Band: Messa
Country: Italy
Genre: Doom metal
Full length: The Spin
Format: Digital, LP, CD (see Bandcamp link for more information)
Label: Metal Blade
Release date: April 11, 2025
Recorded in a centuries old villa (about five hundred years) near their hometown of Bassano del Grappa, “The Spin” is indeed a spin metal, post-punk, new wave, and other genres. Working in separate locations and at different times, over the course of six weeks, Messa embraced spontaneity and inner focus throughout the process.
Unlike their previous album “Close,” which the band recorded together in the same room, they chose to record “The Spin” in isolation. This approach alleviated the pressure of synchronization, allowing the band to focus on refining their musicianship. Starting with minimal structure and emphasizing variety, they deliberately avoided repetition to keep the songs engaging. The result boasts sharper contrasts between genres, with each instrument creating dynamics with distinct personality.
Personality and an identity independent of any “scene” is core to this band. Drawing inspiration from early eighties goth rock, before it became a “scene,” they explore it freely, not merely referencing it but integrating its essence into their evolving musical palette. With the essence of dark ambient, black metal, punk, prog, blues and jazz, the incorporation of goth rock gives greater depth to something that doesn't directly compare to Sisters Of Mercy, Killing Joke, Mercyful Fate, Jimmy Page, Journey and Vangelis but synthesizes elements of all these artists with a massive and unpredictable sonic landscape.
From capturing heights of joy to depths of despair, Messa is known for a relentless work ethic bordering on obsession, constantly challenging themselves to craft music with a magical appeal. Their approach to diversity surprised me in many ways, proving to be far more immersive and impactful than I initially expected it to be. As I hinted, their method of songwriting makes a point of offering something new with each album, as each album reveals multiple shades of itself.
At first “The Spin” sounds like it may be typical electronica or industrial. However, it gradually shifts, subtly but markedly, first toward new wave, then toward doom metal. Throughout, lovely and soulful vocals emerge organically, blossoming from within and filling every space as they explore these constantly shifting soundscapes.
What makes Messa’s dark elements unique is that they’re not presented in a menacing or hostile way. Instead, they’re integrated thoughtfully, creating an atmosphere that invites curiosity and reflection, appealing to listeners with divergent tastes. The contrasts I mentioned can be likened to a spiderweb with threads woven together in irregular patterns, or a tapestry where each space equally emphasizes color and meaning, creating a rich, intricate fabric of scenery, or in this case sound and emotion.
The interplay of genre and mood, ranging from rough and smooth, bombastic and reflective, progressive and aggressive, angelic and feral, more or less reflects upon the complexities of being a human being. This interplay feels more profound than bands that depict good and evil as equal opposing forces. Angels and devils are not separate aspects of humanity; each person is both deep within. One side doesn't require the other to exist; both are the same complex entity.
To illustrate this, the drums, bass, guitars, and vocals work in tandem, allowing each shift in influence to flow organically. While they integrate, building on the themes they devised working separately, each band member retains their own distinguishable character, emphasizing the fluid complexity of the music and, metaphorically, of human nature itself. Together they create a breakthrough in doom metal that is diverse, compelling and inspirational. –Dave Wolff
Lineup:
Sara: Vocals
Marco: Guitars, bass
Alberto: Guitars
Rocco: Drums
Track list:
1. Void Meridian
2. At Races
3. Fire on the Roof
4. Immolation
5. The Dress
6. Reveal
7. Thicker Blood
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