Metalcatto
As you know, nostalgia is part of the Metal life, but it’s usually more prevalent in Black and Death Metal. Power Metal doesn’t count because nothing has changed in 30 years. Masseti‘s Odds and Ends is offering retro-Prog Metal, and though the idea hits me right in the feels, since I used to be a huge fan of the style, I’m also concerned about how much of an ordeal it is to set up such a solo project. There’s an enormous risk of ending up in a cornfest, but we must have faith, right?
Fortunately, this journey to the ’90s and early 2000s delivers a loyal adaptation that takes the best of Angra, Symphony X, and even some Dream Theater. For those of you scared of harsh vocals, this will be safe for your sensitive and weak ears. There’s also everything that makes Prog great — as in overly complicated music that reminds us why playing this type of music is for absolute nerds with way too much free time. But there’s more to Odds and Ends than just that.
There’s catchiness and a decent sense of epic that’s almost gone in the current meta. I’ll be honest, it’s not something I usually miss, but it’s interesting to hear how it can still work in our era of unfathomable nihilism. This almost sounds like a return to Disneyland — except that most of the riffs are sick and the tracks are pretty long. That reminds me that I should also mention the things that almost ruined my fairytale experience.
There’s no doubt that Masseti is a talented fellow who manages to not overstay his welcome. I’m just left wondering what this album could sound like with harsher and more menacing vocals. There’s just not enough roughness for my rotten taste. It’s too happy and optimistic. I need more pain and sorrow with my virtuosity. Oh, and I think the first half is a bit more creative in its writing. There’s nothing wrong with the second half, but it definitely feels safer. And you know, safety is overrated. Let me fail in peace!
And yet, I can’t deny Masseti has what it takes to survive in the snobbish and cruel Prog world. I can already see how for some of you this will be one of the best albums of the year. There are things here that stop me from going that crazy, but now this project is on my radar and I’ll keep an eye on it for the foreseeable future. You people who love cosplaying and all that virgin stuff should do the same.
Label: Independent
Release date: June 14, 2025
Website: https://www.facebook.com/MassetiOfficial/
Country: Brazil
Score: 3.7/5.0
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