Month: January 2008

MONSTER MAGNET’s story is long and illustrious. In its earliest incarnation in the mid 1980s, MONSTER MAGNET thrilled psychedelic, freak-out crowds in their New Jersey surroundings. Initial recordings such as their self-titled album (1990), “Spine of God” (1991), and “Tab” were cerebral, space rock efforts that shot them out of the New Jersey club scene into a cult status in the psychedelic rock scene. Their 1993 effort “Superjudge” saw them continue on their cerebral, spaced out path, but heading into a more conventional rock direction.

Two years later, MONSTER MAGNET released their break out album, “Dopes to Infinity.” Adhering to the formula set down on “Superjudge,” the group found its first radio single in “Negasonic Teenage Warhead.” Two years later, the group created their most successful album in “Powertrip.” This album boasted two radio-hit singles, “Powertrip” and their crowning opus “Spacelord.” Since it’s release ten years ago, “Spacelord” has become the quintessential rock anthem. One can still hear this track frequent the radio. Additionally, it was featured on the soundtrack to “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”

The last few years have revealed a band of a different mind. No longer seeking to, as front man Davy Wyndorf stated, “conquer the world with rock n’ roll,” the band has stepped down from the massive corporate climate of Interscope/A & M and into a more intimate setting with Germany’s SPV records. “4-Way Diablo,” released at the tail end of 2007, proved to be Dave Wyndorf’s toughest, most personal record in his career.

Due to lack of sleep during long stints on the road, Wyndorf became addicted to sleeping medication, which ultimately led to his overdose in 2006. This traumatic experience once again caused the group to reevaluate their career, leading Wyndorf to concentrate his efforts more on creating music and less on touring. Lead singer and guitar player, Wyndorf put down his pen long enough to speak with Metal Centre about the band’s recent developments and provide a perspective on his extensive career with MONSTER MAGNET.