Year: 2020
Total Time: 13:36
Label: High Roller Records
Surely most of us have combined Switzerland with CELTIC FROST and CORONER but in the shadow of these two huge bands, in the 80’s and 90’s, there were also Death / Thrash Metallers MESSIAH. Although they are not very well known to fans of extreme metal sound, all these years they have built a cult name, even if their releases did not have much of an impact… So, the fact that they are back this year with two releases, after 26 years, was a huge surprise for me. The first release is the “Fatal Grotesque Symbols Darken Universe” EP, while on the 11th of September they will release their new album entitled “Fracmont” (their last full-length album was released in 1994, the mediocre “Underground”).
The EP includes three compositions, one new and two re-recorded from their previous albums. Starting with the new song “Fatal Grotesque Symbols – Darken Universe”, a remarkable sample of early Death / Thrash Metal with its roots in the 80’s. The second song is “Space Invaders” from their debut album “Hymn to Abramelin” (released in 1986 and it is their top release), which moves to mid-tempo Doom / Death rhythms. The EP closes with “Extreme Cold Weather”, from the corresponding album of 1987, in a faster tempo and with some melodic parts.
The Swiss seems to return with an appetite and in a vicious mood which makes us happy. If the upcoming album is of similar quality to the new composition, we will be talking about a strong release in the extreme metal sound. Regarding the re-recorded songs, although they did not differ much, I prefer the original compositions that had a more intense old school feeling. So, listen to MESSIAH’s return and get ready for September 11th, when the new album will be out.
Rating: 6.5/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: MESSIAH – Facebook Page
