I have two awkward confessions. First, I almost forgot we’ve got this promo because, well, I now get more emails than a professor on sabbatical. Second, though, Messa has always been interesting and engaging—it’s a band that never really caught me. It always felt like retro-Metal to me, but now that I give The Spin a spin (don’t hit me!), could my opinion finally change? The band has been at it for a while, but it’s never too late for me to start a redemption arc, right?
Can anyone explain to me how Messa isn’t a massive band yet? As in the one that brings the noobs into the scene. I find there’s a lot of Doom and retro-atmosphere in The Spin, but its content is so accessible—and I mean that in a positive way. The album has some excellent writing. All the instruments work together to create this world of melancholy and regret, as if you’re looking back at your life and pondering what could’ve been if you’d made different choices—maybe better ones? I’m not sure that was the intention, but it certainly fits the theme.
As the album spirals you into the depths of night, you’ll witness beautiful vocal work that, without showboating, entices you deeply. Guitar solos with attitude, and with humble resources, express so much. My guard is usually up when an album has electronic elements, but in The Spin, they’re the perfect thematic side dish. So, is everything great here? Don’t I have something to annoy you with? Of course! I’m all for making people uncomfortable!
Messa is one of those bands that, so far, has what I’d call a perfect discography. Not only is there no mediocre album in its catalog, but they’re all 4.0/5.0. Hence, there’s always going to be comparisons, and it’s hard to say if this beats the band’s history. Besides, maybe this constructive feedback—for a band of Messa’s nature—would benefit from having a more dynamic range in its work. I love what this sounds like, but I’m left wondering if it could be even better. As you noticed, this is ridiculous criticism: that the album is just as excellent as everything before and not better. So cool it on the socials, kid!
I wasn’t a Messa convert before The Spin, and though it took forever, I’m definitely on board now! There’s so much longing in this album and yet so much attitude—as if when you feel tremendous pain, but you know it’ll pass, you know you can take it because you’ve been through worse, because you’re strong now and can not only endure but grow through your misfortunes. Oh wow! The album made me a cheap motivational writer for a second. Give it a go, people!
Label: Metal Blade Records
Release date: April 11, 2025
Website: https://www.facebook.com/MESSAproject
Country: Italy
Score: a circular 4.0/5.0 (yes, that makes no sense!)
Metal Eclipse Reviews 