A review I wanted to write from the moment the album was released (March 27, 2026), but deliberately held back, since their appearance in Athens at Heavy Psych Fest had already been announced and I wanted to see them live first.
Right from the cover artwork, with its Mad Max-style monster truck and the almost cartoonish “executioner” wielding medieval weapons, you’re immediately pulled into the vibe. It hints at something heavy yet fun at the same time—an over-the-top heavy stoner package that goes straight for the gut. The band themselves made a point of emphasizing that the album was recorded entirely using old-school gear and analog tape, with no samples or amp simulators. Just for the sake of that raw authenticity.
And indeed, the Finns deliver. Approaching Doom, the third album by Monsternaut, is by far their darkest and heaviest work to date. Starting out with a more by-the-book stoner rock approach on their self-titled debut in 2016, they already showed signs of toughening up their sound on Enter The Storm (2018), adding more intensity and a darker edge.
Here, however, the transition feels complete: tighter than ever, with strong influences from Fu Manchu and Down, they deliver an album that throws you straight into the desert for a relentless, groove-driven chase.
“Black Blizzard,” the album’s first single, sets the tone early on.
A mid-tempo steamroller that methodically crushes you and has all the makings of a strong live highlight. Tracks like “Humana Stew” and “Demon Strikes” hit the same spot, blending weight with a strong sense of groove and fun, working equally well for casual listening and as prime mosh pit material.
The title track “Approaching Doom” stands out as a more epic, almost doom-oriented piece that pulls you effortlessly into its rhythm.
It’s also worth noting that all the music was written by Perttu Härkönen (bass), whom I had the chance to meet at the festival—and yeah, he’s a great guy. Lyrically, the band doesn’t aim for complexity. Instead, they focus on direct, image-driven themes, touching on ideas like impending doom and the decay of modern society. The lyrics are entirely written by Tuomas Heiskanen (vocals/guitar) and function more as an extension of the groove rather than a standalone narrative element.
Overall, Approaching Doom is a reminder that you don’t need cutting-edge technology to write a powerful album. Passion, love for the scene, and inspiration are enough to create music that grabs you by the throat and makes you bang your head.
Over-the-top stoner aesthetic? Check ✔
Riffs that hit you straight in the face? Check ✔
Lyrics that smell like the end of the world? Check ✔
Dinos Karras
8/10
