Album review: Messa – Close

Italian doom metal outfit Messa have cultivated a loyal following over the last six years. Their mix of dark-ambient drones with vintage occult doom and mesmerising vocals conjure images of sepia-tinged acid trips. Now on their third album Close, they’ve become even more eclectic. Segments of jazz-laden oud, piano and saxophone come together to create tempestuous melodies, complemented by vocalist Sara Bianchin’s velvety sounding voice. Recorded and mixed by Maurizio ‘Icio’ Baggio, credit must be given for the crispness of the production quality, as this allows for the music to impact as exactly as it was intended.

There’s a uniqueness to Messa that sets them apart from all other bands of this stripe. They keep their listeners on their toes, and there’s an excitement that comes from never really knowing what to expect next as the album progresses. They’re ambitious in what they’re striving for: from the frenzied tempo of Dark Horse, to the hushed jazz undertones of If You Want Her to Be Taken, they handle every ebb and flow with competence and confidence. Despite the frequent changes in dynamic, it’s not jarring to listen to. The progression flows seamlessly and sounds effortless for Messa – they manage to sound absolutely enormous, all the while making it seem like they barely broke a sweat.

Close is yet another striking addition to a modest, yet surprisingly diverse discography. Despite doom being one of the oldest subgenres of metal, Messa are breathing new life into it, unearthing dark corners that have yet to be explored, like it’s the most natural thing in the entire world.

Verdict: 3/5

For fans of: King Woman, Jex Thoth, SubRosa

Close is rout now via Svart Records