Messa - The Spin (2025)

Facing the herculean task of following up to their ground-breaking release “Close”, Messa returns with “The Spin” and manages to shake things up enough to create awe and excitement. After heavily touring the world after their previous release, the band took a different approach when recording this album, and managed to deliver another Doomy/Jazzy/Proggy offering with a few interesting surprises.

Quickly turning heads, the release opens with “Void Meridian”, a mysterious track that while having some of the band’s signature elements, it also introduces some intense Darkwave/Goth Rock vibes. With an eerie The Sisters of Mercy meets Tribulation meets Soror Dolorosa, the opener and “At Races”, and “Fire on the Roof” showcase the band’s on a different light, making them more dynamic and perfectly complementing their already hypnotic style. Sara Bianchin’s vocals are a perfect fit for such a style and are as haunting as ever, particularly on the solemn “Immolation”.

Bringing back the listener to more familiar territories, the crushing “The Dress” is full of that Doom and gloom the band is known for, featuring very engaging tempo changes, massive riffs and even a sultry trumpet solo alongside playful jazzy guitars. Featuring a Southern twang, “Reveal”, is another piece where the band continues to show their versatility and yet delivers some pummeling (and very catchy) heavy riffs, creating a superbly epic headbanging piece.

Closing with the cavernous “Thicker Blood”, the band leaves on a high note with a ravaging piece with intense guitar leads and dreamy vocal harmonies. As a whole, “The Spin” is definitely one level above “Close” as it further expands the band’s musical palette as it explores different territories while incorporating their signature sound. If you are looking for a heavy and doomy release that is not afraid to push the envelope, you will not find a better one than this one.

Label: Metal Blade Records

Release: April 11th, 2025

Genre: Doom Metal/Dark Rock

Country: Italy