OBZEN

The most accessible album in the Meshuggah catalogue, this album is sure to win over hordes of mainstream fans. This is personally my favorite Meshuggah album to date, simply due to the strength of songwriting and composition. Every song is tastefully different from the last providing an album that never bores and constantly challenges the listener to listener even deeper and absorb themselves in the music. This album could be Meshuggah's best, simply because it brings thier music down to earth for the (relatively) average listener without out sacrifing artistic and proggish sensiblities. For the first time I would say that their music is actually catchy (relatively). Combustion is a strong song to open with and sets the mood for the rest of the album. Bleed which is the most brutal song I have ever heard. Obzen crushes listeners with its addictive riffage. Dancers to a Discordant system demonstrates that a ten minute song without melody can still blow your mind. Friends of mine who absolutely hate Meshuggah have given them a new appreciation with this work. While they may be to extreme for the average listener, they are definately worth lending an ear too, at least in attempt to appreciate their complexity and sonic brilliance. If I were to recommend an album to a potentail fan, this would be it. This album is a great place to start for new fans and a brilliant addition to an already great catalogue.