Stagnation is rarely a good thing in the world of music if at all. It’s the sort of tragic fate that can lead to the fall of even the greatest of bands out there, but change always comes with its own pitfalls as it can alienate fans or never allow a band to ever truly master a certain sound, but there are always exceptions in some form or another. We’re lucky enough to be living in a time where there are tons of experimentation in practically every corner of the underground with some of the finest examples becoming need-to-know names. Having made an excellent reputation for themselves doing just that sort of unexpected splendor, Messa boasts immensity, grace, and quality once again with their fourth album.

There are just some bands you cannot keep down. In the face of adversity and self-challenge, only the finest are able to overcome and deliver with Messa being an extremely rare constant with each record different than the previous in many different ways from the obvious to the subtle. That proved to be no different as Messa penned “The Spin” which stands as the continuation of the band’s wild range that spans multiple genres while constantly delivering Messa’s personal brand exquisitely. It’s a record that demands you to fully submerge yourself in. No two tracks are anywhere near the same nor does the songwriting alone deserve anything less than your full attention as the utterly gorgeous vocals tie the record together in such a form that feel like an out-of-body-experience is right around the corner should you be truly connecting with the performance. Inducing chills in practically every given minute and carving out new sonic territory that only adds to the grandeur that Messa has become known for over the years, “The Spin” has already caused quite a ruckus in many circles, but much like whenever Messa puts out new material, I don’t think many are ready for the soul-touching experience that will be on full display within these seven enchanting tracks. All of this isn’t even beginning to tap into Messa’s unique approach to revering the overload of influential works from the 80s that not many others can ever quite compare to. “The Spin” is a dense and satisfying creation on every possible level with my words barely able to even scratch the surface of what has been accomplished here.

It’s still far too early in the year to be confident in claiming what works are most definitely hailed as one of the year’s best releases, yet I know damn well that people are already putting this album into consideration during that very conversation, and I would be inclined to agree with them. Messa has always been a force to know on an intimate level in order to come face-to-face with some of the most compelling talent in the entirety of the underground with all that is “The Spin” the fourth stroke of genius that damn near brings a tear to the eye.

“The Spin” releases on April 15th via Metal Blade Records!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “The Spin” on Bandcamp here.

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