Messenjā doesn’t knock politely — he kicks the door clean off the hinges. The rising electronic producer and DJ, aka Manuel Smit, returns with Revenge, a fierce two-track EP released via Swiss imprint Bassfeature, and it’s one of those projects that feels both cinematic and confrontational from the very first beat. Dark, heavy, and intentional, Revenge is less about escapism and more about staring something uncomfortable straight in the face — then turning it into pure sonic power.
Built around multiple versions of the title track, this EP is the result of weeks of obsessive fine-tuning. Manuel Smit painstakingly puzzled, mixed, and reshaped the sound until it matched the vision in his head — and you can hear that precision in every kick and drop. The production hits hard, but it’s never careless.
At its core, Revenge is inspired by the often underestimated reality of bullying, particularly among children. Rather than approaching the topic delicately, Messenjā leans into a darker, almost sarcastic fantasy narrative. The track tells a thriller-like story of a girl who endures abuse and later takes revenge on everyone involved. It’s unsettling, gritty, and emotionally charged — exactly as it should be.
Sonically, the EP is a bruising blend of hardtechno, hardcore, and hardstyle, driven by thunderous 90s-inspired bass kicks fused with modern sound design. Cinematic atmospheres creep beneath the surface, experimental rhythms keep the tension high, and the overall mood stays shadowy and relentless. This is club music with teeth — gloomy, aggressive, and unapologetically intense.
Messenjā’s journey adds another layer to the project’s weight. Now 39 and based in Groningen, Netherlands, Manuel Smit has been building toward moments like this since childhood — from recreating radio melodies on keyboards at age eight, to being inspired by trance pioneers like Tiësto and Armin van Buuren, and later diving headfirst into harder styles through acts like Scooter. After years of honing his craft, his recent run of releases shows an artist fully stepping into his own.
With Revenge, that identity feels crystal clear. It’s dark, thematic, cinematic, and emotionally rooted — proof that heavy electronic music can still carry meaning without sacrificing impact. This EP doesn’t just move bodies; it tells a story, challenges listeners, and leaves a mark long after the final beat fades.
“Revenge is a dark techno statement that turns pain into power
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