IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Meshuggah - Break those bones whose sinews gave it motion (video)

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:32:42 -0700

Meshuggah now have an official video for the tune "Break those bones whose sinews gave it motion".

Meshuggah - I am colossus

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:08:59 -0700

Though I'm wary of such blatant corporate sponsorship in music, there's a new Meshuggah tune being given away via Scion: http://www.scionav.com/collection/918/Meshuggah---I-Am-Colossus

Meshuggah - Do not look down

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:09:52 -0800

A 2nd tune from the new Meshuggah album "Koloss" has appeared online: http://soundcloud.com/nuclearblastrecords/meshuggah-do-not-look-down/s-hlFcg

New Meshuggah sample online

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:12:52 -0800

Not sure how long this will stick around, but here's a new Meshuggah song for y'all to check out: http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/stop-what-youre-doing-and-listen-to-this-messhugah-song

Meshuggah coming in May

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:50:32 -0800

Meshuggah will be touring the US in May to support the release of their new album "Koloss".

MP3: Dödsvarg - En väldig kropp av hat

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:27:12 -0800

Apparently it now takes me a full week to dig out of the hole I got myself into by taking time off in December. So while it might not feel quite so timely anymore, I'm going to try and take the time to highlight a few of my top 10 mentions over the next little while before getting back into the Sisyphean task of keeping up with what's new. First: Dödsvarg. The band initially spurred my curiosity because they/he is ex-Detektivbyrån, but when you combine that with the descriptor "a mixture of Meshuggah and Skitsystem," I knew I absolutely needed to hear it. The album "Livet är en dödsorsak" doesn't disappoint either -- the music is crusty, mathy and totally pissed, but they missed one very important note of reference: besides Skitsystem and Meshuggah, Dödsvarg also reminds me a lot of "It's me god"-era Breach. This is not just a good thing, it's a great thing. Don't let Dödsvarg stay overlooked and underappreciated!

New Meshuggah in March

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:07:15 -0800

Meshuggah has announced that their new as-yet-untitled album will be released on March 27.

Next Life Artificial divinity Fysisk Format

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:52:59 -0800

Meshuggah djentiness + Genghis Tron Commodore-64iness – vox = Next Life.
The above equation is all you need in order to understand what "Artificial divinity" sounds like. For the purposes of review, however, I suppose I should give you an idea of its listenability. Well, it's alright; there's a bit of piddling about with sounds on a couple of tracks here, the results of which touch on a dark ambient sentiment more than any hint of conventional metal. Not that conventional really applies anywhere on "Artificial divinity", mind. Those tracks works very well as they stand on the album. The big let down on something that would be an otherwise killer album, though, is that the other tracks -- the metal stuff -- could really do with vocals of some sort. This style of metal just doesn't lend itself that well to instrumentalism, despite what the Norwegian trio might think. It has to be said, though, that even though Steve Wiebe doesn't really look like he's into metal, if he is, he's probably into this sort of stuff. Twelve songs in just over 20 minutes. Mental bunch of bastards!

Mr. Death Descending through ashes Agonia Records

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:11:22 -0800

There's something intriguing about Sweden's Mr. Death that makes you want to come back for more even though you're not quite sure if you're that into their new album. Historically, that has been the mark of a damn good recording for me, with case in point being "Contradictions collapse". When Meshuggah released their debut back in '91 I had the same feeling; I wasn't quite sure if I liked it, but I kept coming back for more. Now it's one of my all-time favorite albums. I sincerely doubt that I'll be singing the praises of "Descending through the ashes" in 20 years time, but it definitely has something special for now. It's a combination of that odd sound -- like a mix of the American and Swedish deathgrinders from back in the day -- and a unique songwriting technique that's simple, yet very effective. On every listen I'm wondering if the songwriting is actually any good and I still can't put my finger on it. That it has me returning to it on a regular basis speaks volumes. It's old-school Swedish/American death metal with a production that would make Satan shit himself. Good enough for me!

Listen to Dödsvarg!

Wed, 18 May 2011 19:27:33 -0700

Suicide Records has posted an unmastered sample clip of tunes from the upcoming Dödsvarg record "Livet är en dödsorsak": http://www.dodsvarg.se/dodsvarg_sample.mp3
Turns out that the Skitsystem and Meshuggah comparisons weren't far off the mark at all, despite the Detektivbyrån connection.

Suicide Records signs Dödsvarg (ex-Detektivbyrån)

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:46:01 -0800

Suicide Records has announced the signing of Dödsvarg, a new act featuring ex-member(s?) of Detektivbyrån that they describe as "a mixture of Meshuggah and Skitsystem," so uh, yeah -- don't go expecting anything like what came before.

Meshuggah discuss their next album

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:31:37 -0800

Decibel did a video interview with two of the dudes from Meshuggah discussing their upcoming album which will be out later this year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3JT7ivNIvM

Sweden United - Open your eyes

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:20:09 -0700

An all-star anti-bullying campaign headed by Scarpoint featuring guest vocals from Jens Kidman (Meshuggah), Jimmie Strimmel (Dead by April), Anette Olzon (Nightwish), Björn Strid (Soilwork), Zak Tell (Clawfinger), Martin Westertrand (Lillasyster), Tom Englund (Evergrey) and Peter Tägtgren (Pain, Hypocrisy). Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fK7V9UBfJ8
More info/background/interviews here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC0h0rZFlxY

Special defects II in the making

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:17:14 -0700

Meshuggah guitarist Fredrik Thordendal recently spent a few days in the studio with drummer Morgan Ågren (Mats/Morgan Band, etc.) working on a sequel to Thordendal's legendary solo album "Special defects: Sol niger within" from way back in '97. No word yet on what form it will take or when we'll get to hear it, but supposedly "hours" of material has been recorded and I'll be sure to keep you posted if I hear anything further.

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:37:40 -0800

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. The Playtones - Rock'n roll dance party
02. Björn Skifs - Da capo
03. Amanda Jenssen - Happyland
04. Torgny Melin - Dansbandsnatt
05. Zekes - En sån natt
06. Erik Grönwall - Erik Grönwall
07. Nordman - Korsväg
08. Freda' - Ett mysterium
09. Calle Kristiansson - Calle Kristiansson
10. Kent - Röd
11. Melissa Horn - Säg ingenting till mig
12. Thåström - Be-bop-a-lula hela jävla dan (1989-2009)
13. Willy Clay Band - Blue
14. Divine - Divine
15. Mando Diao - Give me fire!
16. Zillah och Totte - Totte (g)apar igen
17. Date - Här och nu!
18. Bo Kaspers Orkester - Samling
19. Meshuggah - Alive
20. Hästpojken - Från där jag ropar

Scarred By Beauty We swim EP self-released

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:27:26 -0800

Within seconds of cranking this baby up it's easy to see why Danish youngsters Scarred By Beauty won the Danish Metal Awards ‘talent of the year' accolade for 2009. This, their debut EP, reveals a band with talent that belies their years and is strong enough to sit alongside some of the best extreme metal to emerge –- even from seasoned professionals –- in a long while. SBB draw their influences from a wide range of extreme metal and have brought it all together to create an utterly savage amalgam that's not unlike Meshuggah meets Death meets Cryptopsy's "The Unspoken King" album (let that Cryptopsy reference be not the death-knell, though. While it was slated by many, that was in the context of the band's former reputation for all-out slaughter). SBB have pulled off an amazing feat with this debut, albeit one that needs a bit of tweaking here and there. The main concern here is in the choice of vocals. While Hatesphere's Jonathan "Joller" Albrechtsen sports a demonic set of lungs, this band would benefit greatly if he were to reign in the screaming a touch, essentially moving SBB away from a metalcore alignment and synching them with a more generalized extreme metal outlook. The vocals on this really hit home with Albrechtsen's shuddering death growls and, used in the sparing fashion evident here, offer a gates-of-hell-opening diversion that's as powerful as bejesus. Super-tight musicianship, well thought out song constructions, and a giant-slaying production make this one of the surprises of the year. Just wind in the screaming a touch and these guys are definitely onto a winner.

MP3: Scarred By Beauty - We swim

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:08:16 -0800

I don't really pay much attention to new-school metal, but it makes sense that Scarred By Beauty won best upcoming talent at the most recent Danish Metal Awards because they really are one the best examples of where the genre is at nowadays. All the elements are in good balance: the heaviness, the melodies, the syncopation and technicality, the breakdowns. I hear similarities to bands such as Meshuggah, In Flames and The Psyke Project, but they also throw in a few curveballs like the Deftones, an influence they actually manage to incorporate much better than you might expect. Had I read it before I heard it, I would not have believed it, but these youngsters nail it. Still, not the sort of stuff I really care for, but there's no denying that they are damn good at it.

"We swim" is the title track of their self-released 3-song debut EP. Download the entire thing at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/scarredbybeauty

Interview: Cecilia Klingspor

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:53:40 -0800

Unexpected discoveries are always the best, aren't they? Finding that diamond in the rough always results in an affinity with that diamond that lasts a lifetime. I had one such experience a couple of years ago, when, sailing from Stockholm to Helsinki and ecstatic at the prospect of seeing my all-time favourite guitarist (Meshuggah's Fredrik Thordendal) play material from his "Sol Niger within" album with Mats/Morgan Band, I caught a few wonderful shows by Swedish folk/indie wonder Cecilia Klingspor. With a debut album now doing the rounds and a plethora of other projects at various stages of completion, she takes a break from her ever-hectic schedule to talk to It's a Trap! about bands, being and bicycles.

What got you started in playing music?

I was inspired when I was a child by films like "Bugsy Malone" and "Sound of Music" where kids were performing. I have been going to music school since I was eleven and I've been working in small units with friends in music as a way to socialize with people, but in a more organized way where one gets result and a creating process together -- playing and creating music is a great platform to have fun and do good things with people. I played music with Sara (from the group Loulou) from the age of seventeen and we had that as a way to meet people. We played in the streets and it was an adventurous feeling as well communicating and creating through music.

It can be a comfort to make songs of things like unhappy love; perhaps lift what was beautiful in it -- a possibility to catch the essence in song lines that you can sing to yourself and others -- make art out of difficulties or conflicts and also to catch moments of happiness in a melody or a text. Taking photos of your life and the people and things we meet and making something out of it.

Who or what has influenced your work and inspired you over the years?

Benny Andersson, from ABBA said that melancholy and sadness was one of his companions in his musicmaking. That's one of my inspirations too -- I collect the moments of bittersweet taste and also the reminders of that we're mortal -- that inspires me to write and make melodies. I listen to music nonstop when I'm home. I'm a big fan of songwriters like Townes van Zandt, Joni Mitchell, John Lennon, Mark Olson and Gary Louris in The Jayhawks. I also love strong melodies and hit songs, so I have a wild mix in my playlists in my computers -- from Justin Timberlake to Emily Loizeau (French singer).

Is there a general theme running through the songs on "Ovanför molnen"?

Me and Emma wrote down words as inspiration for the album (also as a way to choose among the songs that fitted into the feeling or say no to songs that didn't fit in): springtime, Stockholm, lightness, acoustic, melancholy, musical box, times long past, bicycling. We started taking pictures for the album cover when I was bicycling in Stockholm in springtime. After we had recorded some of the songs, a more ghostlike feeling came into the record, perhaps with the song "Gammelfarmor" which means Greatgrandmother, so then we took some pictures when we were dressed in black and white as if we were ghosts from the past. Perhaps the theme of the album has been a mix of these two different energies -- ghosts and a more down-to-earth feeling and Stockholm.

Is there any particular song that you feel most proud of?

I like the details created together in the process of the recording, for example the instrumental and humming parts in the songs "Normal", "Ovanför molnen" and "Gammelfarmor". The song "Kärleksbarn" has a way to reach people, a song about the love for a child in a divorce. I'm also proud of the song "Ångermanland", a mix of lightness and sadness.

How did the deal with Vesper come about?

Oscar from Vesper liked the songs, I think that my music has aspects in common with Emma Nordenstam's music (also on Vesper) and also the quiet feeling of my album has things in common with Oscar's records. It's a bohemian record deal with not one written paper anywhere.

Why did you choose Johan T. Karlsson (Familjen) to produce?

Johan has been a great complement and all-in-one producer/technician in making the record. A minimalist that dares to let the production be 'naked' and not overloaded as well as sometimes let things bloom and just inventing in a playful way. He's also open and not afraid of darkness. Both Johan and Emma are also more strict and determined in what they like. It's been good for me to have them as a complement to myself. I'm open to a million impressions at the same time. It's been a luxury to have these two sensitive artists as a help in recording these songs as well as making the cover of the album (which Emma made).

You and Emma have a very solid musical relationship. How did this start and develop?

Emma has a sharp and original creativity and she can come out with ideas that I would not have thought of, like the idea to bicycle in the sky over Stockholm. I learn a lot from her sharp ears and eyes and it's also great to have someone to give you feedback and someone who contributes with ideas and complement my own personality. We met in Musikhögskolan in Stockholm and we have been up a week every summer for the last six years in a house up north of Sweden having a little course with us two and some other friends, writing, reflecting and composing. That's also the house where we recorded "Ovanför molnen" -- it was a good thing to be in the countryside. It was also recorded in a little wooden church at night time in Stockholm. We have been performing together, singing and playing on each other's songs. A minimalistic concept which is handy and down-to-earth. We also make songs for children, for Swedish radio, which have just been released in a book.

You're a very prolific musician, with various different projects on the go. How do you find time to fit everything in?

I like working hard, I'm a compulsive about saying yes to things -- not only in music -- and that creates a lot, but it also makes it difficult for me to focus on what is the most important thing. But I think it can be a fruitful combination to be both interested in entertaining as well as songwriting for different audiences. Using the soil in different ways.

What's going on with Hildegards and Loulou right now?

Loulou have been working on a record produced by Johnny Essing from the bands Bob Hund and Bergman Rock. We have also recorded our own translations of the French singer Olivia Ruiz and we have been playing in France and Italy. We do both events as well as concerts. Hildegards do concerts and partyshows in both medieval and Viking styles which can be great fun. It's an interactive concept with firespitting, folkmusic, improvisation and time-travel.

What effect do you feel that writing and singing in Swedish has on audiences outside of Scandinavia?

I don't know really. I haven't thought about it much. I do songs in English as well and that is because it's a way to communicate through words. But perhaps there are unknown and nice aspects when it's a foreign language.

What has been the high-point of your musical career so far?

It's been nice to complete the record and to get a response, play in radio programs and in festivals. I'm appreciative to get some grants from the Swedish state for my music, also collaborate with Emma and the radio producer Tove Jonstoij, to be asked to make songs about a certain subject and feel that it works to find inspiration and complete things with deadlines. I also appreciate to be part of this book / CD for children and a nice experience to see the songs illustrated in the book.

The future for Cecilia Klingspor?

We will have more concerts to promote the book. We are planning a CD for children, me, Emma and Tove. Loulou will hopefully soon have their CD ready and we have possible projects in Paris and in Italy. Loulou also have a club in Södra Teatern in Stockholm. I would like to make a new record. I have many songs -- in English or in Swedish, haven't decided, really. I will go to south of Spain in late December for a couple of weeks where the composers association have a flat and hopefully I can do some small recordings or plans there.

Interview by John Norby. Photo by Torbjörn Boström.

Meshuggah - Alive (trailer)

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:26:44 -0800

Check out a trailer for the forthcoming Meshuggah live DVD+CD "Alive", coming out in early February: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-o1CfpA1vE

I Am Bones - Lovesong (First Floor Power)

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:51:24 -0700

I Am Bones' contribution to the upcoming Crunchy Frog 15th anniversary comp featuring current Danish acts covering tracks from the label's back-cataglogue is now streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/iambonesband
After attempting a Raveonettes song and then Junior Senior, they settled on "Lovesong" by First Floor Power in a version they describe as "Timberlake vs funk-Meshuggah." The entire collection "Saluting the Crunchy Frog-a-logue" comes out September 5.

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:57:34 -0800

Math-metal nerds get stoked: Meshuggah and Cynic are touring together in February: http://www.lambgoat.com/news/view.aspx?id=11874

Thu, 29 May 2008 15:12:01 -0700

Lambgoat interviews Meshuggah: http://www.lambgoat.com/features/interviews/meshuggah.aspx

Wed, 14 May 2008 17:04:48 -0700

Check out Meshuggah's new video for the track "Bleed": http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=34070402

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:44:48 -0700

Meshuggah will tour Europe in June with support from Dillinger Escape Plan and Between The Buried And Me. Dates here: http://www.lambgoat.com/news/view.aspx?id=10548

Meshuggah obZen Nuclear Blast

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Meshuggah hit their stride a few albums ago, for better or for worse. The album opener shows promise for me with probably the most thrash-like song since their debut, and has a relentlessness that hasn't been seen since "Chaosphere". Unfortunately, the promises end there. The simple fact is that they have taken their sound to pretty much everywhere it needed to go and they don't have anything left to add. Despite of all this, "obZen" is a very effective record, and even a more challenging one than the previous two, but it has nothing on the ferocity of "Chaosphere" or the genius of "I". Guitarist Frederik Thordendal's Allan Holdsworth boner has to stop though, album after album he re-hashes the same over-tired solos in the typical overly reverb-ed guitar sound. No more. I will probably still listen to this record plenty of times, which, I guess, is a testament to its quality.

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:54:32 -0700

The latest edition of Pitchfork's "Show No Mercy" metal column features interviews with Disfear and Meshuggah: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/feature/49453-column-show-no-mercy

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:17:04 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Ane Brun - Changing of the seasons
02. Nordman - Djävul eller gud
03. Amy Diamond - Music in motion
04. Sibel - The diving belle
05. Jill Johnson - Music Row
06. Takida - Bury the lies
07. Kikki Danielsson - Kikkis bästa
08. Meshuggah - Obzen
09. Fernandoz - Anders & Git - En helt ny dag
10. The Cardigans - Best of
11. Tomas Andersson Wij - En sommar på speed
12. Carola - Främling 25 år
14. Eskobar - Death in Athens
15. Lars Winnerbäck - Daugava
16. Lykke Li - Youth novels
17. Kent - Tillbaka till samtiden
18. Maia Hirasawa - Though, I'm just me (new edition)
19. The Poodles - Sweet trade (new edition)
20. Tommy Körberg - Rakt upp och ner

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:07:36 -0800

Decibel reviews the new Meshuggah album "obZen": http://www.decibelmagazine.com/reviews/apr2008/meshuggah.aspx

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:13:45 -0800

Lords of Metal interview Meshuggah: http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=2046&lang=en

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 22:53:58 -0800

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show:

01. Tiger Lou - The loyal
02. TALK 1
03. Karin Ström - Silent night
04. Saft - I do not smoke
05. Caesars - Strawberry weed
06. TALK 2
07. Meshuggah - Bleed
08. Pacific! - Number one
09. Pascal - Längtar efter dig
10. TALK 3
11. Logh - An alliance of hearts
12. Benea Reach - New waters
13. Astrid Swan - Sea/e life
14. TALK 4
15. Lykke Li - I'm good, I'm gone
16. The High Hats - Bitterswede
17. Lis Er Stille - Lorelei
18. TALK 5
19. The Tough Alliance - Leg 7
20. Cosmic Overdose - En av dom
21. The Second Band - The piano machine
22. TALK 6
23. De Stijl - Date times
24. Death Breath - Death breath
25. Montys Loco - Farewell Mr Happy
26. Randy - Freedom song
27. TALK 7
28. Jonas Knutsson & Horn Please! - Snygg Olles polska
29. Moonbabies - Forever changes everything now
30. Kristofer Åström - Conjure me
31. TALK 8
32. Ljudbilden & Piloten - Wedding
33. Anna Leong - Guillotine
34. Convoj - RAMJAC
35. TALK 9
36. Tsukimono - Gloomy Sunday

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:34:24 -0800

The new Meshuggah album "obZen" (see yesterday's mp3 post) is now streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/meshuggah

MP3: Meshuggah - Pravus

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:54:31 -0800

Meshuggah, at this point in their career, has lost the element of surprise. However, they continue to impress as they remain the world's greatest math-metal champions. I suspect that if anyone even attempted to challenge them, they'd be written off as mere imitators no matter how good they are because, let's face it, Meshuggah has the market cornered for hyper-syncopated metal. They wrote the damn book. So taking this into consideration, it's hard to give a fair assessment of the band's new album "obZen". It sounds like Meshuggah as only Meshuggah does. Personally, I find that it hearkens back a bit towards "Chaosphere" in that there's a fairly consistent mid-tempo 4/4 beat in the drum pulse. They mix it up a bit of course, but it's those deceptively simple riffs that are often their heaviest and most memorable and that's why I've chosen "Pravus" as today's mp3 selection. All the Meshuggah trademarks are present, including Fredrik Thorendal's signature discordant leads, though the best part though comes after the solo section in what I guess you could call the breakdown. When they settle into a groove like that, they're unstoppable. And the subtle melodic counterpoint is absolutely killer as well. It's great, but it's also exactly what you'd expect, so it's a bit tougher to get excited about it.

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:56:26 -0800

Celebrate the 21st anniversary of Mellotronen with the Melloboat Baltic cruise festival March 8-9. Acts confirmed include Anekdoten, Opeth, Mats & Morgan All Star Team ft. Fredrik Thordendal (Meshuggah), Ia Eklund (Freak Kitchen) and Lasse Hollmer (Samla Mammas Manna), Bo Hansson, Promise and the Monster, Comus, Katatonia and more. Go here for more details: http://www.myspace.com/melloboat

MP3: Benea Reach - New waters

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:23:53 -0800

Benea Reach are a frustrating band. One minute they'll neck-deep in metalcore cliché, but then all of a sudden they'll turn it around completely with a riff that'll blow your mind. You get both in the first 30 seconds of "New waters". It opens with a plodding stomp riff and then it opens up into pure epicness, replete with harsh screams and weirdo syncopation. It's those moments that redeem the band and elevate them above the rabble. Otherwise, it's nothing but tedium and generic e-chug Meshuggah riffs. They do the polyrhythmic thing well, but it's such a tired exercise at this point in time when you consider that "Destroy erase improve" came out over 10 years ago. There's so much uncharted melodic territory that's far more worthy of exploration. I hear it in bands like Mare (RIP) and Kayo Dot, but only in moments of Benea Reach. Perhaps it won't be until the next album when they completely abandon the mosh to embrace their progressive side. So much potential!

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:51:52 -0800

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show:

01. Niccokick - The poet
02. TALK 1
03. Montys Loco - Farewell Mr Happy
04. David Sandström - Apropå det här med att finnas till
05. Mew - Why are you looking grave?
06. TALK 2
07. C.Aarmé - Rhythm
08. Dieter Schöön - Lot's of free Shoes but nowhere to run
09. Meshuggah - Pravus
10. TALK 3
11. Elin Ruth Sigvardsson - Antidote
12. The Bear Quartet - Volksblues
13. Ljudbilden & Piloten - Wedding
14. Lack - Naked girls
15. TALK 4
16. Don't Be A Stranger - Lonely together
17. Namur - Marching
18. NEI - Trip to Luleå
19. TALK 5
20. Printer - All right
21. Moto Boy - Beat heart
22. Christel Alsos - Come back to me
23. TALK 6
24. Promoe - Headache
25. Mustasch - Dogwash
26. Montt Mardié - Too many songs unwritten
27. Pascal - Smärtstillande
28. TALK 7
29. Pan Sonic - Virta 1
30. Pekker - Ass electro
31. Regulations - Police siren
32. TALK 8
33. Deud - Lördag
34. Linus Larsson & John Roger Olsson - Beyond the south tunnel
35. Barra Head - Undermine
36. TALK 9
37. Aerial - Kallisti
38. Paris - Office killer
39. Lukestar - The shade you hide
40. TALK 10
41. Jazkamer - Metal music machine

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:12:03 -0800

Umeå-based tech-metallers Meshuggah have a new track up on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/meshuggah

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:48:33 -0800

Meshuggah will be touring the US as support for Ministry:

03/25 - Big Easy Concert House, Spokane, WA
03/26 - The Whiskey, Calgary
03/27 - Croatian Culture Center, Vancouver
03/28 - Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver
03/29 - Showbox Sodo, Seattle, WA
03/30 - Roseland Theatre, Portland, OR
04/01 - The Filmore, San Francisco, CA
04/02 - The Filmore, San Francisco, CA
04/05 - House of Blues, Los Angeles, CA
04/06 - House of Blues, Los Angeles, CA
04/07 - House of Blues, San Diego, CA
04/08 - Marquee Theatre, Tempe, AZ
04/09 - House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV
04/11 - The Great Salt Air, Salt Lake City, UT
04/12 - Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO
04/14 - Sunshine Theater, Albuquerque, NM
04/15 - La Zona Rosa, Austin, TX
04/16 - Cain's Ballroom, Tulsa, OK
04/17 - Palladium, Dallas, TX
04/18 - Verizon Wireless Theatre, Houston, TX
04/19 - House of Blues, New Orleans, LA
04/21 - Revolution, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
04/22 - House of Blues, Orlando, FL
04/23 - Jannus Landing, St. Petersburg, FL
04/24 - Tremont Music Hall, Charlotte, NC
04/25 - The Masquerade, Atlanta, GA
04/26 - Rams Head Live, Baltimore, MD
04/27 - Palladium, Worcester, MA
04/29 - The Filmore at TLA, Philadelphia, PA
05/01 - Irving Plaza, New York, NY
05/02 - Irving Plaza, New York, NY
05/03 - Metropolis, Montreal
05/04 - Koolhaus, Toronto
05/06 - Agora Theatre, Cleveland, OH
05/07 - Emerald Theatre, Detroit, MI
05/08 - House of Blues, Chicago, IL
05/09 - House of Blues, Chicago, IL

The band's new album "obZen" will be out on March 7.

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 15:15:53 -0800

Meshuggah's new album "obZen" is now officially confirmed for international release on March 7.

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:38:52 -0800

Meshuggah will support Ministry on tour in the US next March: http://www.lambgoat.com/news/view.aspx?id=9752

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:18:20 -0800

Meshuggah has revealed that "obZen" will be the title of their next album, due out in early 2008.

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Meshuggah explains the cancellation of their anticipated European tour with Dillinger Espace Plan: http://www.lambgoat.com/news/view.aspx?id=9388

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The playlist for my radio show this week:

01. At the Gates - Suicide nation
02. TALK 1
03. Moving Oos - Stronger
04. Eskju Divine - Hold on
05. Mechanical Bird - Sunday
06. TALK 2
07. Mixtapes & Cellmates - Quiet
08. DS13 - Thrash lifestyle
09. Montt Mardié - Metropolis
10. Junior Senior - Can I get get get
11. TALK 3
12. Niccokick - Love & neon lights
13. Kristofer Åström - I collect knives
14. Death Breath - His protoplasmic worship
15. TALK 4
16. Mob - Ghost track
17. MZ412 - Unhealing wounds
18. Ugress - Manhattan sapphire
19. TALK 5
20. Shining - Låt oss ta allt från darandra
21. No Hope for the Kids - Rainy day
22. Moneybrother - Det blir ingen dans
23. Amandine - For all the marbles
24. TALK 6
25. Familjen - Det snurrar i min skalle
26. Last Days of April - Aspirins and alcohol
27. M:40 - När bomberna faller
28. TALK 7
29. Espen Jørgensen - The immaculate conception
30. Motorpsycho - For free
31. The Carny - Man under the sun
32. TALK 8
33. Karin Ström - Klaustrofobi
34. Badun - Pulsen
35. Meshuggah - Future breed machine
36. Värttinä - Mero
37. TALK 9
38. Randy - Better than art
39. Closer - Open casket
40. Alog - Buffalo demon
41. TALK 10
42. On Trial - Speaking of witch

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Meshuggah's next album is reportedly on track for a September release.

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Stylus reviews the US release of David & the Citizens "Until the sadness is gone": http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/david-the-citizens/until-the-sadness-is-gone.htm
Also reviewed today is the reissue of Meshuggah's excellent "Nothing" album: http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/meshuggah/nothing.htm

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Swedish tech-metal nutjobs Meshuggah (I mean that in the most affectionate way possible) are reportedly starting work on a new album: http://www.lambgoat.com/news/view.aspx?id=7796

Video mix: Acid House Kings, Hello Saferide, The Hives, Meshuggah, Randy, Rough Bunnies, more...

Thu, 17 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Week #3 and still going strong...

Acid House Kings - 7 days
This pretty much sums up their live show. Fun, light-hearted and brilliant. (MG)

Laakso - Aussie girl
This is my favourite band to come out of Sweden in the last few years, and nothing they have done has disappointed me. Here's looking back to the first record in hopes that many, many more will come. (MG)

Hello Saferide - The quiz
Hello Saferide was always going be a hit for the heart for many with such songs as "Long lost penpal" and "San Fransisco" - but it took "The quiz" to really dispell any doubts there may have been: Hello Saferide is quality. The video is lo-fi - did MTV show it? Doubt it - hence why this is a smashing chance for you to enjoy. (JC)

The Hives - Main offender
Despite being considered by many to be hasbeens nowadays, I still believe The Hives are a great band and dammit, this is a great song. Oh, and a ridiculously good video, too. (AR)

Meshuggah - New millenium cyanide christ
Not all extreme metal bands take themselves 100% seriously. Despite making some of the most heavy, precise, intense music ever, Meshuggah still knows how to smile and laugh. The perfect low-budget video. (AR)

Randy - Shape up & Human atom bomb (live)
Dudes in skeleton suits bash out two great songs in under four minutes. Makes you understand why many consider 'em to be Sweden's greatest live band. The picture is pretty damn dark unfortunately, but the sound quality is pristine. (AR)

Rough Bunnies – Poppy Eye
This video could have been made by someone wanting to satirize Rough Bunnies being so lo-fi and twee, and the video is almost too cute and lo-fi, but I still love it. (ST)

Röyksopp - What else is there?
There is something in this decaying mess of a video that is just gorgeous. It just makes me want to daydream all day long. Here's to floating. (MG)

Sigur Rós - Untitled 1
This is the greatest music video of all time. Seriously, nothing can top this. It's the most purely beautiful thing I have ever seen in cinamatic form. (MG)

Silverbullit/Citizen Bird - Joy
Is it art? Or just an advert? Either way, it's still eye candy. (AR)

.:Who's who?

JC: Jason Christie
MG: Matt Giordano
AR: Avi Roig
ST: Simon Tagestam

MP3: Mats/Morgan Band - Thanks for flying with us

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Ever listen to Meshuggah and find yourself wishing that they were just a little bit wackier and maybe just a touch more funky? Friends, if this thought has ever crossed your mind or now seems like a good idea, then Mats/Morgan Band is for you. It's no coincidence that both Meshuggah and Mats/Morgan (keyboardist Mats Öberg and drummer Morgan Ågren) hail from Umeå - there must be something about Norrland that makes people want to push the boundries of freaky music. I don't have the patience to go into M/M's long and illustrious history, but I will tell you this: their most recent album "Thanks for flying with us" is a serious headtrip. Listen to the title track that I've posted today and you'll see what I mean.

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Björn Skifs - Decennier sånger från en annan tid
02. Son of a Plumber - Son of a Plumber
03. Jill Johnson - The christmas in you
04. Monica Zetterlund - Z - det bästa med monica zetterlund
05. Darin - Darin
06. Lena Philipsson - Jag ångrar ingenting
07. Thåström - Skebokvarnsv 209
08. Amy Diamond - This Is Me Now
09. Björn Afzelius - Björn Afzelius bästa
10. Nanne - Alltid på väg
11. Eva Dahlgren - Snö
12. Laleh - Laleh
13. The Cardigans - Super Extra Gravity
14. Brolle Jr - Brolle jr tolkar cornelis - en stund på jorden
15. Bodies Without Organs - Prototype
16. The Soundtrack of Our Lives - A present from the past
17. Sophie Zelmani - A decade of dreams 1995-2005
18. Carola - Jul i betlehem
19. Jussi Björling - Från operans värld till svenska sånger
20. Peter Lemarc - Sjutton sånger - lemarc sjunger lemarc

The nominees for the Swedish Grammis have been announced:

Best pop female:
Amy Diamond - This is me now
Ane Brun - A temporary dive
Frida Hyvönen - Until death comes
Jenny Wilson - Love and youth
Robyn - Robyn

Best pop male:
Darin - Darin
Håkan Hellström - Ett kolikbarns bekännelser
Mauro Scocco - Herr Jimsons äventyr
Peter LeMarc - Sjutton sånger - LeMarc sjunger LeMarc
Son of a plumber - Son of a plumber

Best pop group:
Alcazar - Dancefloor deluxe
Bodies without organs - Prototype
CDOASS - Extra fingers
Doktor Kosmos - Ett enkelt svar
Suburban kids with biblical names - #3

Best rock album (solo):
Christian Kjellvander - Faya
Freddie Wadling - Jag är monstret
Moneybrother - To die alone
Thåström - Skebokvarnsv. 209
Tomas Andersson Wij - Tomas Andersson Wij

Best rock group:
Kent - Du & jag döden
Soundtrack of our lives - A present from the past
The Ark - State of the Ark
The Cardigans - Super extra gravity
The Hellacopters - Rock & roll is dead

Best composer:
Anders Wedin (Moneybrother) - To die alone
Joakim Berg - Du & jag döden
Laleh - Laleh
Robyn/Klas Åhlund - Robyn
Thåström - Skebokvarnsv. 209

Best lyrics:
Håkan Hellström - Ett kolikbarns bekännelser
Jason Diakité - Alla vill till himmelen men ingen vill dö
Joakim Berg - Du & jag döden
Laleh - Laleh
Thåström - Skebokvarnsv. 209

Best proder:
Anders Hansson & Alexander Bard
Bloodshy/Avant
Klas Åhlund
Laleh
Lars Halapi

Best hip-hop/soul:
Hearin'aid - The Boom Lucy
Jaqee - Blaqalixious
Looptroop - Fort Europa
Masayah - p.s.
Timbuktu - Alla vill till himmelen men ingen vill dö

Best hard-rock:
Candlemass - Candlemass
Hammerfall - Chapter V: Unbent, unbowed, unbroken
Hardcore Superstar - Hardcore Superstar
Meshuggah - Catch thirtythree
Opeth - Ghost reveries

Best jazz:
Bobo Stenson/Anders Jormin/Paul Motian - Goodbye
e.s.t. - Viaticum
Jonas Kullhammar Quartet - Snake city north
Putte Wickman & Jan Lundgren - An intimate salute to Frankie
Torbjörn Zetterberg - Krissvit

Best club/dance:
Arash - Arash - new version
v/a - Inside Scandinavia vol 2
Hundarna från söder - Troika
September - In orbit
Spånka Nkpg - The City of the golden king

Open category:
Allan Edwall - Alla Allans visor
v/a - Du Beppe, Beppe Wolgers mästerverk
Peps Blodsband - Äntligen!
The Latin Kings - Familia Royale
Totta Näslund - Totta 8: Greatest hits!

Best newcomer:
Amy Diamond
Bodies Without Organs
Darin
Frida Hyvönen
Laleh

Best album:
Bodies without organs - Prototype
Kent - Du & jag döden
Laleh - Laleh
Robyn - Robyn
Timbuktu - Alla vill till himmelen men ingen vill dö

Best artist:
Kent
Laleh
Moneybrother
Robyn
Timbuktu

Best music dvd:
Abba - Abba the movie
Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis
Evergrey - A night to remember
Marit Bergman - Marit Bergman - Live at Rival
Timbuktu - Funken styr våra steg

Best song:
Amy Diamond - What's in it for me
Darin - Money for nothing
Kent - The hjärta & smärta ep
Robyn - Be mine
Timbuktu - Alla vill till himmelen men ingen vill dö

Full list of every category here: http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2198&a=503182

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Plenty of choice Scandinavian pics on Decibel Magazine's top 40 of 2005 list: http://djmartian.blogspot.com/2005_12_01_djmartian_archive.html#113339939499691172 (Opeth, Meshuggah, Enslaved, Ulver, etc.)

Thu, 10 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Burning Heart reports that Raised Fist will soon be entering Dugout Studios with producer Daniel Bergstrand (In Flames, Meshuggah etc) later this month to work on a new record. Expect a spring 2006 release.

Mon, 10 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Phil Freeman recommends checking out Meshuggah on their current US tour: http://runningthevoodoodown.blogspot.com/2005/10/what-i-did-last-night.html

Thu, 01 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Meshuggah in the UK:

12/05 - Concorde 2, Brighton
12/06 - Academy 2, Manchester
12/07 - Garage, Glasgow
12/08 - Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
12/09 - The Forum, London

Tue, 30 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Norway's ChewinPine Records will release NoPlaceToHide's long-awaited album "Zukunft" on September 26. Download the first single "Capice" right here: http://www.notam02.no/%7Eespenth/npth/mp3/noplacetohide-Capice.mp3
Highly recommended for fans of Meshuggah.

Fri, 12 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Meshuggah, The Haunted, Mnemic and God Forbid will be playing together in the US on the "Fury of the Fall" tour. Dates announced so far:

10/04 - Crocodile Rock, Allentown, PA
10/05 - Guvernment, Toronto, ON
10/06 - Medley, Montreal, QC
10/07 - Chance Theater, Poughkeepsie, NY
10/08 - Jaxx, Springfield, VA
10/09 - Palladium, Worcester, MA
10/12 - Peabody's, Cleveland, OH
10/13 - Rex Theater, Pittsburgh, PA
10/14 - Harpo's, Detroit, MI
10/15 - Alrosa Villa, Columbus, OH

Podcast: The sound of Umeå

Thu, 04 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700

DATE ADDED : 08.04.05
LENGTH : 31:08 min
DOWNLOAD : itsatrap_podcast_08042005.mp3 (21.9mb)
RSS : [click here]

Tracklist:
01. Knugen Faller - Inte som ni
02. Refused - New noise
03. KVLR - Capitol city child
04. David Sandström Overdrive - Puppet arms
05. The Spacious Mind - Rotvälta 5
06. Meshuggah - Shed
07. Isolation Years - Cover the distance

Wed, 29 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

The video for "Shed" from Meshuggah can be streamed online from here: http://www.mtv.com/bands/az/meshuggah/artist.jhtml

Fri, 03 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

PopMatters gives their take on the new Meshuggah: http://popmatters.com/music/reviews/m/meshuggah-catch.shtml

Wed, 01 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Check out some new live videos from Meshuggah recorded at their May 25 show in Paris, France: one / two

Mon, 23 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Meshuggah has reportedly resigned with Nuclear Blast Records.

Thu, 19 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Blistering interviews Tomas Haake of Meshuggah: http://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpengine.php/link/1/templateid/9348/tempidx/5/menuid/3

Mon, 16 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700

The latest Scandinavian reviews from Sellfish:

Meshuggah - Catch thirty-three
Evergrey - A night to remember (live) 2-DVD
Sweatmaster - Tom tom bullet

Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Musique Machine interviews Meshuggah: http://www.musiquemachine.com/articles/articles_template.php?id=63

Mon, 18 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Musique Machine reviews the new Meshuggah: http://www.musiquemachine.com/reviews/reviews_template.php?id=614

Fri, 15 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Upcoming tourdates for Meshuggah:

05/20 - Mondo, Stockholm (SWE)
05/21 - 2000 Decibel, Bengtsfors (SWE)
05/22 - Vega, Copenhagen (DK)
05/24 - Le Noumatrouff, Mulhouse (FRA)
05/25 - Le Trabendo, Paris (FRA)
05/27 - Gaswerk, Winterthur (SWI)
05/28 - Fri-Son, Fribourg (SWI)
05/29 - Transilvania, Milan (ITA)
05/31 - A38, Budapest (HUN)
06/01 - Planet Music, Vienna (AUS)
06/02 - Komma, Wörgl (AUS)
06/03 - Rock Im Park, Nurnberg (GER)
06/04 - Waldrock, Burgum (HOL)
06/05 - Rock Am Ring, Nurburg (GER)
06/06 - Melkweg Max, Amsterdam (HOL)
06/08 - Knust, Hamburg (GER)
06/09 - Riff, Bochum (GER)
06/10 - Biebob, Vosselaar (BEL)
06/11 - Download, Castle Donington (UK)

Mon, 21 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Meshuggah has posted a bit of an update: http://www.meshuggah.net/news/
Seems like the band is probably not going to tour much for the new album "Catch 33" as they would rather wait until they have something new they can actually perform live. As mentioned before, the new stuff record is one 40+ minute track broken into multiple sections. That's not exactly the sort of stuff that translates well on stage.

Wed, 16 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Check out the cover art for the new Meshuggah album "Catch 33": http://img153.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img153&image=catch33cover3pl.jpg

Tue, 22 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

The cover art for the upcoming Meshuggah album "Catch 33" has been posted online: http://img153.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img153&image=catch33cover3pl.jpg

Thu, 03 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Boo! The release of Meshuggah's new album "Catch 33" has been pushed back to May 16 in Europe and May 31 in the US.

Tue, 01 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Meshuggah has completed their latest masterwork "Catch 33" and will release it on April 11 via Nuclear Blast. The album will consist of one long 47-minute track broken into 13 parts that's said to be the 'musical opposite' of their last release, the one-song EP "I".

Top 10s for 2004: It's a trap!

Fri, 24 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Top 10 albums of 2004 (in alphabetical order):

There has been a tremendous glut of fantastic music in 2004; too bad I never got a chance to hear it all. I've got a long list of acclaimed albums that I've yet to sink my teeth into and I have no doubt that this would turn out quite differently had I the time and opportunity to investigate them. So, keeping that in mind, here's my top picks for the year. Hope you like it!

01. Kristofer Åström - Loupita (Startracks)
Have I beaten this horse to death yet? Acoustic albums are inherently risky because your flaws and weaknesses are left totally exposed and that's exactly why this album works so well. There's nowhere to hide and Kristofer never falters: great songs and superb performances. The outstanding vocal work of up-and-coming singer/songwriter Britta Persson seals the deal. Absolutely sublime.
[purchase album]

02. Marit Bergman - Baby dry your eye (BMG)
There's a reason this is ending up on so many year-end lists: it's far and away the best pop album released in 2004. There's something so endearing and charming about Marit that she's just irresistible. And I'll be damned if "Adios Amigos" isn't one of the year's best singles.

03. C.Aarmé - s/t (Burning Heart/Carcrash/Epitaph)
Sharp and fierce, like a knife. No frills, just fury.

04. The End Will Be Kicks - If you see them tell them I love them (Chalksounds)
Mid-90s Norrland guitar rock resurrected! Dense melodies and brilliant guitar interplay are what make this one of the most immediate debuts in recent memory. There's more greatness in these four songs than in many band's whole discographies.

05. Fun - Szklarska poreba (If Society)
Sure, it's derivative of classic Chicago rock like Jesus Lizard/Rapeman/Big Black/etc., but those bands are gone now and nobody has come close to stepping up and taking their place. Until Fun. I knew these guys were awesome the moment I heard the first song I downloaded from their website.

06. Gåte - Iselilja (Warner Norway)
It's music like this that reminds me of why I started Itsatrap. Nordic folk is naturally heavy and powerful when electrified and Gåte knows how to achieve the perfect balance between the old and the new.

07. Peter, Bjorn and John - Falling out (Planekonomi)
This record caught me a bit off-guard by being much more of a downer than their self-titled debut. I was expecting power-pop anthems, but instead I got a somber, thoughtful concept album. The hooks are still huge and plentiful; they're just smarter and more mature. That also means they are not quite so immediate, however it makes them stronger and more satisfying in the end.
[purchase album]

08. Silverbullit - Arclight (NEG/BAM)
Thank goodness- a hugely anticipated album that not only meets expectations, but also exceeds them. This record took way too long to come out, but oh man, was it worth it. The sounds are rooted in 80s retro, but the overall feeling is anything but.

09. The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Origin I (Telegram/Warner)
Album #4 and they're still going strong. This is classic rock, emphasis on classic.

10. Sophie Zelmani - Love affair (Columbia)
Such a great example of how music can be subdued and fragile, but still remain evocative and powerful. Think Emmylou Harris crossed with Stina Nordenstam.

Honorable mentions (Scandinavian):
01. Cult of Luna - Salvation (Earache)
02. Division of Laura Lee - Das not compute (Burning Heart/Epitaph)
03. Eskju Divine - Darkness all around (Imperial)
04. Giant Robot - Domesticity (Stupido)
05. José González - Stay in the shade (Imperial)
06. Sivert Høyem - Ladies and gentlemen of the opposition (Virgin Norway)
07. Koma - Tsunami (Blackstarfoundation/Fullsteam Recordings)
08. Meshuggah - I (Fractured Transmitter Records)
09. Stina Nordenstam - The world is saved (A Walk in the Park/V2)
10. Pan Sonic - Kesto (Mute)
11. David Sandström - The dominant need of the needy is to be needed (Mofab Teg)
12. The Solution - Communicate! (Wild Kingdom)
13. Tiger Lou - Is my head still on? (Startracks)
14. The Tiny - Close enough (Determine Records/Eyeball Records)
15. WE - Smugglers (Nun Music)

Honorable mentions (other):
01. Ben Christophers - The spaces in between (Cooking Vinyl)
02. Converge - You fail me (Epitaph)
03. Mare - s/t (Hydrahead)
04. The Paper Chase - God bless your black heart (Kill Rock Stars)
05. Woven Hand - Consider the birds (Glitterhouse/Sounds Familyre)

Tue, 14 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Meshuggah has tentatively confirmed that their new full-length album "Catch 33" will be released on April 11 next year.

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Here's this week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Origin I
02. Lars Winnerbäck - Vatten under broarna
03. Magnus Uggla - Den tatuerade generationen
04. Anna Ternheim - Somebody Outside
05. Lena Philipsson - Det gör ont en stund på natten men inget på dan
06. Orup - Orup - Bästa
07. Benny Anderssons Orkester - Bao!
08. Stefan Nilsson - Så som i himmelen
09. The Refreshments - Easy to Pick Up, Hard to Put Down
10. Björn Skifs - Skifs Hits!
11. Lisa Ekdahl - Olyckssyster
12. Stina Nordenstam - The World is Saved
13. Brolle Jr. - Paradise Will Wait
14. Alcazar - Dancefloor - Deluxe
15. Christian Walz - Paint by Numbers
16. Europe - Start from the Dark
17. Blacknuss - Gold
18. Mats Bergmans - Vänd dig inte omo
19. Anna-Lotta Larsson - Känn en doft av kärleken
20. Rebecka Törnqvist - Travel Like in Songs

PopMatters reviews the epic one-song Meshuggah EP "I": http://popmatters.com/music/reviews/m/meshuggah-i.shtml

Thu, 12 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Meshuggah's new one-song EP "I" has finally been confirmed for a September 14 release date. Of course, it's already out on filesharing networks and sounds absolutely mindblowing. They are so musically intimidating, it makes me never want to pick up an instrument ever again.

Mon, 02 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0700

The latest Aquarius Records new release list includes Witchcraft, Es, Islaja, Meshuggah, Stilluppsteypa and tons more: http://www.aquariusrecords.org/cat/newest.html

Fri, 23 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Check out a 30-minute audio interview with Meshuggah guitarist Mårten Hagström: http://www.toazted.com/artistinfo.php?artist=186

Wed, 30 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Even though it doesn't officially hit the street until September, Lumberjack Distribution is already accepting orders for the new Meshuggah EP "I" and promises to ship 'em out the next day. Go here: http://www.lumberjack-online.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LDOS&Product_Code=14086

Mon, 21 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Listen to a sample from the upcoming Meshuggah EP "I": http://www.tandjent.com/meshforum/media/Meshuggah-I-(clip).mp3

Fri, 28 May 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Meshuggah is heading to the UK for a few dates in mid-June. Here's everything they have scheduled right now:

06/17 - Hultsfredsfestivalen, Hultsfred (SWE)
06/19 - Provinssirock, Seinäjoki (FIN)
06/26 - Furyfest, Nantes (FRA)
06/27 - Mean Fiddler, London (UK)
06/28 - Rock City, Nottingham (UK)
07/02 - Roskilde, Roskilde (DEN)
07/16 - Arvikafestivalen, Arvika (SWE)
07/31 - Gates of Metal, Hultsfred (SWE)

The preliminary release date for the band's new EP "I" is set for July 13 in the US. European details should be confirmed soon.

Wed, 05 May 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Word has it that Meshuggah will release their new EP on June 22 through Fractured Transmitter Records. As mentioned before, the EP will consist of one 20+ minute long track and Fractured Transmitter is the label of Mushroomhead vocalist Jason Mann.

Mon, 19 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Meshuggah has announced a fan-art t-shirt contest. More info on the band's forum: http://www.tandjent.com/meshforum/viewtopic.php?t=6836

Thu, 25 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Dick Lövgren has been confirmed as the new bassist for Meshuggah. Previous bands of his include Arch Enemy and In Flames.

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Some new Scandinavian names added to the Hultsfred lineup: HIM, The Crash, The (International) Noise Conspiracy, Meshuggah, Asta Kask, Niccokick, Sugarplum Fairy and Rallypack.

Mon, 15 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

BD is also now scheduled to play Arvika along with new Scandinavian additions Jens Lekman, Meshuggah, Sophie Rimheden, The Soundtrack of Our Lives and The Sweetbacks.

Fri, 27 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Meshuggah has revealed that the title of their next album will be "Catch 33". As mentioned yesterday, the band just resigned with Nuclear Blast.

Thu, 26 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Meshuggah has reportedly resigned with Nuclear Blast for their next album.

Fri, 20 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Meshuggah has parted ways with bassist Gustaf Hielm and have replaced him with Dick Löwgren (ex-In Flames, Arch Enemy). Gustaf's statement:

"I'm saddened that they don't want me in there anymore but this is the second time I'm asked to leave so I can handle it by now. And most important, I'm still playing! That will never go away.
As for Meshuggah, I'm glad I got to be in what I consider THE metal band and I wish them and their new bass player the best of luck."

Thu, 29 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

District 19 Inc. and Unity Is All records will release the debut from "Sweden’s first uncompromising hardcore band" Path of No Return. Self-described as "the heaviness of Hatebreed mixed with the unconventional riffs of Meshuggah and the pure hate of Slayer, then spice[d] up with a bit of the fresh Orange County mosh and the rawness of Cro-Mags and Youth Of Today,", but why not decide for yourself by checking out these two mp3s: "I Will Rip Your Life Apart" / "Forever Gone"

Mon, 19 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

The Meshuggah songs "Perpetual Black Second" and "Straws Pulled at Random" will be featured in the game 'Fallout: Brotherhood of steel' from Interplay. The band is also reportedly confirmed for this summer's Arvika Festival.

Thu, 15 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Swedish tech-metal act Meshuggah, Norway's noir-rockers The Ricochets and Denmark's Wynona have all been added to the Roskilde Festival lineup.

Thu, 11 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Meshuggah, Sonata Arcata and Arise are among the first bands to have been confirmed for the 2nd annual Gates of Metal fest on July 31 in Hultsfred, Sweden. More info: http://www.gatesofmetal.nu/

Wed, 19 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Meshuggah guitarist Fredrik Thordendal has recorded a solo on the song "Asphyxiate" from Scarve's upcoming CD "Irradiant". The record comes out January 26 on Listenable Records and you can hear a sample of track "Mirthless Perspectives" right here.

Wed, 15 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

The Great Deceiver will release their second album "Terra Incognito" next March throughthe UK's Peaceville Records. The band features vocalist Tomas Lindberg (ex-The Crown, At the Gates, currently with Lock Up, Disfear, etc.) and guitarist Kristian Wahlin (ex-Diabolique, Grotesque) recorded the new CD at Dug-Out studio in Uppsala, Sweden with producer Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah, In Flames, etc.) and are currently working on a video for the track "Lake Of Sulphur" with director Patric Ulleaus (Dimmu Borgir, Ace of Base, Transport League). And lastly, as mentioned here before, the band will be heading out on the road with wannabe Swedish metallers Darkest Hour. Dates:

11/03 - Skylten, Linköping (SWE)
11/04 - Kafe 44, Stockholm (SWE)
11/05 - Meeths Unga Salonger, Gothenburg (SWE)
11/06 - Wehrschloss, Bremen (GER)
11/07 - Thannignton Community Centre, Canterbury (UK)
11/08 - Doctor Drakes, Aberdeen (UK)
11/09 - Basement, Leeds (UK)
11/10 - The Star And Garter, Manchester (UK)
11/11 - Flapper and Firkin, Birmingham (UK)
11/12 - TJ's, Newport (UK)
11/13 - Underworld, London (UK)

Mon, 06 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Trapdoor Fucking Exit has added Tomas on guitar and occasional keys. He's the same guy who played bass on the band's first tour and is sometimes referred to as their 'secret fifth member'. Well, it's a secret no longer. He might also be recognized as the live sound guy for bands such as Hellacopters, Randy or Meshuggah. In other news, the band will be entering the studio soon to record a couple new things including some material for a 7" on Busted Heads for later this year and a cover of The Minutemen's "This Ain't No Picnic" for a tribute comp due out someday on No Idea. They also say that they'll be coming over to the UK again soon, but there's no details available yet. And lastly, check out this mp3 of them playing "Skatterna Faller" live with the "Swedish version of Sid Vicious", DS-13's 138 on guest vocals.

Thu, 02 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Meshuggah will be releasing a new EP on Fractured Transmitter Records, the label of Mushroomhead frontman Jason Mann. The disc will contain one 20-minute song and claims that it will ""bring the world of extreme music to its knees." Um, yeah. This isn't the first time that people from Meshuggah have messed around with extended song lengths - some of you might remember guitarist Fredrik Thordendal's solo album "Sol Niger Within" which was one long piece broken into 28 sections.

Tue, 30 Sep 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Meshuggah vocalist Jens Kidman reportedly makes a guest appearance on the track "The Dream Is Over" from Mushroomheads's forthcoming album "XIII". It comes out on October 14 from Universal Records.

Fri, 26 Sep 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Meshuggah checks in to report that they've starting writing for the new record, but have been forced to keep a low profile this past summer due to drummer Tomas's wrist problems. If you remember, they had to cancel a few festival gigs because of it. In other news, Tomas and guitarist Fredrik are up in Umeå working on recording "Drumkit From Hell II", a drum sample CD. It's due out early next year and you can read more about it here.

Wed, 30 Jul 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Darkane recently put together a video for the track "Chaos vs Order" from 2002's album "Expanding Senses" using live footage gathered from their Swedish tour with Meshuggah along with shows in France and at the Sweden Rock and German Rock Hard fests. No word on where you'll be able to view the clip in the near future, but it was just sent to their label, Nuclear Blast, for distribution.

Wed, 02 Jul 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Red Harvest is taking over Meshuggah's vacated slot at Norway's Quart Festival on July 5.

Mon, 30 Jun 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Meshuggah has cancelled their scheduled appearances at the Quart and Arvika festivals because "Mårten [Hagström, guitar] is sick and Tomas [Haake, drums] still needs to rest to be fully healed." More details when I get them.

Wed, 25 Jun 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Meshuggah has finished up their contractual obligations with Nuclear Blast, according to this lengthy interview with KNAC.com and are currently weighing their options for the future. "We’ve got like three or four offers right now, one of which is from Nuclear Blast, because they want to keep us. We’re thinking that we’ll do this tour, go home, and then we’ll sit down and negotiate. There’s really no rush. We’ve got a couple of festivals this summer, we’re going to start writing new material, perhaps do a European tour. But slowly, we’re trying to figure out where we want to go," says guitarist Mårten Hagström. They are also thinking about making their next release a live record. "Nuclear Blast might do it because they already have our back catalogues and they might want to wait a little bit for a new album," Hagström continues, "But if we sign with a new label, they’re not going to want to put out a live album first. It also goes back to us being picky; we have to have a certain venue and set of eight or more nights to cut from, that we know are going to be good venues that will sound good for the recording. Live CDs can be perfect, if the sound is right, but personally, I think 80% of live CDs suck. I mean, I suppose it’s a good thing for die-hard fans to have." Read more.