Messa Live at The Bellwether in Los Angeles, CA 9/20/2026

Messa are an Italian progressive doom metal band that explore a unique experimental gothic sonic expression that they have dubbed "Scarlet Doom".

Their sound revolves around the amazing voice of Sara Bianchin, who brings to mind gothic staples like Siousxie but also other contemporary bands like her fellow Italians Lacuna Coil - and can also bring to mind Black Sabbath at moments, and maybe even a little bit of Lane Staley's croon.

Where they deviate to great effect, is through their musical meandering that leads to tracks with full-on jazz saxophone interlayed with electronics and synths, bulding into guitar solos that feel like you are experiencing prime era Sabbath/Cream/Zeppelin, and continuing to a punky, churning riff session - potentionally all in the same song.

This can be contributed to the other three founding members; Alberto Piccolo playing guitar like a virtuoso, Mark Sade on bass and electronics, and Rocco "Mystr" Toldo on drums. This lineup remains true to their 2014 founding, and obviously they love and live what they do. They also have a guest musician, Rachel Burnett who plays saxophone on "The Dress".

I found Messa via their latest offering, 2025's The Spin. A masterpiece of "beauty in darkness" - a gothic-laden journey that just rings true to the spirit.

The album creates an intense and encompassing mood when listening to it - so much so, that the whole album can go by without realising or paying proper attention to a lot of the other aspects and depth of the music- this becomes readily apparent when watching them perform it live.

Their setlist revolved entirely around The Spin, so I knew every song and thought they were amazing to experience live. They finished the set with a song from their previous album, Close.

Messa follow their own path - down to their stage presence. Sara wore a suit, looking more like a jazz/lounge singer than metal maiden and Alberto has that olden-day flare of the bands that influence his playing style. This was refreshing, their persona playing a part in the reception of the music and vibe.

Messa Setlist:

Fire on the Roof

At Races

The Dress

Immolation

Reveal

Thicker Blood

Rubedo





				Messa Live at The Bellwether Los Angeles, CA September 20th, 2026 Review and photos by Travis Baumann Messa are an Italian progressive doom metal band that explore a unique experimental gothic sonic expression that they have dubbed "Scarlet Doom". Their sound revolves around the amazing voice of Sara Bianchin, who brings to mind gothic staples like Siousxie but also other contemporary bands like her fellow Italians Lacuna Coil - and can also bring to mind Black Sabbath at moments, and maybe even a little bit of Lane Staley's croon. Where they deviate to great effect, is through their musical meandering that leads to tracks with full-on jazz saxophone interlayed with electronics and synths, bulding into guitar solos that feel like you are experiencing prime era Sabbath/Cream/Zeppelin, and continuing to a punky, churning riff session - potentionally all in the same song. This can be contributed to the other three founding members; Alberto Piccolo playing guitar like a virtuoso, Mark Sade on bass and electronics, and Rocco "Mystr" Toldo on drums. This lineup remains true to their 2014 founding, and obviously they love and live what they do. They also have a guest musician, Rachel Burnett who plays saxophone on "The Dress". I found Messa via their latest offering, 2025's The Spin. A masterpiece of "beauty in darkness" - a gothic-laden journey that just rings true to the spirit. The album creates an intense and encompassing mood when listening to it - so much so, that the whole album can go by without realising or paying proper attention to a lot of the other aspects and depth of the music- this becomes readily apparent when watching them perform it live. Their setlist revolved entirely around The Spin, so I knew every song and thought they were amazing to experience live. They finished the set with a song from their previous album, Close. Messa follow their own path - down to their stage presence. Sara wore a suit, looking more like a jazz/lounge singer than metal maiden and Alberto has that olden-day flare of the bands that influence his playing style. This was refreshing, their persona playing a part in the reception of the music and vibe. Messa Setlist: Fire on the Roof At Races The Dress Immolation Reveal Thicker Blood Rubedo



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