Messa’s The Spin feels like the work of a band that’s had a lot of time to think about what they want to say next – and it’s clear that they’ve been listening, experimenting, and really honing in on their own voice. It’s one of those records that you immediately feel a connection to, but it also takes a while to fully unpack. The album doesn’t rush to give you everything, which I love. It’s one of those where, after a few listens, you begin to notice how much depth there is, and how much thought has gone into making each track work together.
The band’s doom roots are still firmly planted here, but there’s so much more going on underneath the surface. Messa have always been known for their “scarlet doom” style – heavy, atmospheric, sometimes even meditative – but on The Spin, they’ve pushed themselves into new territory. They’ve blended in touches of jazz, blues, and even some dark wave and goth influences from the 80s, but it all feels like a natural extension of what they’ve always done. It’s like they’ve taken everything they’ve learned over the years and turned it into something even bigger.
The production on The Spin is massive in the best way. It’s not just about the riffs and the heavy moments (although, trust me, those are still there) – it’s about the spaces between the notes. There’s an openness to the sound, a lot of room for the music to breathe. It doesn’t feel suffocating, even when it’s crushingly heavy. There’s a patience in how they build these songs that’s really compelling. It’s like the album takes its time to unfold, never feeling too rushed or too slow.
There’s a smoothness to the transitions, and it feels like a slow, steady push toward something epic. You’re never yanked out of the mood – everything flows, which is a testament to how carefully the album was crafted. It’s not about the immediate payoff; it’s about the long-term experience of getting lost in it.
They also took some risks on this one, experimenting with elements they haven’t touched before. The 80s goth and post-punk vibe is a new layer, and it’s not a gimmick. Instead of just referencing bands like Sisters of Mercy, they’ve really allowed those influences to seep into the music without losing their own identity. That balance is tricky, but they nail it – there’s an eerie, almost haunting vibe in some tracks that adds to the atmosphere without sounding like they’re trying to replicate the past. It’s a subtle move, but it’s one of the things that gives The Spin its unique edge.
What also caught my attention is how restrained Messa have become. On their previous albums, there was a bit more of an experimental, wild spirit to the songwriting. Here, it’s like they’ve found their groove, and instead of trying to throw everything at the listener, they focus on what feels right. There’s a confidence in the songwriting now – they know what they want to do and they take their time with it. And I respect that a lot. There’s something special about the way they’ve pared down the songs to what’s necessary.
The album feels well thought out from start to finish. There’s a clear sense of intent in how each song fits together. The band spent weeks working out the material in a 500-year-old villa, and you can hear that care in the way everything clicks. It’s not just about jamming a few ideas together – it’s a fully realized piece of work. And you can tell that they didn’t settle for anything less than their best. Every little detail, from the mix to the pacing, is in service of the whole.
In the end, The Spin is a record that’ll keep you coming back. It’s got that immersive quality – the kind of album where each listen reveals something you didn’t catch before. The risk they took by mixing genres, experimenting with new sounds, and even shifting their approach to writing is what makes this album so exciting. It’s a slow-burner, but once you’re in, you’re hooked. It’s a more mature sound for Messa, and one that feels like a natural progression from where they’ve been. They’ve crafted something that will stand the test of time in the doom world—and beyond.
This isn’t just an album you hear; it’s one you experience. And in The Spin, Messa show they’re ready to take doom to places it hasn’t been before, all while staying true to the essence of what makes them one of the most interesting bands in metal today.
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Released by Metal Blade Records on April 11th, 2025
