Album Review: “Close” by Messa
Italian rock band Messa have been in the scene since 2014 and are known for their distinct sound. The band come from a diverse musical background and draw inspiration from jazz, blues, metal, and doom music to form their sound that they describe as “scarlet doom.” Their latest record Close was released in 2022 and their varied influences can be heard throughout the album.
On the album’s opening track “Suspended,” the jazz influence is incredibly apparent around the 5:30 minute mark. This quick jazz break adds great depth to the song while still transitioning seamlessly back into the song’s more slow-tempoed doom metal sound accompanied by Sara Bianchin’s dark, ethereal vocals. Messa’s fearlessness in drawing inspirations from outside of metal are what set them apart from others in the genre. Aside from the jazz influence, they bring in a middle eastern flair on “Orphalese,” “Hollow,” and “Pilgrim.” Their experimentation pays off on “Close” and expertly and delightfully defies what’s expected from a doom metal group.
Messa proves to be an exciting group with a varied yet distinct sound that easily draws in listeners. Their thick guitar and enchanting, looming vocals are some of Messa’s strongest assets. Messa has a lot of skills and ideas to show off and the seemingly know exactly how to do so.
Messa plays Woodward Theater on October 24 th with Maggot Heart. Doors open at 7PM for an 8PM show. Advanced tickets are $15.75 and are $20 day of show.
Purchase tickets here: https://www.cincyticket.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=6347
Sarah Sheffer is a student majoring in public relations at the University of Cincinnati and
an intern at MOTR Pub and the Woodward Theater. She is president of the Public
Relations Student Society of America on campus and hopes to have a career in
entertainment post-graduation.