Solo performer, Julinko opens tonight's show. She plays drone/noise which is built by looping guitar, vocals and other noises. However, it sounds rather disjointed and just leaves me cold. Some of the high pitched, almost yodelled vocals remind me of Sturle Dagsland but without the sheer magic. It sounds like Sunn0))) in other places but without the power. I forgot my earplugs tonight but it's a good job I had a tissue to put in my ears as this would have been unbearable otherwise.
I'd been looking forward to tonight's show as Messa's 'Close' album was one of my favourite records of last year. The singer, Sara, opens the set in stunning fashion with an acapella rendition of the opening to 'If You Want Her To Be Taken' before the band crashes in with the heft of a prime Candlemass. 'Dead Horse' is much more uptempo, like if thrash had been invented in the seventies rather than the eighties. Sara's vocals are a bit drowned out on the faster material which is a shame as when she is given the space musically, she is bewitching. However, it is guitarist Alberto who is the real star of the show. Cutting a stylish figure in his sheepskin coat, his guitar work is equally impressive, both soulful and emotive. He uses a bow for the beginning of 'Surrounded' and his jazzy guitar solo during the same song is amazing. These little creative flourishes help elevate their heavy as hell classic doom to even greater heights. The eastern style introduction to 'Pilgrim' is incredible and leads into immense Saint Vitus style doom. 'Rubedo' is more seventies influenced with a thrashier middle section which sounds like Megadeth by way of Blue Oyster Cult. Outstanding.
Messa ****
Julinko **
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