OBZEN

This is my first Meshuggah review. So, I can't compare this work with their earlier releases. Meshuggah plays technical riff based death metal. With riff based I mean Meshuggah is focused on technical riffs and not on dissonance chords or solo's. Therefor Meshuggah limits themselves within an already limited music genre.

The riffs are based on unexpected time intervals and non logical chord development. These riffs seems to be the outcome of mathematical formulas which are continual technical and progressive. The music is intense and a bit industrial sounding and the vocalist has a solid grunt.

After the second song I become a bit disappointed because of the lack of direction. These songs seems to be a mathematical outcome with almost no catchy moments. There are rhythm changes and changes in intensity, but I miss a more broader perspective. Even with the continual strange riffs this music doesn't impress me a lot. To be technical outstanding seems to be a must in the death metal scene to survive and ain't no exception.

The individual songs are better then the album as a whole. Three songs are enough for me. 2,5 stars for the technical highlights.