Meshuggah – Contradictions Collapse [Re-Loaded Edition]
Nuclear Blast Records
(4/5)
Ok Meshuggah fans, it’s time to experience the beginning of an era…again. This Reloaded Edition re-release of the very first Meshuggah full album Contradictions Collapse also include their 1994 EP None. Altogether, this album is a great buy for any new Meshuggah fans or old fans looking to get the first album. Just as you see in any other albums or EPs produced by this extremely talented Experimental metal band, Contradictions Collapse provides an intense mixture of the heavy hitting force that this band produces. I am still amazed every time I hear any of Meshuggah’s material. This obscurity of the time signatures and intricate work that goes into the music is is absolutely top notch. By listening to this re-release of these two pieces of work, it is easy to see that the talent and musicianship has been there since the beginning through line changes and anything else that this band has conquered over the years. Two constant factors that have been a part of Meshuggah since the beginning are the intense vocals of Jens Kidman and the frivolous guitar work of Fredrik Thorendal, but with original release of Contradictions Collapse brought about the introduction of Tomas Haake’s sick drum skills and the original release of the None EP brought about Mårten Hagström’s contribution as rhythm guitarist. Fortunately, these four individuals have continued to work together since then and the two guitarists have been able to cover the bass recording for the albums when needed. Getting back to the technical aspects of the album, any of the tracks are great examples of the early work of Meshuggah and are crucial to these two albums. The overall product for the Re-Loaded Edition re-release is just incredible and I suggest it to any Meshuggah fans who do not own either of these albums.
Meshuggah – obZen
Nuclear Blast Records
(5/5)
One word can describe the magnitude of Meshuggah’s new album obZen, MASSIVE! In these nine tracks of pure adrenaline filled Metal, Meshuggah constantly hits you with their obscure time signatures, heavy hitting drums, and insane bass and guitar parts. Honestly, I haven’t heard much Meshuggah material other than obZen, but I am extremely impressed with how this album sounds. As mentioned before, guitarists Fredrik Thordendal and Marten Hagstrom really outdo themselves on this album with the pure heaviness of their parts with the help of bassist Dick Lövgren, whose parts are really noticeable compared to a lot of other bassists. On top of all the guitarists is drummer Tomas Haake and vocalist Jens Kidman. Tomas and Jens alike offer their amazing talents to finishing off what the other three members have already established. Altogether, this has to be one of the top five most TALENTED bands I have EVER come across! The biggest thing that puts these guys high on the list is their relentless obsession with challenging themselves with the difficulty of the time signatures they use and the pure, complete product they produce while continually performing it live! Proving the skill and ability Meshuggah has to produce some of the greatest material heard on the Metal scene today, obZen has a couple of tracks that really push themselves forward as superior, but the entire album is a true thrill ride for new and old Meshuggah fans! My personal favorite tracks from the album are “Combustion” (track 1), “Bleed” (track 3), and the title track “ObZen” (track 5). “Combustion” fits in on the list for its ability as an incredible album opener. It begins with a bit of a light guitar part just before exploding into a very Thrash metal based song structure. As for “Bleed” and “ObZen”, they top the list because of their pure heaviness and aggression. “Bleed” starts out with another Thrash-like song structure and continues it throughout the entire track, keeping you looking for a time to slow down and take a quick break. Not happening! “ObZen” takes a different approach in the beginning with a heavier, more Heavy metal style structure that you can either mosh or just groove too. As Meshuggah would have it, that Heavy metal feel remains, but it overtaken by the crazy time signature. With these tracks in mind and the guarantee that every other track on the album is also incredible, it needs to be mentioned that Meshuggah cannot really be put into just one music genre. I realize that most bands are like this, but Meshuggah REALLY hits in many different categories. Just from the tracks listed above you have Heavy metal and Thrash metal, “Pineal Gland Optics” (track 7) really helps you see the Experimental metal of the band, and there are many other Meshuggah songs that would change your initial categorization of the band. For obZen, the overall product meets the credentials for the Experimental metal genre. All in all, if you want to experience one of the most exciting albums of 2008, check out obZen by Meshuggah!
