Messiah

Messiah stands among the pioneering forces of European extreme metal, significantly shaping the development of death metal and thrash metal since their formation in 1984 in Baar, Canton Zug. As one of the first bands to merge these two genres into a unique synthesis, the formation around guitarist Remo "Brögi" Broggi – the only constant member since the band's inception – established themselves as pioneers of Swiss extreme metal alongside legends like Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, and Coroner.

Messiah's beginnings were marked by raw energy and uncompromising will to extremity. Founded in 1984 by Broggi, vocalist Reto Wilhelm "Tschösi" Kühne, and drummer Rolf "Jazzi" Heer, the band recorded their first demo "Powerthrash" in 1985 – a spontaneous recording of a rehearsal where members barely mastered their instruments. This DIY aesthetic and unbridled energy would become the trademark of the early Messiah era.

The artistic breakthrough came in 1986 with the debut album "Hymn to Abramelin," released through the band's own label Chainsaw Murder Records. Recorded in an 8-track studio in Baar, the album presented an experimental style that couldn't be clearly classified as either death metal or thrash metal – Messiah themselves referred to their sound as "Extreme Metal." With 2,000 copies in black cover and another 5,000 in red cover, the album achieved cult status in the underground scene, despite being ignored by mass media.

"Extreme Cold Weather" (1987) continued this extreme tradition and became one of the most successful underground releases of the era with 12,000 copies sold. The peculiarity: The album featured a sound on the studio side "as if the speakers were broken," while the live side presented recordings from various concerts. This creative freedom and experimental approach made Messiah both outsiders and pioneers.

In 1987, the band dissolved due to musical differences – Broggi wanted to move toward grindcore/death metal, while Kühne wanted to become even more extreme and chaotic. After three years of hiatus, Messiah returned in 1990 with a new lineup: Andy Kaina (vocals), Patrick Hersche (bass), and Steve Karrer (drums) completed the new formation alongside Broggi, securing a contract with Noise Records – the label of Celtic Frost and Coroner.

The EP "Psychomorphia" (1990) marked the transition to classic death metal, followed by the masterpieces "Choir of Horrors" (1991) and "Rotten Perish" (1992), which definitively established Messiah as an international death metal force. The band toured with Deicide and participated in the 1991 Marlboro Rock-in competition, placing third among hundreds of bands – a remarkable success for an extreme metal band.

1994 brought changes again: Christofer Johnsson of Therion took over vocals for "Underground," which stylistically leaned back toward thrash metal. However, Broggi no longer saw the original vision of Messiah realized and dissolved the band in 1995.

2017 saw the triumphant reunion in the classic lineup of the early 90s. What was initially intended only for the Swiss fanbase developed into a resounding comeback. High Roller Records re-released the first two albums before releasing the sixth studio album "Fracmont" (named after the old name of Mount Pilatus) in 2020. Recorded at Little Creek Studio with producer V.O. Pulver, the album combines death metal brutality with doom elements and orchestral arrangements, receiving critical acclaim as a worthy continuation of the Messiah legacy.

2024 saw "Christus Hypercubus" via High Roller Records, definitively establishing the band as an active force in modern extreme metal. With over 40 years of band history, Messiah remains a monument of Swiss metal excellence.

Discography

1986 - Hymn to Abramelin (Chainsaw Murder Records)
1987 - Extreme Cold Weather (Chainsaw Murder Records)
1991 - Choir of Horrors (Noise Records)
1992 - Rotten Perish (Noise Records)
1993 - Underground (Noise Records)
2020 - Fracmont (High Roller Records)
2024 - Christus Hypercubus (High Roller Records)

Important EPs:
1990 - Psychomorphia (Noise Records)
1994 - The Ballad of Jesus (Noise Records)