NOTHING (2006)

I hesitated giving this album five stars. Although extremely progressive in the aspect of making every single band member (vocalist included) part of the rhythm section, the album as a whole is a bit homogeneous. To the first-time listener, and especially to those of whom had never before listened to Meshuggah, most of the tracks will seem 'samey'. But after listening to this album atleast once or twice a week for the past year on average, I have allowed the tracks to expand in my mind and have let them for their own identity. This album is fantastic. The production is ultra-clear and no other band I have ever listened to sounds this organized. If you are a drummer, or if you are a listener (who doesn't mind some harsh metal) that wishes to deepen your understanding of rhythm, this album is more than essential. Although most of the songs are in 4/4 time (actually I'm pretty sure they're ALL in 4/4), the amount of variation, subtraction, addition and other polyrhythmic treatment given to the simple meter makes for a disorienting listen.... unless you can find the groove! (Hint, listen to Thomas Haake's cymbal)... Jens Kidman provides a bark throughout that, for me, was originally off-putting, but was soon realized as an integral and irreplaceable part of the band's sound.

Another notable element throughout this album is Frederik Thordendal's solo guitar. His Holdworth-esque tone is clean, legato, bendy, and has an emotional whine that beautifully contrasts the machine that is the rest of the band.

I don't own the original Orange Cover release of Nothing, so I can't compare the sound, but the re-release contains excellent production quality and clarity. It also contains a DVD with live footage of Meshuggah. The performance is AWESOME, the sound is great, but the camera work is too flashy and annoying.

I believe this is an essential release of progressive tech-metal.

Share this MESHUGGAH review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to explodingjosh
• Report this review (#193846)
• Buy MESHUGGAH music online with PA partners
• Show all MESHUGGAH MP3/Stream
• Go to MESHUGGAH page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Nothing (2006) page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for MESHUGGAH related discussions