Although I normally wouldn't even bother to review stuff like this on LARM, I feel that Meshuggah is remarkably different from the so-called "Industrial-Hardcore-Moshcore" bands coming out these days. Unlike the blatantly "rap-mosh" sections of bands like Bloodduster and Dying Fetus, Meshuggah uses a driving beat and rhythm as a means of dispelling energy. For example, some of the passages on the first few songs are so powerful that it's like being hit with a wall of pure energy; the incomprehensible timings on the songs add more to this atmosphere of raw power, as they further enhance the astral/inhuman feel of the music. I have been listening to this cd since it first came out about 2-3 years ago, and some of the songs I still can't figure out the time. Normally I would probably dislike this aspect of a band (Deeds Of Flesh), but in this case I think it introduces something special to the music. It's almost as if everything about the cd is utterly synthetic and robotic; the inhuman and mathematically natured timings; the atonal and tremendously dissonant guitars; the mechanical vocals; and lastly, the incredible raw energy derived out of the guitar/drum sound. This last aspect is perhaps the best part of the whole album. The energy released through the drums and guitars is nothing less than amazing, and one can really actually feel it when listening close enough.

Vocals are typical hardcore, something I usually detest. Although I think the cd would have been better with a more "death" styled vocal arrangement, I suppose these are done with sufficient conviction. Drums are punchy and powerful. Guitars are great; very powerful, like a chainsaw. The solos are especially interesting, especially from a musicians P.O.V; very strange and dissonant, yet very slow and atmospheric.

For industrial fans, and fans of Dead World especially. I absolutely recommend the disk... into cold void desolation!

© 2002 orodruin