Metal Reviews

Who the fuck could get "nu-metal" from Meshuggah? Stupid.

Maybe the "technical label" is a bit misplaced because it tends to imply a load of shredding. The most technically complicated thing about Meshuggah is the rhythms, IMO. I guess that's the most forward-thinking aspect of their music to my ears. There's not really anyone doing the kind of things they do without sounding like imitators. (or if there is could someone please recommend them to me pls)

That's why Nothing is my favourite of theirs, I guess. Because it sort of distills that one element to become the whole point of the album.

I actually like the cover of this, anyway

Glad to see I've stepped into another mindless Meshuggah debate already in progress. I've only heard about half of the album so far, and I have mixed feelings. I'm guessing/hoping this will grow on me like their other albums have.

I'm not really sure that Meshuggah are the future of metal, seeing how long they've already been around, so I don't wholeheartedly agree with Zad on that point. However, for anyone to say that this is nu-metal in any way just shows a fair amount of ignorance on the subject. To me, it's pretty damn stupid to just compare a band you don't like to an often-bashed variation of metal, especially when your comparison has no basis in fact. If you don't like the band, fine, no problem. But don't try to insult our intelligence by trying to compare them to Korn, Linkin Park, etc.

I actually have to agree with some things itsjoeymoose says, some of the meshuggah riffing is very nu-metalish or what i call "chugga-chugga", and there's nothing wrong with that (except if you are one of those close minded metalheads that thinks every single thing about numetal is crap), except for the drumming the band's sound isnt very technical at all, guitar and bass parts are pretty average to pull off, vocals are just your average death metal vocals.

Some people like it, some dont, i dont, but please dot put the band on a pedestal and say things like "they are technicaly brilliant" and "blablabla thordendal is a technical god", he's not, and there's nothing wrong with it, if you like the band good for you. I sometimes compare meshuggah to devin towsend and SYL because they are bands that are not that special on the complexity of the music but do sound different and special. I love devind towsend solo, and i totally ignore meshuggah and syl, why? i dont know, i just like some things and dont care about others.

I like this album, but for some reason Ive had a hard time getting into it. I listen to it, but I don't really remember anything about it. Its meshuggah though so a few more listens and ill probably love it. Also great review zad.

Are you itsjoeymoose under a different name?

Hmm, if nothing else I thought the album should at least be easy to [/i]get into[/i] for anyone who likes all their other albums. noodles' point about them not having progressed much is certainly valid, and I can see myself holding that against the album in the future, but right now my feelings about it are basically "more Meshuggah awesomeness".

EDIT: And yes, I hear some nu-metal here and there on this album. Yes, "nu-metal" is a vaguely defined genre, but I mean some of it sounds like some of the popular bands that are commonly labeled as such. It's not an overly prominent influence, but bits and pieces do sound rather Korn- and Slipknot-esque, whether intentional or not. I haven't listened to the album enough to be able to point out some specific examples, though.

excuse me Adam, but i'm not calling anyone stupid and don't you or anyone call me stupid just because in my opinion, the riffs Meshuggah use remind me so much of the early days of Korn and Slipknot, it's just what I hear.
I happen to love the early Korn, Slipknot material so it's not in anyway a mindless comment to refer Meshuggah to nu-metal just because i don't like them. Meshuggah to me is like nu-metal but with a twist, that is all im trying to say.
if you feel you've stepped into another mindless debate then by all means, step out again

Geez, you're a testy one, aren't you? If you think it sounds like nu-metal, so be it. I still think you're making a blanket statement meant to shit on a band you hate by comparing them to a genre most metalheads can't stand. But that's fine, keep riding that high horse and telling people they don't understand what "technical" music is. Everytime there is an Opeth or Meshuggah thread, this same discussion pops up, which is what my last comment was referring to. "Mindless" was aimed more at the fact that it goes nowhere than it was at specific posts, but if you want to take offense, I can't stop you. These discussions have been happening since long before you were here, and I'll continue to step into whatever the hell conversation I feel like if I see comments like those that are way off base.

EDIT - One more thing. Downtuned chugging riffs do not equal nu metal. Nu metal contains elements of hip hop (turntables, rapping, etc). Bands like Linkin Park and P.O.D. fit this bill, Meshuggah does not. I happen to like some nu metal, but I think it's a genre that gets mislabeled more than any other.

That is kinda insulting, ive been a reader of this site for years, but only recently did i noticed there were forums in wich people discussed each review.

He was kidding around, take it easy. No reason to be insulted.

Nope. Haven't heard this album, which is why I didn't comment on it. But I have heard the previous albums and I think they're terrible, monotonous drivel, and completely overrated. Maybe this album is entirely different; but I didn't get that from your review. I respect the concept of people liking the band, and I have no issues with that. I simply can't abide the notion that they're the future of metal in any way whatsoever.

And for the record, Zaddy-poo, I listen to plenty of bands that are much heavier than Meshugga. =)


What have they done for metal, then?

I've been listening to this since last Thursday, and I think it is some of the band's best work.

It sounds like they took density of Nothing, and merged it with the speedier and aggressive elements of Chaosphere.

I wish I was a girl so I could feel the full effect of those thundering 8 string guitars.

That went exactly where I thought it would. Gotta love the brutal nature of the crypt.

This I agree with:


Technical Metalcore was pretty funny too, and apt.

I never got Meshuggah, to be honest. Their music is good, but it's so simple unless you really dive into it. To me it just sounds like average chugging thrashy death metal that repeats itself a whole lot. I guess I'm on the far end of the "progressive" spectrum where I have a boner for Opeth and pagan metal crap.

So SYL aren't complex now? Interesting...



Your opinion, your right. Do you like Helmet, by any chance?



Such as...?



Bought technicality back into play. Provided an underground alternative to the more commercial 90s metal bands. Invented slow-headbanging. Been a huge influence on many good bands, such as, ooh, I dunno, Tool.

I don't mind Meshuggah but I mainly listen due to being a drummer and appreciating anyone that can play as well as Tomas. I like a band that can push the limit with complexity and there are other technical metal bands that I prefer. But I can appreciate the talent these guys have.

Mathcore

Hey stupid shut up comparing nu-metal crap to Meshuggah is like comparing a pinto to a Porsche give me a break

Good job criticizing someone just because they're a fan of a certain band; which is different than criticizing you for liking Kittie because Meshuggah is actually respectable unlike an L7 ripoff.

Meshuggah isn't really a band that gets many awards or hype so wtf is that supposed to mean. Zad has proven that he likes Meshuggah on merit, like many of their other fans, why be a douche?