Meshuggah is Koloss!

It has been a while since my last post and a lot great heavy music has crossed my path but the most additive, brutal masterpiece out there at the moment is Koloss by Meshuggah. I was eagerly anticipating this albums release and it has not disappointed. Meshuggah's sound is unmistakable, so intensely heavy on the deep end, with the guitars seemingly drifting across the landscape like an apocalyptic painter's brush. Leading up to the album's release much was said about the band's decision to simplify their sound. Well purists should rest assured, this album is not a sell-out or anything less than a Meshuggah album.

The first track "I Am Colossus" sets the tone for the entire album. The vocals are right in your face as if the singer is standing in front of you, and every drop of phlegm flying out of his mouth is splatting in your face as he declares "I am life, I am death, I decide your fate!" The song in many ways seems to be written around the vocal declarations and recorded as such. It is a medium paced song but the vocals bring such a heavy punch that you don't initially notice the lack of pace.

The second track brings the speed with the double bass setting the pace from beginning to end. The guitars sequences have a very aggressive stabbing style. Try and keep up. "Do Not Look Down" has a great funky/punchy bass groove that beats throughout the entire track. It is impressive that Meshuggah was able to intertwine such a groove into their sonic assault. The track changes the album's tempo again as they shift into their dark ambient styling. "The Hurt That Finds You First" brings the tempo back like an raging locomotive and before you know it you're listening to the guitars keep time while the snare drum battles back and forth with the bass drum. In only the way Meshuggah can do it, they pull out of the chaos and gently blow a kiss before digging into "Marrow".

The album continues to surprise and delight throughout the second half. Stand out moments include the guitar solo in "Swarm" that literally sounds like the songs title, "Demiurge" ability to layer aggression and ambient guitar work simultaneously, the moonscape serenity of the closer, "The Last Vigil". These guys are so good its ridiculous.