Doomed Confessionary: Pedro Oliveira (Monstru)
Photo credit: Rui Correia
Monstru is a five-piece death/sludge/doom metal band hailing from Santarém, Portugal. Formed in 2019, Monstru consists of Federico Servetti (vocals), Pedro Oliveira (guitar), André Rodrigues (guitar), Gonçalo Pereira (bass) and Sérgio Mendes (drums).
Born out of a need to give shape to ideas that did not fit into other projects, Monstru grew step by step, overcoming challenges such as the lack of rehearsal spaces and the pandemic, until it achieved a complete dynamic with all members.
Monstru have released their first demo »Demum« in March 2024 followed by »Aos que não acordaram« EP in September 2025.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We’re from Santarém, Portugal, and our music is a mix of death/sludge/doom. The idea came to me (Pedro/Guitar) back in 2019. I had some ideas that didn’t quite fit the project I was involved in at the time, so I decided to start something new where those ideas could actually come to life. I got in touch with Gonçalo, our bassist, who immediately accepted, and we began the first writing sessions. Sérgio joined shortly after on drums. Then the pandemic hit, and everything got delayed.
In 2023, Federico came in on vocals, and that’s when things really started moving and we began finishing songs. At the beginning of 2024 we recorded our demo, and a month and a half or two months later, André joined on guitar. That’s when we finally felt complete, and everything moved to a whole new level.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Without a doubt, finding our sound. That only really started to take shape once the lineup was complete, which is clearly reflected in the evolution from the demo to the EP.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Definitely this EP, »Aos que não acordaram«. From the writing of the three tracks – which finally represent us fully – to the recording, which was completely done by us in our rehearsal room.
What was your biggest regret?
I’m not sure we really have one. Maybe we should’ve worked harder and written more songs this year, eh eh.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
I think the last one we played, at Rock da Velha. It was the one with the biggest audience – and an audience that already knew us.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The strength and quality of the metal scene in Portugal. Even though we’re such a small country, there are a few venues and promoters who insist on making things happen. And on top of that, the quality of Portuguese bands, who keep pushing themselves to be better and, in many cases, embrace sounds that aren’t very popular – even within the metal community.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I can’t speak for the whole band, but I’ve been listening a lot to the latest albums by The Ominous Circle and Phenocryst – both Portuguese and, in my modest opinion, among the best. I’ve also been spinning the latest Primitive Man, the latest Maud The Moth, the latest Faetooth, and the latest Blód. And of course, I always go back to Ulcerate, just to cleanse the palate…
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Stop messing around and give it your best.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Beer, Ulcerate, and HM-2. At least mine…
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Santarém?
There’s nothing going on in our city, meaning there are no places where concerts happen regularly – metal or anything else. Sometimes bands get together to organise a show in a local association. There are a few associations in nearby towns that host concerts with some regularity, and they’ve really been swimming against the tide in a region that isn’t very friendly to the metal scene.
Where can we see you live soon (concerts/tours)?
The next show is on the 20th at DRAC – Figueira da Foz. On the 7th of February we’ll be at Doomed Fest, organised by Fora de Rebanho, in Viseu.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Write new songs and play as much as we can – for now, at least. We also want to finish our first music video. We’ve already filmed the indoor scenes, but the outdoor shots have been harder to get done because of the bad weather we’ve been having in Portugal.
How can people best support your band?
The most important thing is simply listening to us – on Bandcamp, YouTube, radio, wherever. Then, if they want to, buy our music on Bandcamp, grab a t-shirt, and above all, come to our shows.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you so much for all your support. We hope you continue enjoying what we do, and always stay true to yourselves. Cheers!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well