ObZen is more traditional in terms of structure, but with Meshuggah there's always something unique. The songs have mind-bendingly complex riffs and technicality along with unusual time signatures and clever song structures. There are also plenty of progressive sections. And while it's easy to marvel at Meshuggah's technical prowess, with this CD the songs are groovier and catchier with some great thrashy guitars that hold up really well upon repeated listens.
After giving way to a drum machine on the last album, Tomas Haake returns, and although not perfect like a machine adds that much needed groove and human element. Jens Kidman's vocals are fierce, an angry dose of raw emotion. And that's what makes Meshuggah so good. They are able to skillfully blend the technical and the emotional into a razor sharp musical weapon. And while ObZen isn't as groundbreaking or experimental as some of their previous albums, it is Meshuggah knowing exactly what they want to accomplish, and hitting on all cylinders.
(released March 11, 2008 on Nuclear Blast Records)
