DecoyMusic.com

I have missed out on so many tours/shows/concerts in my life because I was either indisposed or didn't have the money to fly over seas to see them. I've had the awesome privilege in the last 3 years to see Devin Townsend, Opeth, DT, BTBAM, and Misery Signals along with many others; but one band that helped influence my love of extreme music hasn't been available in the states for some time now and I want to see them before anything happens (to me or the band). That band is Meshuggah. Who in the hell do I have to complain to in order to get the proverbial ball rolling on this situation? I guess I am either going to start relentlessly writing the owner of Nuclear Blast Records hate emails or I am going to bribe (or extort, whatever works) Tool to be back on a tour with them again. I'm going to say that it would be an electric and insane show If I could see them with someone else of equal caliber. (say Gojira or Periphery) Anyway, I am aware that this is wishful thinking; but if anyone knows when or where in the states that Meshuggah will be playing, I would appreciate a heads up. On a second note, does anyone else want to see them or maybe already has and wants to share. Perhaps there are other people who want to see a band or artist that hasn't ever made it over here and they would like to comment. Feel free to.

I feel that way about The Knife.  I know Fever Ray has gotten big and I expect she'll be over in the states for major festivals this summer, but since I've known about The Knife, I don't think I've ever heard of them being in the states...or anywhere near me...or even tour all that much altogether.

Not that I know Meshuggah or think I'd have any interest in them, maybe these two Swedish bands ought to go on tour together in the States.

You have me interested in this band "The knife" you speak of. Rarely does anything terrible come out of Sweden. I'll check them out. Hey, if you even remotely like technical music, it is worth it to give Meshuggah a listen. I know plenty of people who despise metal and hardcore and still like them. They are a transcendent force in the extreme music scene...not to mention major influences for most of the Metalcore/Post- Hardcore that is represented on decoy including ABR, MS, Norma Jean, Underoath, and TDWP.They all have distinct characteristics derived in one way or another from Meshuggah. Do yourself a favor and I'll try "The knife" out too.

All right, will do.  Any suggestions for certain tracks I should start out with?

As for The Knife, I'd suggest Marble House, Heartbeats, We Share Our Mother's Health, or You Make Me Like Charity.  As a warning, it took me a long time to get into them and they're definitely an acquired taste.  For something a little more accessible, definitely check out Fever Ray's '09 self-titled album.  Fever Ray is the solo project of the lead singer of The Knife, Karin.  Many, not necessarily at Decoy, have been praising it in their top lists this year.

But yea, Sweden, as well as the other Nordic countries, crank out some pretty sweet artists.

I just downloaded "Silent Shout" a little while ago. You might think me naive, but I really liked almost every song on the album. Most of their sound is electro/synthpop in nature. I am definitely going to get their new album this year. Anyway, about meshuggah, I'm not really sure which album would be best to start you out with. All of their albums have a distinct atmosphere to them, especially the later ones. I know you like the new Flaming Lips album (so do I) and it is quite dark and sludgy in some moments; so considering that I would have to say the best would be their 2002 album "Nothing". Before I state anything else, I am going to ask Chris, Rick, Scott, or Mike which ones might be relevant to your immediate tastes. Guys?

Nah, don't think you're naive, just wanted to state that in case you thought it completely blew at first.

All right, well I'm currently halfway through 'Nothing' and thought I'd share my feelings so far.  I should first say, I don't listen to, nor have ever listened to a complete album of, metal.  The closest I may have ever gotten is probably something in the hardcore genre, perhaps Poison the Well, and I realize they're even more post-hardcore than hardcore.  This is definitely an interesting experiment, and I appreciate you putting me up to it.  And please, anything I say, don't think I'm putting you, fans of the music, Meshuggah, or the genre down.  And sorry the flow of my text below, just typing as I go.  Let it be known I'm not staff here, and my writing will prove that.

So I think I can easily say that metal, progressive or not, is not really my thing.

When I listen to music generally, I need something that is fitting to my particular mood.  Meshuggah, and perhaps ignorantly all in the metal genre, come off as extremely angry to me.  I just don't think I could ever be this angry, where I'd say, "Man, I need some relief listening to some Meshuggah."  I realize I'm now stereotyping all fans of Meshuggah and metal as being enraged lunatics, but that's not the point I'm trying to make.  I'm curious from you Spartan (or anyone else...maybe a good daily discussion question), what is the appeal of metal music?  I know that's like asking why I like indie rock or dance music, and it would be hard to come up with any other reason than "I just do" or "It makes me happy." However, I was hoping you could clear up this thought that it's all about anger.

As far as the music goes, I keep finding myself tapping my feet, so there must be something I like here.  One problem I'm noticing is that I'm having trouble telling the difference between one song to the next.  I'm sure that's a big part of not being familiar with the album or genre, as I'd probably do the same with, say, a rap album.  I would like it more if the vocals would have a little more range.  The biggest range I get is from yelling to a modest growl, and the small amount of talking in Nebulous.  The first thing that really caught my attention was those crunching guitars, which I actually liked at first.  However, the similar crunch from song to song  had me losing interest and I was hoping for a little more variety in the guitar work.  Now, that I'm in the intro to Obsodian, thinking back, the crunching guitars were so prominent, I can't even recall distinctly hearing drums throughout the album, except of the cymbals.  Easily the stand-out moment for me of this cd was at about 3:30 in Straws Pulled at Random with the more post-hardcore-style intricate guitar breakdown.  3:12 and on in Nebulous also stands out for me.

With all of that being said, it's evident that Meshuggah are talented musicians and if I was a fan of the genre, I could see myself digging these guys.  It's apparent the influence they've had in what I've listened to of the bands you mentioned, and within related genres.

Thanks again for suggesting that I do this.  It was nice to listen to a band and album that I'd otherwise immediately shrug off because I'd assume I have no interest in.

Now please don't flame me too much.

Very insightful and eloquent of you to be so easily ready to accept that which is not your own. As for the existentialist questions concerning the relative enjoyment of "metal music", that is rather an eclectic set of circumstantial answers that many of us here on decoy would most probably maintain a different ideology of. Metal (Or extreme music as I like to call it sometimes) isn't easily definable just as others in different genres aren't either. Meshuggah, at least to me, represents the mechanical and emotionless facets of our little understood existence. It repeats,drones, pounds and drives the powerful and technical rhythms into one's mind until the thought of this dimension utterly fades away. I find it extremely intriguing that you ask such questions and I would love to discuss them furthermore with anyone here. This leads me to think that i should have extended the  title of this thread in order to attract more of our friends interests. Oh Well.

I like both the Knife and Meshuggah quite a bit. I had The Knife - "Heartbeats" and Meshuggah - "Rational Gaze" in my 250 Songs You Need to Hear from the 2000s article. I would love to see either one of them, Meshuggah moreso though.