In late 2021, guitarist and vocalist Erik Thorstenn started writing demos for an yet undetermined death metal project born from his passion for cheesy 80’s movies and growing weed.
Fast forward just one year later, and the band now known as Bonginator has made a crushing impact on the death metal scene. Bonginator is a stoner death metal band based out of Boston, MA, but don’t let the name fool you.
Bonginator isn’t your everyday stoner band, they pack a serious punch of hardcore death riffs and gut ripping breakdowns that come together to create an experience that can only be described as “hands-free” if you know what I mean. Bonginator totes the phrase “Two-Stepping Neon Weed Death” as a means to simplify their hardcore, energetic, 80’s inspired weed-infused death metal sound into a cool phrase on a t-shirt.
Since the official launch of the band on January 1, 2022, Bonginator has toured the country multiple times and released their debut EP, “The 1986 Doink City Massacre” on April 20, 2022 through Barbaric Brutality. Bonginator anticipates growing even larger with the release of their debut LP,
“The Intergalactic Gorebong of Deathpot” which releases April 20, 2023, keeping true to this bands dedication to the crop. Bonginator has already released two singles off the album, “CHOPPED 2 PIECES” and “Zombie Party Rockers”, and the anticipation has only grown since. Bonginator is confident their music will change the game.
LINEUP:
Erik Thorstenn – Guitar/Vox
Ron Bernhaut – Bass
Jake Thompson – Drums (former, on the album)
Joseph McNamara – Drums (current, not on the album)
Erik Thorstenn is the leader and main creative force behind Bonginator. The idea grew out of Erik’s love for cheesy 80’s movies and growing marijuana. Erik also really enjoys pinball and cooking. When he’s not on the road, Erik works as a sound and lighting guy at various venues in Boston.