Meshuggah

The Swedish metal band Meshuggah has created a highly unique sound, making it difficult to place them into a specific genre. Some will call them math metal; others might throw them into the progressive genre. No matter the claims, there is no doubt that Meshuggah is experimental in every aspect of their sound. The band has received wide acclaim in the underground metal community for their uncompromising approach.

Meshuggah was formed in 1987 by vocalist Jens Kidman and Fredrik Thordendal. Drummer Tomas Haake would join the band in 1990, right before the release of the band’s first album, Contradictions Collapse. At first, Meshuggah’s sound was aimed towards a thrash metal vibe ala Metallic and Megadeth.

Four years would separate their debut album and sophomore release, Destroy Erase Improve. In between that time period would be the first inklings of what would become a trademark sound for Meshuggah. The technical and often complex song structures made an appearance on Destroy Erase Improve, but it would be with 1998’s Chaosphere and 2002’s Nothing that the true nature of Meshuggah was exposed.

In 2004, Meshuggah released a one-track EP, I, which featured a 21-minute epic that was unlike anything the band had done previously. This new direction would follow the band into the studio for their fifth studio album, Catch Thirtythree, which was a 47-minute song split into 13 tracks. Meshuggah also used programmed drums for the first time on a studio album, from the “Drumkit From Hell,” a software program.

The band went back into the studio in 2007 to work on their sixth studio album. The result, ObZen, was released in early 2008 to strong sales and praise from fans and critics alike. It was a more traditional album in structure, but as always, Meshuggah explored many different directions.

Dillinger Escape Plan, Voivod, Tool

Jens Kidman - Vocals
Fredrik Thordendal - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Mårten Hagström - Guitar
Dick Lövgren - Bass
Tomas Haake - Drums

Peter Nordin - Bass (1987-1995)
Gustaf Hielm - Bass (1995-2001)
Niklas Lundgren - Drums (1987-1990)

1991 Contradictions Collapse (Nuclear Blast)
1995 Destroy Erase Improve (Nuclear Blast)
1998 Chaosphere (Nuclear Blast)
2002 Nothing (Nuclear Blast)
2004 I (Fractured Transmitter)
2005 Catch Thirtythree (Nuclear Blast)
2008 ObZen (Nuclear Blast)

Destroy Erase Improve Meshuggah’s sophomore album was the first real taste of the progressive and complex nature of the metal band. Crazy signature time changes, jazz fusion, and insane drumming would become the norm for Meshuggah, but back in 1995, Destroy Erase Improve was considered revolutionary for its time. Considering the fact that just four years prior, Meshuggah was a thrash metal band heavily influenced by Metallica, the drastic change in sound is more stunning. “Future Breed Machine” is a classic opener, one that is still played by the band to this day.