"Mezzanine" is the third studio album by English electronic music group Massive Attack. Released on 20 April 1998 by Circa and Virgin Records, the album represented a departure from the trip-hop sound that the group was originally associated with, for a darker, more atmospheric, and embossed sound. The album's music features elements of electronic rock, new wave, and dub music. The band attributed this change in sound to a change in their listening habits; they started experimenting with and incorporating elements of rock and punk music styles.
The recording process of the album was tense due to creative differences and conflicts among the band members. This tension is reflected in the album's paranoid and unsettling mood. Horace Andy and Elizabeth Fraser contributed vocals to several songs on the album.
Despite the internal conflicts during its production, "Mezzanine" was released to critical acclaim. It marked the band's highest peak in international music charts and obtained strong sales certifications in several countries. Critics praised the juxtaposition of atmospheric soundscapes with the group's newfound dark and teeming sound. The band also promoted the album with a successful world tour.
Ever since its release, "Mezzanine" has frequently been featured in various lists of the greatest albums of all time and has influenced a wide range of artists and musicians. The album's innovative sound and rich depth continue to earn it a significant reputation in electronic music.
