Meshuggah

I don't know how familiar the head-fiers are with Meshuggah but they are a really great band that is most definitely worth checking out. Meshuggah play polyrhythms and typically utilize a 4/4 core in doing so. The guitars and bass often play different time signatures while the drummer (Thomas Haake) maintains a 4/4 beat on the drums but plays in different time signatures all around the kit simultaneously. Thomas Haake plays jazz like beats with a strong metal influence. In fact, he typically writes the percussion components of the songs with a particular vision (keep in mind that the drums are the core of polyrhythms that Meshuggah play so well). The guitarists then follow by writing their parts. I am not sure if this is how Meshuggah still write but I am fairly certain they wrote this way on their album 'Nothing'.

Jens Kidman, Meshuggah's vocalist, has an amazing voice. The laymen just hears screaming. But, there is more happening there. Jens Kidman's performances are the vocal element in Meshuggah's intensity. They are a very, very heavy band. They play down tuned eight string guitars. Meshuggah have often been described as controlled sonic chaos, a "machine that is breaking down". Their music is very mechanical sounding and definitely very modern. Sterile sounding productions are a trademark of Meshuggah's (later) sound. Yet, in spite of their mechanical sound, sterile production, and "math metal" dynamics they create a lot of groove and soul in their sound. Jazzy solos, jazz influenced metal percussion, and down tuned eight string guitars create a particular groove that is not instantly obvious. Meshuggah truly are a required taste.

Lyrically, Meshuggah dabble in existentialism, subjectivity, and other scientific/philosophical concepts. Ultimately, Meshuggah create music that is very modern and/or futuristic sounding, composed with tasteful jazz elements, and equally intelligent lyrical concepts to Meshuggah's music. Definitely a band worth checking out. I strongly recommend them. But, I strongly suggest that one give Meshuggah time.

I'd suggest you listen to Nothing (remastered). Meshuggah originally recorded the album with down tuned seven string guitars but they had problems staying in tune and maintaining intonation when playing. They also didn't like how the drums turned out and wanted to change up a few songs. So, they decided to remaster the album, re-record some of the guitar work with eight string guitars, and incorporate some songwriting changes. I believe Meshuggah referred to the Nothing remaster as being the "real Nothing". Nothing is a really good album. It is a slower Meshuggah album but has a ton of groove.

I'd also check out Obzen. That is a very good album. Some fans argue it is better than Nothing.

Oh, and check out Catch 33. It is a concept album that is one long song.

Yeah, they are a great band. I have never really checked out Fredrik's solo project. Not sure how I feel about it. I'll get back to ya;)

While I disagree with your feelings about Meshuggah's songwriting after DEI we definitely agree DEI is a really cool album. Definitely a lot more groovy jazz happenin' that's for sure.