Up next on the chopping block is a band where most would call them math metal. Of course the band I am talking about is the band Meshuggah. I honestly can’t remember where I heard them for the first time but I think it had to have been on Headbangers Ball on MTV2. Anyway, here we go……….
Contradictions Collapse- well first of all, I didn’t really know that this album existed until this review and second of all, I didn’t realize that this one was a different record from their later records. It’s different because it has a thrash/alternative sound to it and is not really a technical/math metal record. Definitely an interesting start and not what I was expecting but a good start. I give it 8/10
Standouts: Greed, Qualms of Reality, Abnegating Cecity
Destroy, Erase, Improve- ok so now we are at the first of many Meshuggah albums where they start to go technical and experimental. I’m pretty sure this was the first album I bought and I actually had to buy it again because my original was all scratched up. This album is definitely considered a classic and if anyone were to ask, I would say this one. Now for the most part, it’s slower than the previous album but the songs are more crushing. I give it 10/10
Standouts: Future Breed Machine, Soul Burn, Terminal Illusions
Chaosphere- so while the last couple records had a thrash sound to them, this one is a complete departure. Instead of a technical thrash sound, they have a technical groove sound on here. That’s not to say that some of these songs are not only technical but they are fast as well. I guess some would say that this is a “math metal” record. Anyway, another fantastic record and I give this 10/10
Standouts: New Millennium Cyanide Christ, Concatenation, The Mouth Licking What You’ve Bled
Nothing- so this is the first album where they experimented with 8 string guitars and this one has a jazzy feel compared to their other records. I guess in an effort to get it done and tour for Ozzfest 2002, the final mixing was rushed. While this is a great album, it’s not my favorite so far but it’s one that should definitely be checked out especially if you want to hear jazz and technical death metal fused together. I give it 9/10
Standouts: Perpetual Black Second, Spasm, Glints Collide
Catch Thirtythree- this one is a concept album and it’s a concept album revolving around different paradoxes and even though there are individual song titles, this is meant to be one long continuous song and you can definitely tell because it just flows so well. Now if you are looking for Destroy, Erase, Improve part 2 then look elsewhere because this continues where Nothing left off. This is a really unique and cool record but can seem a little long. I give it 9/10.
Standouts: Entrapment, Autonomy Lost, Shed
Obzen- 2008 was a very special year for metal. I mean we had the reunions of both Carcass and At The Gates (went to both and enjoyed every minute) and several bands put out badass records but the two bands that put out said records are Grave and Meshuggah. This is the second album I purchased from these guys and I actually bought it at Best Buy of all places! The opener is definitely one of their best songs ever. The album has a little bit of everything and there is definitely something for everyone here. In fact I’d say go with this one or Destroy as a first album. This is another one of those albums where I couldn’t stop listening to for weeks it’s that good. I give this album 10/10 and I can’t believe they lost best Swedish Grammy to In Flames.
Standouts: Combustion, Bleed, Obzen
Koloss- the initial reviews I read on this one were not so good but I’m not sure what they are talking about. This isn’t so much of a continuation of the previous album but it definitely feels like a follow up to that album. It’s definitely got that technical groove to it but it’s also really heavy. I mean a great description of this would be Tool on steroids. Anyway, definitely give this a listen and I give it 8/10
Standouts: Do Not Look Down, I Am Colossus, Marrow
The Violent Sleep Of Reason- this is one of those records where I had heard about but never really thought to check out and I’m kind of sorry I didn’t. This is definitely one of those records where they have elements of previous records yet have a new and fresh sound. While I don’t feel like it’s their strongest, this is still a fantastic record. It’s got that jazzy technical guitar work as well as the awesome drumming. Overall, a great well rounded record and I give it 9.5/10
Standouts: Clockworks, Monstrocity, Violent Sleep Of Reason
If you want technicality and precision, then look no further than to Meshuggah. These guys are so damn good and I’m not sure how the do it especially live. I’m not really into progressive music but these guys are definitely an exception. Hopefully when they start doing concerts again, I can see them.
Album Rankings:
- Obzen
- Destroy Erase Improve
- Chaosphere
- Catch Thirtythree
- Koloss
- Nothing
- The Violent Sleep Of Reason
- Contradictions Collapse
Sinister Reviews 