=Decibel Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> The album included the single "Medicine" (which would be re-recorded 10 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]].<ref name="The Great Rock Discography">{{cite book |last=Strong |first=Martin C. |title=The Great Rock Discography |publisher=Mojo Books |year=2000 |isbn=1-84195-017-3 |edition=5th |location=Edinburgh |page=656}}</ref> The [[concert tour|tour]] helped the band secure a [[recording contract]] with major [[record label]] [[A&M Records]].

Their final release with Caroline Records was an [[Extended play|EP]] titled ''[[Tab (album)|Tab]]'', which included, among two other marathon-length songs, a 32-minute track called "Tab...." The ''Tab'' EP was recorded before ''Spine of God'', yet released afterward. McBain left the band soon after and was replaced by [[Atomic Bitchwax]] guitarist [[Ed Mundell]].<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/>

=== A&M Records era and popularity (1992–2002) ===
In 1992, Monster Magnet signed with [[A&M Records]], and their first album on the label, ''[[Superjudge]]'', was released the following year. Despite being released on a major label, it fared poorly commercially.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Injection |first=Metal |date=2019-01-31 |title=#TBT: Superjudge is MONSTER MAGNET's Psychedelic-Kissed Retro Metal |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/tbt-superjudge-is-monster-magnets-psychedelic-kissed-retro-metal |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=Metal Injection |language=en-US}}</ref> Like its predecessor, ''Superjudge'' became an influential release in the stoner rock genre.<ref name=":1" /> The songs "Twin Earth" and "Face Down" were released as singles (with accompanying videos), but they did little to promote the album. In 1995, Monster Magnet released their third studio album, ''[[Dopes to Infinity]]''. The album included the band's first hit single, "[[Negasonic Teenage Warhead (song)|Negasonic Teenage Warhead]]," which benefited from a music video that received regular rotation on [[MTV]]. Still, the album was not as successful as the band had hoped.

After touring in support of ''Dopes to Infinity'', Wyndorf moved to [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], to begin working on ''[[Powertrip]]'' (1998), a breakthrough hit that finally earned the band a [[music recording sales certification|gold record]].<ref name="RIAA2">{{cite web |title=American certifications – Monster Magnet |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?&artist=%22Monster%20Magnet%22 |accessdate=December 26, 2013 |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]}}</ref> Guitarist Phil Caivano joined the band in 1998.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography" /> "[[Space Lord]]," the album's first single, was a major radio hit, and the band toured with successful acts such as [[Aerosmith]], [[Metallica]] and [[Rob Zombie]]. The band also toured as one of the [[opening act]]s for [[Hole (band)|Hole]] and [[Marilyn Manson (band)|Marilyn Manson]] on their joint [[Beautiful Monsters Tour]].<ref name="Hole Threaten">{{cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/512758/hole-threaten-to-drop-off-marilyn-manson-joint-tour/ |title=Hole Threaten To Drop Off Marilyn Manson Joint Tour |work= MTV.com |publisher=Viacom Media Networks |date=March 11, 1999 |access-date=July 7, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150728032221/http://www.mtv.com/news/512758/hole-threaten-to-drop-off-marilyn-manson-joint-tour/ |archive-date=July 28, 2015 }}</ref> Following the well-publicized falling out between the outspoken vocalists of Hole and Marilyn Manson, Monster Magnet continued touring with Marilyn Manson and opened the first three shows of their [[Rock is Dead Tour]].<ref name="Manson Taps Pussy">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430051/manson-resumes-tour-without-hole-taps-nashville-pussy-jack-off-jill-upcoming-dates.jhtml |title=Manson Resumes Tour Without Hole, Taps Nashville Pussy And Jack Off Jill For Upcoming Dates |work=MTV.com |publisher=Viacom Media Networks |date=March 22, 1999 |access-date=March 7, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907010123/http://www.mtv.com/news/1430051/manson-resumes-tour-without-hole-taps-nashville-pussy-and-jack-off-jill-for-upcoming-dates/ |archive-date=September 7, 2018 }}</ref> The songs "Powertrip," "Temple of Your Dreams" and "See You in Hell" also received airplay on rock radio stations. The album charted at number 97 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and later went multi-platinum.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Lawson |first=Dom |date=2020-07-08 |title=Monster Magnet’s Dave Wyndorf: My Life Story |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/monster-magnets-dave-wyndorf-my-life-story |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=[[Metal Hammer]] |language=en}}</ref>

After a two-year tour supporting ''Powertrip'', the band released ''[[God Says No]]'' (2001), which charted at number 153 on ''Billboard''. However, it failed to match the commercial success of the band's previous release. Following the album's release, Joe Calandra and Jon Kleiman left the band. They were replaced by Jim Baglino and Michael Wildwood, who recorded ''Monolithic Baby!''. After a short stint, Wildwood was replaced by former [[Love Among Freaks]] drummer Bob Pantella. During this period, the band also parted ways with A&M Records.

Following the split from A&M Records, Monster Magnet wrote and performed "Live for the Moment," which served as the entrance theme for [[WWE]] wrestler [[Matt Hardy]] from 2002 to 2010. The song also appeared on the ''[[WWF Forceable Entry]]'' compilation.

=== ''Monolithic Baby!'' and ''4-Way Diablo'' (2003–2008) ===
In 2003, Monster Magnet released ''[[Greatest Hits (Monster Magnet album)|Greatest Hits]]'', a [[double album]] featuring their best songs, some rarities, and music videos from their time with A&M. They then signed to the [[Europe]]an label [[SPV GmbH|SPV]], and in early 2004 released ''[[Monolithic Baby!]]'' throughout Europe. The US release followed in May on SPV America. The band had a minor hit with the song "Unbroken (Hotel Baby)."

In March 2005, Caivano departed after seven years of service in a split described as amicable by Wyndorf. A follow-up to ''Monolithic Baby!'' was expected in March 2006 to coincide with their European tour, along with re-releases of ''Spine of God'' and ''Tab'', both featuring new artwork and liner notes; however, the tour and album releases failed to materialize.
[[File:Monster Magnet - live at Gruenspan, Hamburg in 2012.jpg|thumb|Monster Magnet live in 2012]]
On February 27, 2006, Dave Wyndorf [[overdose]]d on prescription drugs and was hospitalised.<ref>{{cite web| title= Monster Magnet singer Dave Wyndorf overdoses!| date= March 1, 2006 | first= Steve| last= Davis| url= http://www.metalsludge.tv/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1193&Itemid=42| website= metalsludge.tv| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120207222118/http://www.metalsludge.tv/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1193&Itemid=42 |archive-date= February 7, 2012|access-date= April 3, 2019}}</ref>

In 2007, it was announced that Monster Magnet would release a new album, ''[[4-Way Diablo]]'', which had been held back for a year because of Wyndorf's overdose. It was released later that year. Also in 2007, another greatest hits collection, ''20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Monster Magnet'', was released. "Powertrip" was used as the official theme song for the WWE pay-per-view event [[No Way Out 2007]].

Prior to Monster Magnet's 2008 European tour, Caivano returned to the band.

===''Mastermind'', ''Last Patrol'' and ''Mindfucker'' (2009–2019)===
On November 24, 2009, it was announced that Monster Magnet had signed a new deal with [[Napalm Records]]. The band also announced that they would enter the studio in January 2010 to record a new album for a summer release.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/monster-magnet-signs-with-napalm-records/ |title=Monster Magnet Signs With Napalm Records |publisher=blabbermouth.net |date=November 24, 2009 |access-date=December 7, 2017}}</ref> According to Wyndorf, the band is very pleased with the label, which is "doing a good job."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertaimnet.wordpress.com/2014/01/22/monster-magnet-spacelords-back-in-europe/ |title= Spacelords back in Europe - Interview Dave Wyndorf |website= Entertaim.net | first= Dave |last= Wyndorf |date= January 22, 2014 |access-date=January 22, 2014}}</ref>

The band embarked on a massive European tour in August 2010. A new album, ''[[Mastermind (Monster Magnet album)|Mastermind]]'', was released in October of that year, and the band again hit the road in November–December 2010 to promote it. During that tour, Ed Mundell left the band after 18 years "to collaborate with other musicians and producers," forming The Ultra Electric Mega Galactic. Wyndorf stated that Garrett Sweeny (Riotgod) replaced Ed on the tour.<ref>{{cite web| first= Dave |last= Wyndorf |url= http://monstermagnet.yuku.com/sreply/50676/t/Where-s-Ed-.html |title=Where's Ed? | website= Monster Magnet Forum |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=April 10, 2012}}</ref>

In the fall of 2011, Monster Magnet toured and performed the seminal ''[[Dopes to Infinity]]'' record in its entirety throughout Europe. One year later, they did the same with their 1992 album ''Spine of God''.

''[[Last Patrol]]'' was released in North America on October 15, 2013. Monster Magnet's website also announced a North American tour for the album, their first in 10 years. However, the remaining shows in mid-December were cancelled because of Wyndorf's influenza. The tour resumed in Europe in January and continued through February. Wyndorf stated that the band would play the entire ''Last Patrol'' at each show.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zodiaclung.com/2013/07/monster-magnet-announce-new-album-confirm-first-north-american-tour-in-over-10-years-debut-new-song/ |title=Monster Magnet Announce New Album! Confirm First North American Tour in Over 10 Years! Debut New Song |website= Zodiaclung.com |access-date=March 11, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140220220126/http://www.zodiaclung.com/2013/07/monster-magnet-announce-new-album-confirm-first-north-american-tour-in-over-10-years-debut-new-song/ |archive-date=February 20, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In November 2014, a reworked version of ''Last Patrol'' called ''[[Milking the Stars: A Re-Imagining of Last Patrol]]'' was released, and in October 2015, a reworked version of ''Mastermind'' called ''[[Cobras and Fire (The Mastermind Redux)]]'' was released. Featuring re-recordings and new arrangements, they contained a less polished, psychedelic production. In 2016, the band reissued the A&M era LPs with bonus content via Spinefarm Records. They toured Europe again.

Monster Magnet's first studio album in five years, ''[[Mindfucker (album)|Mindfucker]]'', was released on March 23, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.echoesanddust.com/2018/03/monster-magnet-mindfucker/ |title=Monster Magnet – Mindfucker &#124; Echoes and Dust |access-date=May 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508141511/https://www.echoesanddust.com/2018/03/monster-magnet-mindfucker/ |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===''A Better Dystopia'' (2020–present)===
In December 2020, Monster Magnet began work on their 11th studio album, ''[[A Better Dystopia]]'', a collection of song covers. That same month, ''[[Loudwire]]'' included it in their "88 of 2021's Most Anticipated Rock + Metal Albums" list.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/most-anticipated-2021-rock-metal-albums/|title=88 of 2021's Most Anticipated Rock + Metal Albums|publisher=[[Loudwire]]|access-date=December 28, 2020|date=December 28, 2020}}</ref> The band released the first single from the album on March 23, 2021: "Mr. Destroyer," a cover of the [[Poobah (band)|Poobah]] song. ''A Better Dystopia'' was released two months later.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A Better Dystopia, by Monster Magnet|url=https://monstermagnetofficial.bandcamp.com/album/a-better-dystopia|access-date=2021-05-04|website=Monster Magnet}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://distortedsoundmag.com/album-review-a-better-dystopia-monster-magnet/|title=Album Review: A Better Dystopia - Monster Magnet|date=May 17, 2021}}</ref> Monster Magnet toured Europe in the fall of 2024 as part of the band's 35th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 7, 2024 |title=MONSTER MAGNET Announces 35th-Anniversary European Tour |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/monster-magnet-announces-35th-anniversary-european-tour |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=Blabbermouth}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ling |first=Dave |date=September 17, 2024 |title="I wanted to go back to being a cult band, which is what I had sought all along": After 35 years, Monster Magnet know exactly what they want |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/monster-magnet-dave-wyndorf-35-years |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[Metal Hammer|Louder]]}}</ref> The last 10 dates of the 35th-anniversary European tour were cancelled due to Wyndorf falling ill.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kennelty |first1=Greg |title=MONSTER MAGNET Cancels Remaining Tour Dates Due To DAVE WYNDORF's Health |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/bummer-alert/monster-magnet-cancels-remaining-tour-dates-due-to-dave-wyndorfs-health |website=Metal Injection |access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref>  

==Musical style and influences==
[[file:Monster Magnet en 2017.jpg|thumb|Monster Magnet performing in 2017|left]]
Monster Magnet is noted for having a "heavy and spacy sound."<ref name=Rivadavia>{{cite web |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/monster-magnet-powertrip/ |title=Monster Magnet Albums Ranked Worst to Best |last=Rivadavia |first=Eduardo |date=June 13, 2018  |publisher=Ultimate Classic Rock |access-date=2022-06-15}}</ref> They have been described as a "[[space rock|space-metal]] outfit [that] helped codify the [[stoner rock|stoner-rock]] template with their landmark efforts in the early 1990s."<ref name=Pehling>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/cbs-sf-talks-to-monster-magnets-dave-wyndorf/ |title=CBS SF Talks To Monster Magnet's Dave Wyndorf |last=Pehling |first=Dave |date=October 9, 2018 |publisher=CBS SF |access-date=2022-06-15}}</ref> The album ''Superjudge'', according to ''Metal Injection'', "helped forge a sound that crafted a band ''and'' a genre."<ref name="MetalInjection">{{cite web |last= |first= |date= January 31, 2019|title=TBT: Superjudge is Monster Magnet's Psychedelic-Kissed Retro Metal |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/tbt-superjudge-is-monster-magnets-psychedelic-kissed-retro-metal/amp |access-date=2022-06-15 |website= |publisher=Metal Injection}}</ref> Their sound has been described as "heady [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]."<ref name="treble">{{cite web|title=10 Essential Stoner Rock Albums|url=http://www.treblezine.com/34799-10-best-stoner-rock-albums/|last1=Terich|last2=Blyweiss|first1=Jeff|first2=Adam |publisher=Treblezine|date=April 20, 2017|access-date=May 21, 2017}}</ref> Monster Magnet is also regarded as [[space rock]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1441915/monster-magnet-tap-buckcherry-for-god-says-no-tour/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203032850/https://www.mtv.com/news/1441915/monster-magnet-tap-buckcherry-for-god-says-no-tour/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 3, 2021 |title=Monster Magnet Tap Buckcherry for God Says No Tour |last=D'Angelo |first=Joe |date=March 20, 2001 |publisher=MTV |access-date=2022-06-15}}</ref> [[hard rock]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/monster-magnet-mn0000495455/biography | title=Monster Magnet Biography, Songs, & Albums | website=[[AllMusic]] }}</ref> [[psychedelic rock]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/monster-magnet-poobah-cover-mr-destroyer-a-better-dystopia-covers-album/|website=[[Loudwire]]|last=DiVita|first=Joe|date=March 23, 2021|access-date=March 21, 2025|title=Monster Magnet Debut First Track on New Obscure Psychedelic Covers Album ‘A Better Dystopia’}}</ref> [[garage rock]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rockandrollglobe.com/rock/see-you-in-hell-monster-magnets-power-trip-at-25/|title=See You In Hell: Monster Magnet’s Power Trip at 25|date=June 16, 2023|access-date=March 21, 2025|website=Rock and Roll Globe|first=Ted|last=Miller}}</ref> and as part of the first wave of [[alternative metal]].<ref name=AM>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=style|id=alternative-metal-ma0000012328|pure_url=yes}}|title=Alternative Metal|work=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=2023-02-25 |quote=The first wave of alternative metal bands fused heavy metal with [...] psychedelia (Soundgarden, Monster Magnet) }}</ref> Their style is heavily influenced by 1970s space rock bands such as [[Hawkwind]]<ref name=UCR>{{cite web |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/monster-magnet-powertrip/ |title=When Monster Magnet Took Us on a 'Powertrip' |last=Swanson |first=Dave |date=June 16, 2018  |publisher=Ultimate Classic Rock |access-date=2022-06-15}}</ref> and [[psychedelic music|psychedelia]].<ref name=AM/>

In addition to recording covers such as Black Sabbath's "[[Into the Void (Black Sabbath song)|Into the Void]]" (''[[Master of Reality]]'', 1971) and Hawkwind's "Brainstorm" (''[[Doremi Fasol Latido]]'', 1972), Wyndorf sometimes incorporated elements of space rock staples into his own songs. For instance, the ''[[Dopes to Infinity]]'' title track borrows some of its lyrics from "Lord of Light" (''ibid.''), and ''[[Superjudge]]'''s "Twin Earth" is a reinterpretation of Captain Beyond's "Mesmerization Eclipse" (''[[Captain Beyond (album)|Captain Beyond]]'', 1972). The main guitar riff to the track ''[[Dopes to Infinity]]'' is lifted from The [[Sir Lord Baltimore]] song "Woman Tamer" (''[[Sir Lord Baltimore (album)|Sir Lord Baltimore]]'', 1971). The band has cited the British band [[Depeche Mode]] as an influence on its music. They covered Depeche Mode's "Black Celebration" for ''[[For the Masses]]'', a 1998 Depeche Mode tribute album.

Wyndorf is a fan of 1960s comic books, particularly those by [[Jack Kirby]]. He mentions Kirby in the song "Melt" from ''[[God Says No]]''. He mentions [[Marvel Comics]] characters [[MODOK]] (on "Baby Götterdämmerung" from ''[[Powertrip]]'') and [[Ego the Living Planet]] (on "Ego, The Living Planet" from ''[[Dopes to Infinity]]''). "Mindless Ones" from the album ''[[Last Patrol]]'' mentions the race of the same name, [[Dormammu]], [[Vishanti]] and [[Ancient One|The Ancient One]] from Marvel's [[Doctor Strange]] mythos. "All Shook Out" from ''[[God Says No]]'' mentions "children of the atom," a reference to the [[X-Men]]. Marvel's [[Fantastic Four]] are mentioned in the song "The Titan Who Cried Like a Baby" on ''[[Mastermind (Monster Magnet album)|Mastermind]]''.  

==In other media==

===Television===
The television drama series ''[[Sons of Anarchy]]'' frequently used Monster Magnet tracks. Featured songs include "Monolithic" in season 1 (episode 10); "Radiation Day," "Slut Machine," and "Freeze and Pixelate" in season 2 (episodes 1, 4, and 13); and "100 Million Miles" in season 3 (episode 12).

Tracks from the 2001 album ''[[God Says No]]'' have appeared in television series, including the sci-fi series ''[[Alphas]]'' ("Heads Explode") and ''[[The Shield]]'', which featured the track "God Says No" in an early episode.

The reality series ''[[Viva La Bam]]'' used several tracks from ''[[Monolithic Baby!]]'', such as "Slut Machine," "Supercruel," and "Unbroken" during multiple episodes.  

===Film===
Tracks from the 1995 album ''[[Dopes to Infinity]]'' were included on the soundtrack for ''[[The Matrix]]'' ("Look to Your Orb for the Warning") and ''[[The Girl Next Door (2004 film)|The Girl Next Door]]'' ("Dopes to Infinity"). The soundtrack of the 1994 movie ''[[S.F.W.]]'' features an early, otherwise unreleased version of a song originally from ''Dopes to Infinity'', "[[Negasonic Teenage Warhead (song)|Negasonic Teenage Warhead]]."<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.monstermagnet.net/media.htm| title= Multimedia Magnet Downloads| website= monstermagnet.net| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100127134911/http://www.monstermagnet.net/media.htm| archive-date= January 27, 2010}}</ref> The 1999 film [[Beowulf (1999 film)|Beowulf]] features the track "Lord 13" from Monster Magnet's early 1990s EP ''[[Tab (album)|Tab]]'' during its end credits. The film ''[[Boys (1996 film)|Boys]]'' (1996) features the track "The Secret."

Several tracks from the 1998 Monster Magnet album ''[[Powertrip]]'' have been featured in film soundtracks, including "See You in Hell" in ''[[Bride of Chucky]]'' (1998), "Powertrip" in ''[[Soldier (1998 American film)|Soldier]]'' (1998), "Crop Circle" in ''[[Urban Legend (film)|Urban Legend]]'' (1998), and "Space Lord" in ''[[Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby]]'' (2006). "Big God," the bonus track on the Japanese edition of the album (and also B-side to "Space Lord"), appears in ''[[The Crow: Salvation]]'' (2000).

Tracks from the 2001 album ''[[God Says No]]'' have also been used in films. ''[[Heavy Metal 2000]]'' (2000) includes "Silver Future," ''[[Made (2001 film)|Made]]'' (2001) includes "Down in the Jungle,"<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.moviemusic.com/soundtrack/M02963/made/ | title= Made| website= moviemusic.com}}</ref> and ''[[Dracula 2000]]'' (2000) includes "Heads Explode"; part of the music video for "Heads Explode" is also shown in ''Dracula 2000''. The 2004 [[mountain bike]] film ''New World Disorder V – Disorderly Conduct'' features "Radiation Day" and "Slut Machine" on its soundtrack.

Monster Magnet contributed a cover of the [[MC5]] song "[[Kick Out the Jams (song)|Kick Out the Jams]]" to the ''[[Varsity Blues (film)|Varsity Blues]]'' soundtrack. They also performed their track "Master of Light" from ''Monolithic Baby!'' live in a scene in the movie ''[[Torque (film)|Torque]]''.

The Marvel Comics character [[Negasonic Teenage Warhead]], featured in the 2016 film ''[[Deadpool (film)|Deadpool]]'' and its sequel, is named after [[Negasonic Teenage Warhead (song)|the song of the same name]] from the band's album ''Dopes to Infinity''.  

===Video games===
* [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]'s 2007 [[PlayStation 3]] release ''[[MotorStorm (video game)|MotorStorm]]'' and [[Ubisoft]]'s 2018 release ''[[Far Cry 5]]'' featured "Powertrip" from ''Powertrip''.
* [[Electronic Arts]]' early 1990s release ''[[Road Rash]]'' featured "Dinosaur Vacuum" from ''[[Superjudge]]''.
* [[Activision Value]]'s 2006<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/American-chopper-PlayStation-2/dp/B0002B90SU |title=American chopper - PlayStation 2: Video Games |website=Amazon |access-date=March 11, 2014}}</ref> release ''[[American Chopper#Video games|American Chopper]]'' featured "Space Lord."
* [[MercurySteam|MercurySteam]]'s 2017 release ''Raiders of the Broken Planet,'' later renamed ''[[Spacelords]],'' featured "Space Lord" as the opening theme.  

===Promotional use===
* The [[Crusty Demons]] [[Freestyle Motocross]] series has used both "Powertrip" from ''Powertrip'' and "Melt" from ''God Says No''.
* "Live for the Moment" was the theme song of [[WWE]] wrestler [[Matt Hardy]] and was featured on ''[[WWF Forceable Entry]]''.
* "Space Lord" is used in a commercial for the Swedish chain store JC (Jeans and Clothes).
* "Powertrip" from ''Powertrip'' was the official theme song for [[No Way Out 2007]] for WWE.  

==Band members==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
'''Current members'''
* [[Dave Wyndorf]] – vocals, rhythm guitar (1989–present), lead guitar (1989, 2010)
* Phil Caivano – rhythm guitar, lead guitar (1998–2005, 2008–present)
* Bob Pantella – drums (2003–present)
* Garrett Sweeny – lead guitar (2010–present)
* Alec Morton – bass (2020–present)
{{col-3}}
'''Former members'''
* [[John McBain (musician)|John McBain]] – lead guitar (1989–1992), bass (1989)
* Tim Cronin – vocals (1989–1990), drums (1989), bass (1989–1990)
* [[Ed Mundell]] – lead guitar (1992–2010)
* Tom Diello – drums (1989–1991)
* Joe Calandra – bass (1990–2001)
* Jon Kleiman – drums (1991–2001)
* Jim Baglino – bass (2001–2013)
* Michael Wildwood – drums (2001–2003)
* Chris Kosnik – bass (2013–2020)
{{col-end}}

===Timeline===
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
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DateFormat  = dd/mm/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1989 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}}
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ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1989
ScaleMinor = increment:2 start:1989

Colors =
  id:V       value:red          legend:Vocals
  id:G1      value:teal         legend:Lead_guitar
  id:G2      value:brightgreen  legend:Rhythm_guitar
  id:B       value:blue         legend:Bass
  id:D       value:orange       legend:Drums
  id:Lines   value:black        legend:Studio_releases
  id:Lines2  value:gray(0.55)   legend:Other_releases
  id:bars   value:gray(0.95)

Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4
BackgroundColors = bars:bars
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1989
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LineData =
  at:01/02/1990 color:Lines2 layer:back
  at:01/07/1991 color:Lines2 layer:back
  at:06/12/1991 color:black  layer:back
  at:06/04/1993 color:black  layer:back
  at:21/03/1995 color:black  layer:back
  at:16/06/1998 color:black  layer:back
  at:10/01/2001 color:black  layer:back
  at:25/03/2004 color:black  layer:back
  at:06/11/2007 color:black  layer:back
  at:01/10/2010 color:black  layer:back
  at:15/10/2013 color:black  layer:back
  at:14/11/2014 color:Lines2 layer:back
  at:09/10/2015 color:Lines2 layer:back
  at:23/03/2018 color:black  layer:back
  at:21/05/2021 color:black  layer:back

BarData =
  bar:Wyndorf         text:"Dave Wyndorf"
  bar:McBain          text:"John McBain"
  bar:Mundell         text:"Ed Mundell"
  bar:Sweeny          text:"Garrett Sweeny"
  bar:Caivano         text:"Phil Caivano"
  bar:Calandra        text:"Joe Calandra"
  bar:Baglino         text:"Jim Baglino"
  bar:Kosnik          text:"Chris Kosnik"
  bar:Morton          text:"Alec Morton"
  bar:Cronin          text:"Tim Cronin"
  bar:Diello          text:"Tom Diello"
  bar:Kleiman         text:"Jon Kleiman"
  bar:Wildwood        text:"Michael Wildwood"
  bar:Pantella        text:"Bob Pantella"

PlotData=
  width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4)
  bar:Wyndorf    from:01/01/1989 till:end        color:V
  bar:Wyndorf    from:01/01/1989 till:end        color:G2 width:3
  bar:Wyndorf    from:01/01/1989 till:01/07/1989 color:G1 width:7
  bar:Wyndorf    from:15/10/2010 till:03/11/2010 color:G1 width:7
  bar:McBain     from:01/07/1989 till:01/10/1992 color:G1
  bar:McBain     from:01/01/1989 till:01/07/1989 color:B
  bar:Mundell    from:01/10/1992 till:15/10/2010 color:G1
  bar:Sweeny     from:03/11/2010 till:end        color:G1
  bar:Caivano    from:01/01/1998 till:01/03/2005 color:G2
  bar:Caivano    from:01/01/1998 till:01/03/2005 color:G1 width:3
  bar:Caivano    from:01/01/2008 till:end        color:G2
  bar:Caivano    from:01/01/2008 till:end        color:G1 width:3
  bar:Kosnik     from:01/01/2013 till:01/01/2020 color:B
  bar:Morton     from:01/01/2020 till:end        color:B
  bar:Cronin     from:01/01/1989 till:01/07/1989 color:D
  bar:Cronin     from:01/01/1989 till:01/07/1990 color:V width:3
  bar:Cronin     from:01/07/1989 till:01/07/1990 color:B 
  bar:Calandra   from:01/07/1990 till:06/01/2001 color:B
  bar:Baglino    from:01/01/2001 till:01/01/2013 color:B
  bar:Diello     from:01/07/1989 till:01/01/1991 color:D
  bar:Kleiman    from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/2001 color:D
  bar:Wildwood   from:01/01/2001 till:01/01/2004 color:D
  bar:Pantella   from:01/01/2004 till:end        color:D
}}

==Members' other projects==
As teenagers, Wyndorf and Caivano played in the [[punk rock|punk]]/[[power pop]] band [[Shrapnel (American punk band)|Shrapnel]] from the late 1970s until 1985. The band was managed by [[Legs McNeil]], released two indie singles and an EP on [[Elektra Records]], played with the [[Ramones]] at [[CBGB]], featured guitar from future producer [[Daniel Rey]], and appeared on [[the Uncle Floyd Show]] and in a [[Frank Miller]] issue of [[Amazing Spider-Man|The Amazing Spider-Man]].

Founding member John McBain joined the psychedelic/garage-influenced bands [[Hater (band)|Hater]], [[Wellwater Conspiracy]] and [[Devilhead]] after leaving Monster Magnet, playing alongside members of [[Soundgarden]], [[Malfunkshun]], [[The Walkabouts]], [[Pearl Jam]] and other well-known [[Seattle]] bands, releasing several albums until the early 2000s. He also contributed to projects such as [[The Desert Sessions]] and The Freeks, and released the solo album ''[[The In-Flight Feature]]'' in 2006 with guest appearances by Cronin on guitar and Kleiman on drums.

Since the mid-1990s, Cronin and Kleiman have fronted The Ribeye Bros. In 2003, Pantella mixed and played bass on [[The Glasspack]]'s ''Bridgeburner'' album. Mundell also played lead guitar on The Glasspack's track "Peepshow." The album was released on [[Small Stone Records]] in May 2004.<ref>{{cite web| first=Eduardo| last=Rivadavia |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/bridgeburner-mw0000333809 |title=Bridgeburner - The Glasspack &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |work=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 11, 2014}}</ref>

In 2010, Ed Mundell left Monster Magnet to collaborate with new musicians and producers. In 2011, he formed The Ultra Electric Mega Galactic, and has contributed to albums for Sasquatch, Abrahma, and 9 Chambers. His solo album ''Space Time Employment Agency'' was released in 2013.

In 2007, Pantella joined [[The Atomic Bitchwax]]. Also in 2007, Pantella and Baglino formed RIOTGOD, along with Garrett Sweeny (of Psycho Daisy) and Mark Sunshine.

In 2010, Pantella appeared on LadyKiller's self-titled debut release. He is credited with playing drums on 13 of the 16 songs, in addition to having tracked more than half of the album at his recording studio in Sayreville, New Jersey.

In 2010, the first single "American Dream" was released on One Voice by Capricorn, a band formed by Phil Caivano, [[Todd Youth]] (of [[Murphy's Law (band)|Murphy's Law]], [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]], [[Ace Frehley]], [[Glen Campbell]] and [[The Chelsea Smiles]]) and [[Karl Rosqvist]] (of Danzig, The Chelsea Smiles and [[Michael Monroe]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onevoicestudio.it/wp/capricorn.html|title=Capricorn|website=onevoicestudio.it}} {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Chris Kosnik has played in [[The Atomic Bitchwax]] since its formation in 1993.  

==Discography==
===Studio albums===

* ''[[Spine of God]]'' (1991)
* ''[[Superjudge]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Dopes to Infinity]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Powertrip]]'' (1998)
* ''[[God Says No]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Monolithic Baby!]]'' (2004)
* ''[[4-Way Diablo]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Mastermind (Monster Magnet album)|Mastermind]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Last Patrol]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Mindfucker (album)|Mindfucker]]'' (2018)
* ''[[A Better Dystopia]]'' (2021)

===Remix/redux albums===

* ''[[Milking the Stars: A Re-Imagining of Last Patrol]]'' (2014)
* ''[[Cobras and Fire (The Mastermind Redux)]]'' (2015)

===EPs===

* ''[[Monster Magnet (EP)|Monster Magnet]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Tab (album)|Tab]]'' (1991) 
* ''[[Love Monster (EP)|Love Monster]]'' (2001)

===Compilation albums===

* ''It's a Satanic Drug Thing...You Wouldn't Understand'' (1992)
* ''[[Greatest Hits (Monster Magnet album)|Greatest Hits]]'' (2003)
* ''The Best of Monster Magnet – The Millennium Collection'' (2007)
* ''Space Lords'' (2012)

===Singles===
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!rowspan="1"|Year
!rowspan="1"|Song
!rowspan="1"|Album
|-

|-
|rowspan="2"|1990
|"Lizard Johnny"
|rowspan="2"|''[[Monster Magnet (EP)|Monster Magnet]]''
|-
|"Murder"
|-
|rowspan="4"|1993
|"Twin Earth"
|rowspan="4"|''[[Superjudge]]''
|-
|"Cyclops Revolution"
|-
|"Face Down"
|-
|"Cage Around the Sun"
|-
|rowspan="4"|1995
|"[[Negasonic Teenage Warhead (song)|Negasonic Teenage Warhead]]"
|rowspan="4"|''[[Dopes to Infinity]]''
|-
|"Dopes to Infinity"
|-
|"Dead Christmas"
|-
|"Look to Your Orb for the Warning"
|-
|rowspan="2"|1998
|"[[Space Lord]]"
|rowspan="4"|''[[Powertrip]]''
|-
| "Powertrip"
|-
|rowspan="2"|1999
|"Temple of Your Dreams"
|-
|"See You in Hell"
|-
|2000
|"Silver Future"
|rowspan="3"|''[[God Says No]]''
|-
|rowspan="2"|2001
|"Heads Explode"
|-
|"Melt"
|-
|rowspan="2"|2004
|"Unbroken (Hotel Baby)"
|rowspan="2"|''[[Monolithic Baby!]]''
|-
|"Monolithic"
|-
|2007
|"Wall of Fire"
|''[[4-Way Diablo]]''
|-
|2010
|"Gods and Punks"
|rowspan="2"|''[[Mastermind (Monster Magnet album)|Mastermind]]''
|-
|2011
|"100 Million Miles"
|-
|rowspan="2"|2013
|"Mindless Ones"
|rowspan="2"|''[[Last Patrol]]''
|-
|"The Duke (of Supernature)"
|-
|rowspan="2"|2018
|"Mindfucker"
|rowspan="2"|''[[Mindfucker (album)|Mindfucker]]''
|-
|"Ejection"
|-
| rowspan="2" |2021
|"Mr. Destroyer"
| rowspan="2" |''[[A Better Dystopia]]''
|-
|"Motorcycle (Straight to Hell)"
|}
==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Monster Magnet}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{allmusic}}

{{Monster Magnet|state=expanded}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Monster Magnet| ]]
[[Category:A&M Records artists]]
[[Category:American alternative metal musical groups]]
[[Category:American hard rock musical groups]]
[[Category:American musical quintets]]
[[Category:American space rock musical groups]]
[[Category:American stoner rock musical groups]]
[[Category:Glitterhouse Records artists]]
[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Music of Red Bank, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1989]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Monmouth County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Napalm Records artists]]
[[Category:1989 establishments in New Jersey]]