MASSA is a Dutch sludge band from Rotterdam. Formed in 2014, this band has been around the sludge scene for a while now. With a massive load of atmospheric rock added to the sludge, this is going to be a nice trip. It certainly is a while ago when I heard some good rock music!

 

The 4-track EP called ‘The Deep End’ emerged this year. If I am not mistaken, it is the first professionally recorded. ‘The Deep End’ contains 4 track: ‘The Interview’, ‘The Deep End’, ‘Dr. Frank’ and ‘Thank You Carl’.

 

The first thing that notices me is the artwork. A good simple artwork. Very striking. Same for the EP title ‘The Deep End’. Very suiting for the music on the EP.

 

‘The Interview’ has as small piece of an interview (duh) as an intro. I guess it’s about drugs but I could be wrong. The interview goes on throughout the whole song which is a great idea and luckily MASSA does it well. The guitar sound is a thing to get used to.

 

Immediately during the ‘The Deep End’ the guitar has a better tone. The whole band gives a unique statement by not having vocals during their songs on ‘The Deep End’ EP. During the title track, MASSA gives a great example of what the sound should sound like in the future of MASSA. It sounds very promising. With the right producer/master mixer, MASSA could give one of the sickest 2017 releases.

 

‘Dr. Frank’ is 3rd song on ‘The Deep End’. Although you can hear that this is their very first demo, the productions give a different kind of vibe where you can drift away into. The repetitive riffs will get you in a trance and that is exactly what MASSA want.

 

The last song on ‘The Deep End’ is ‘Thank You Carl’. Just like ‘The Interview’, ‘Thank You Carl’ has the same song structure. Very mesmerizing driven by an interview bit in the background. A very good and well thought idea that works in MASSA’s favour. With a good production sound, MASSA could become a unique band in the Dutch rock/metal scene. I’d certainly go to a gig of them if they were around my area.

 

End verdict: MASSA has the basics. They know what they want. They know their inspiration very well and they have drawn their style of music perfectly from it. With this attitude, MASSA should find a good producer for their next release. Grade: a 8 out of 10.