Band

Meshuggah

Mapped through Progressive metal influences; 10 albums in the Staimusic archive; upcoming live dates.

Meshuggah
Biography

Meshuggah: history and sound

Meshuggah -m??????- is a Swedish extreme metal band from Umeå, formed in 1987. Meshuggah's line-up has primarily consisted of founding members vocalist Jens Kidman and lead guitarist Fredrik Thordendal, drummer Tomas Haake, who joined in 1990, and rhythm guitarist Mårten Hagström, who joined in 1992.
Meshuggah: The Unconventional Metal Prodigies
Metal has never been a genre that is associated with perfectionism as much as it is with aggression and chaos. However, there is a new wave of metal bands that have redefined the genre with their technical prowess and artistic rigor. And, when it comes to technicality and complexity, there is no band that can match the Swedish metal outfit, Meshuggah. With their polyrhythmic riffs and unconventional songwriting techniques, Meshuggah has created a niche for themselves in the metal scene. In this blog post, we will be taking an in-depth look at the band's musical biography, best songs, music genre, famous concerts, and a critic.
Meshuggah was formed in 1987 in Umeå, Sweden, by guitarist Fredrik Thordendal. The band's lineup gradually took shape over the years and finally settled with Jens Kidman on vocals, Fredrik Thordendal and Mårten Hagström on guitars, Dick Lövgren on bass, and Tomas Haake on drums. The band's music is characterized by complex and unconventional rhythms, polyrhythmic riffs, and angular, dissonant guitar sounds. Meshuggah has released eight studio albums to date, the first one being Contradictions Collapse in 1991, and the latest one being The Violent Sleep of Reason in 2016.
Meshuggah's music genre can be best classified as technical metal or tech-metal. The band draws influence from different genres such as thrash metal, death metal, and jazz. However, what sets Meshuggah apart from other metal bands is their use of complex, unconventional rhythm and time signatures. Their music may not be for everyone, but for the ones who appreciate intricate and complex music, Meshuggah is a paradise.
Meshuggah has a plethora of mind-bending songs, but some of their best ones are Bleed, Clockworks, Future Breed Machine, Straws Pulled at Random, and Stengah. These songs showcase the band's technical skills and their innovative approach to songwriting. Bleed is perhaps their most recognizable song, known for its staccato guitar riff and odd time signatures. The song has been praised by critics and fans alike and is considered by many to be one of the best metal songs ever written.
Meshuggah has also gained a reputation for their live performances. The band's concerts are a treat for any metalhead who appreciates technicality and innovation. The band's setlists are a mix of fan favorites and some deep cuts that highlight their technical prowess. Some of their famous concerts include their performance at Wacken Open Air in 2009, where they played in front of a crowd of more than 75,000 people, and their performance at Bloodstock Open Air in 2019, where they headlined the festival.
Critics have been effusive in their praise of Meshuggah. They have been called the future of metal and one of the most important bands in metal history. Their innovative approach to songwriting and technical skills have earned them a lot of admiration from both fans and critics. Meshuggah's music has also inspired a lot of new bands in the metal scene who try to emulate their sound and style.
Meshuggah may not be everyone's cup of tea, but there is no denying the fact that they are one of the most innovative and technically proficient bands in the metal scene. Their music is not just about aggression and chaos; it is about pushing the boundaries of technicality and creativity. Meshuggah's music has inspired a new generation of metal bands who try to emulate their sound and approach to songwriting. If you are a music listener who appreciates innovation and complexity, I urge you to check out Meshuggah's music. You might be surprised at what you discover.
Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Clockworks
Meshuggah Clockworks
Marrow
Meshuggah Marrow
The Paradoxical Spiral
Meshuggah The Paradoxical Spiral
Behind The Sun
Meshuggah Behind The Sun
Transfixion
Meshuggah Transfixion
Inside What's Within Behind
Meshuggah Inside What's Within Behind
Articles and news

Stories, updates and listening guides

Future plans

Meshuggah: next events

Coca-Cola Coliseum Toronto, Canada Buy the ticket!
Place Bell Montreal, Canada Buy the ticket!
Masonic Temple Theatre Detroit, US Buy the ticket!
Shed, The Salt Shed (Indoors) Chicago, US Buy the ticket!
The Armory Twin Cities, US Buy the ticket!
Midland Theatre Kansas City, US Buy the ticket!
Steelhouse Omaha Omaha, US Buy the ticket!
The Factory Stl Chesterfield, US Buy the ticket!
The Truth Nashville, US Buy the ticket!
The Dome by Rutter Mills Norfolk, US Buy the ticket!
The Paramount Baltimore Baltimore, US Buy the ticket!
Citizens Live At The Wylie Pittsburgh, US Buy the ticket!
The Met Philadelphia Philadelphia, US Buy the ticket!
Brooklyn Paramount New York (NYC), US Buy the ticket!
College Street Music Hall Bridgeport, US Buy the ticket!
MGM Music Hall at Fenway Boston / Cambridge, US Buy the ticket!
PNE Forum Vancouver, Canada Buy the ticket!
Moda Center Portland, US Buy the ticket!
Paramount Theatre Seattle, US Buy the ticket!
Union Event Center Salt Lake City, US Buy the ticket!
Red Rocks Amphitheatre Denver, US Buy the ticket!
Fox Theater SF Bay Area, US Buy the ticket!
YouTube Theater Los Angeles (LA), US Buy the ticket!
Arizona Financial Theatre Phoenix, US Buy the ticket!
Bayou Music Center Houston, US Buy the ticket!
Boeing Center at Tech Port San Antonio, US Buy the ticket!
The Criterion Oklahoma City, US Buy the ticket!
The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory Dallas - Fort Worth, US Buy the ticket!
Fillmore New Orleans New Orleans, US Buy the ticket!
Coca-Cola Roxy Atlanta, US Buy the ticket!
FTL War Memorial Auditorium Fort Lauderdale, US Buy the ticket!
Special Events Center, Greensboro Coliseum Complex Greensboro, US Buy the ticket!