Artist: Meshuggah Title: “Destroy Erase Improve” – Reloaded (remaster) Label: Nuclear Blast Records Release Date: 7/8/2008 Genre: Technical Death Metal Rating: 4.5/5
It begins here Metal fans and that is the best way that one can describe the groundbreaking release from Sweden’s Meshuggah when it comes down to 1995’s “Destroy Erase Improve”. The exciting album gets a justified remastering treatment and this release comes to us “reloaded” with a number of cool bonus tracks as well. In 1995 the Metal scene in Europe was thriving, but over here in the States we were dealing with the dismalness of being bleak thanks to the “Seattle Sound” of Grunge where every musician in a flannel shirt secured a recording contract and offered up their personal malaise ad nausea. The exciting nature of what Meshuggah was bringing to the table at the time was sadly missed by a number of fans who would have really sunk their teeth into it and I admit to being one of them. “DEI” is an album that pummels the senses with off time signature thunderous drumming courtesy of Tomas Haake while the riffing of Hagstrom and Thordendal cuts like a razor blade. While the music offered up delivers a righteous thrashing, there is also a cool Jazz and Fusion feel based on the technical guitar diversity of Thordendal who breaks rank from the traditional expected run on the frets and instead demonstrates skills that one would not often find in a band like this. It opens with “Future Breed Machine”, which is an impressive introduction to the band for the new listener and also a number that is often delivered as a part of their live show to this day. The exciting tune is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the other offerings on the recording that while at some fourteen years of age is still a fresh sounding and relevant Metal release. Had tunes like “Beneath” and “Soul Burn” been released today, they still would have worked out well for the band. It was clear that the group was exploring many different musical dynamics across the board with this one and such is the reason that fans of not only conventional Death Metal, but also those who enjoy Progressive elements and Jazz Fusion would be stunned at what was being done here. Continue reading “Destroy Erase Improve” – Reloaded (remaster) by Meshuggah→
Artist: Meshuggah Title: “obZen” Label: Nuclear Blast Records Release Date: 3/11/2008 Genre: Technical Death Metal Rating: 5/5
In a time where originality in music seems to be fading thing thanks to the likes of American Idol and other “talent” shows of that ilk, and a time where bands are consistently releasing cover albums, symphony albums and unplugged adventures; I am glad that 2008 has offered up new and once again startling music from the mighty Meshuggah. The Swedish quintet have returned to a scene that was quite in need of a visit with their latest studio effort “obZen”, and if you are one of those Metal fans who for some reason have yet to be exposed to the band in all their complexity and genius then the delivery of this one could not have come at a better time. The second that “obZen” begins with “Combustion” we are taken on a roller coaster ride of proportions that one rarely comes off of unscathed and I feel that this is exactly what Meshuggah wants to leave happening in you. If you’re a fan of that which is heavy, “obZen” will work for you. Should you enjoy technical movements that appear to go in dozens of directions all at once only to return to a single starting point, “obZen” will work for you. Have you a high brow appreciation of deep musicality and idea as it applies to Metal music, “obZen” will work for you – am I making some sense here? This all might seem a bit much to comprehend and if you realize this then you are not alone. Continue reading “obZen” by Meshuggah→
Artist: Meshuggah Title: “Nothing” (remaster) Label: Nuclear Blast Records Release Date: 10/31/2006 Genre: Technical Experimental Heavy Metal Rating: 4/5
There are very few people who will argue with you should you proclaim that Meshuggah is one of the true innovators in Heavy Metal music. This remaster of 2002’s “Nothing” reminds you why this is the case as it is loaded with technical guitar wizardry from Henrik Throndel, that gets compounded by the thunderous drumming of Thomas Haake. As you listen, often mystified about what you will hear, you come to wonder how such a band could even exist in a scene that does not often accept such change all too readily. Jens Kidman’s has a growling presence that commands your attention – and with songs like “Stengah” and “Rational Gaze” they show that they are ever-evolving, and ever proving that Metal’s tapestry is a continually weaved thing. Continue reading “Nothing” (remaster) by Meshuggah→
Artist: Meshuggah & God Forbid Venue: B.B. King Blues Club (New York, NY) Opener: The Haunted & Mnemic Date: 10/7/2005 Label: Nuclear Blast Records
The tour was labeled “The Fury Of The Fall” and it certainly made sense given that it put a great roster of Century Media Records and Nuclear Blast Records heaviest hitters alongside the one and only Meshuggah. The venue would be the ever popular B.B. King Blues Club which I have been to more times than I can recall at present in my quest to bring you the Metal. Joining Meshuggah would be Mnemic (Denmark), The Haunted (Sweden) and God Forbid (US) and it was clear very early on that this would be one kick ass performance. The lack of available tickets that day to the sold-out venue was a testament to the support and interest that all of these bands were generating and it slams down those that say no one comes to shows anymore. Tonight 1100 crazed for the Metal friends were in the house and the vibe of the air was exciting to say the least. I liked how this tour featured several different Countries as well rather than one area dominating the show. Here is a little on each of the groups. Continue reading Meshuggah @ B.B. King Blues Club (10/7/2005)→
Artist: Meshuggah Title: “Catch Thirty-Three” – Listening Party Venue: CBGB’s Gallery (New York, NY) Label: Nuclear Blast Records Date: 4/1/2005 Genre: Technical Death Metal
Once again I trekked down to the Bowery for the famed CBGB’s Club. Actually we were downstairs in the roomy lounge of the adjacent building in a space known as the CBGB’s Gallery. This atmosphere is more suited to a party like this since you are out to network with the band and enjoy their latest work. The reason for the trip this evening was to meet a couple of the guys in the one and only “Meshuggah”. The band had come to town to give the Media a sneak listen on their latest effort entitled “Catch Thirty Three”. It was great to be included in the festivities like this, since getting to talk to the Artist before an actual release can be a special thing and assist in getting the word out on it. Nuclear Blast Records was in full presence as reps from the label entertained folks like my colleague Pete Pardo (from www.SeaOfTranquility.org) and many others. It’s pretty cool that the label does this kind of thing and also that they picked this particular venue to showcase the album. Recently, CBGB’s has been in the news over their fight with the owners of the building over unpaid rent and it looks like the doors may soon close on the birthplace of Punk Rock. It’s a landmark club whether you love it or hate it, and a lot of memorable music has come from it so I hope it gets resolved to a positive fashion. Continue reading Listening To Meshuggah’s “Catchy Thirty Three” in NYC (4/1/2005)→
