MESSIAH
MESSIAH “Christus Hypercubus”
By Lord Randall
There was always something quirkily special about ‘80s MESSIAH. From the low-slung proto-doom/death of “Space Invaders”, to the utterly bonkers yet melodic “The Dentist” of the debut to the complete about-face that was “Extreme Cold Weather” and that curious polar bear on the cover, MESSIAH was just different.
Fast forward to 2024, with the regrettable loss of vocalist Andy Kaina certainly still haunting after the triumphant return of ‘22s “Fracmont”, and “Christus Hypercubus” be upon us. Opener ‘Sikhote Alin’ bursts out the gate, new throat Marcus Seebach’s baritone rumble a strangely perfect blend for the cosmically charged, headbanging supernova of riff ‘n’ rhythm. The pattern follows for the title track, and then the speed demon that is “Once Upon A Time…NOTHING” shreds your earholes in frantic glee, and you’re right there with it, enjoying the pain.
You wouldn’t expect a song called “Speedsucker Romance” to be paced as slowly as it is, nor as replete with keyboard excursions, but following the futuristic theme of the album, it works. Lone founding member, Brögi joins his guitars with new six-string foil V.O. Pulver (of kickass groove machine GURD) to create a truly robust sound without becoming bloated in the process.
After the somber resignation of “Please Do Not Disturb (While I’m Dying)”, the lockstep rhythm section of longtime members Hersche and Kerrer (bass, drums respectively) moves fluid yet fierce in “Soul Observatory”, my pick of “Christus Hypercubus”, in an album already full of jack shit to complain about.
Now, MESSIAH today is most assuredly not the same band that gave us “Enjoy Yourself”, so ye olde guard might not be prepared for what they’ll hear. But what I can say with no reservation is that “Christus Hypercubus” is one of the best albums of its sort that I’ve heard in far too long. Modern, Melodic, Malevolent, and most of all…METAL! I can’t imagine any true metal fan alive today not finding something to love here.