Monkey3

Active since the early 2000s in Lausanne, Switzerland, Monkey3 develops an instrumental rock that sits at the crossroads of stoner, psychedelic rock and space rock. The band quickly moved toward long, structured compositions built on massive riffs, repetitive motifs and drifting atmospheres, bringing Monkey3 close to some post-rock and prog aesthetics without fully adopting them. After a self-titled debut in 2003, the group refined its approach on 39 Laps (2006) and the covers EP Undercover (2009), which highlighted their classic influences while confirming a taste for cinematic moods. Beyond the Black Sky (2011) and The 5th Sun (2013) established Monkey3 on the European stoner scene with a denser sound marked by extensive use of psychedelic textures and dynamic shifts. Astra Symmetry (2016) and Sphere (2019) continued this evolution toward more progressive writing, with keyboards taking an increasingly prominent role alongside guitar and the rhythm section. On stage, Monkey3 favors immersive performances—often accompanied by visuals—and they regularly tour Europe in venues and festivals dedicated to heavy and psychedelic music.