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Meshuggah

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Band Timeline

1987

Formation of Meshuggah in Umeå, Sweden

Meshuggah was formed in 1987 in the northern Swedish town of Umeå by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Jens Kidman and guitarist Fredrik Thordendal. The band's name, derived from a Yiddish word meaning 'crazy', reflected their intent to explore innovative and extreme metal sounds. Early years included lineup fluctuations and several demo recordings which set the foundation for their evolving style.
1989

Release of self-titled EP 'Meshuggah'

In 1989, Meshuggah released a three-song self-titled EP, commonly referred to as 'Psykisk Testbild' (Psychological Test-Picture). This limited 12" vinyl EP was notable for its raw sound and unique presentation, including quirky album art. The release helped them build a local following and marked their first official recording under the Meshuggah name.
1991

Debut album 'Contradictions Collapse' and lineup stabilizing

Meshuggah signed with German label Nuclear Blast and released their debut full-length album 'Contradictions Collapse' in 1991. This album, originally titled '(All this because of) Greed', showcased their emerging thrash and extreme metal influences, although it had modest commercial success. Around this time, Jens Kidman shifted focus solely to vocals, and Mårten Hagström joined as rhythm guitarist, solidifying the band's lineup.
1994

Release of EP 'None' and setbacks due to injuries

In 1994, Meshuggah released the EP 'None' which continued to develop their complex sound and garnered critical interest. However, the band faced setbacks as guitarist Fredrik Thordendal and drummer Tomas Haake suffered hand injuries in separate accidents, temporarily halting the band's performances. Despite these challenges, they recorded the 'Selfcaged' EP by 1995, furthering their reputation for technical proficiency.
1995-1997

Breakthrough with 'Destroy Erase Improve' and evolution of style

The period between 1995 and 1997 saw Meshuggah release 'Destroy Erase Improve', their second full-length album, which marked a significant evolution towards a more progressive and technical sound featuring complex rhythms and polyrhythms. This album positioned them as pioneers in extreme metal's avant-garde branch, attracting attention within the underground metal community and influencing a new generation of musicians.
2004

Mature sound and lineup of founding members

By 2004, Meshuggah's lineup stabilized with founding members Jens Kidman and Fredrik Thordendal joined by Mårten Hagström, Tomas Haake, and bassist Dick Lövgren. The band's music had evolved to feature intricate polymetered song structures and innovative rhythmic complexity, elevating their status in the metal genre. This era solidified their cult following and confirmed their reputation as innovators.
2006-2009

Critical acclaim and Grammy nominations

Meshuggah received critical recognition in the 2000s, including nominations for Swedish Grammis Awards for 'Catch Thirtythree' in 2006 and 'obZen' in 2009. Their music's technical sophistication and unique style earned them wider exposure. They embarked on extensive tours, including the global 'obZen' world tour from 2008 to 2010, performing at major festivals such as Ozzfest and Download, further expanding their fanbase globally.
2018

Grammy nomination for 'Clockworks'

In 2018, Meshuggah received a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance for their song 'Clockworks' from the 2016 album 'The Violent Sleep of Reason'. This nomination highlighted the band's long-standing influence and recognition within mainstream music awards, emphasizing their technical mastery and their sustained relevance in the metal community over decades.
2022

Release of latest album 'Immutable'

In April 2022, Meshuggah released 'Immutable' via Atomic Fire Records, their ninth studio album showcasing their continued exploration of complex rhythms and advanced musical techniques. The album was met with critical acclaim, reaffirming their role as trailblazers in extreme metal. The release illustrated their commitment to innovation and maintaining their influential presence in contemporary metal music.

Albums

meshuggah_1st_album
Contradictions Collapse
9 tracks
1991
meshuggah_2nd_album
Destroy Erase Improve
10 tracks
1995
meshuggah_3rd_album
Chaosphere
8 tracks
1998
meshuggah_4th_album
Nothing
10 tracks
2002
meshuggah_5th_album
Catch Thirtythree
13 tracks
2005
meshuggah_6th_album
obZen
9 tracks
2008
meshuggah_7th_album
Koloss
10 tracks
2012
meshuggah_8th_album
The Violent Sleep of Reason
10 tracks
2016
meshuggah_9th_album
Immutable
13 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Tomas Haake

1990

Membranophone

Spoken vocals

Jens Kidman

1987

Lead vocals

Guitar

Fredrik Thordendal

1987

Background vocals

Bass guitar

Guitar

Mårten Hagström

1992

Background vocals

Guitar

Dick Lövgren

2004

Bass guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Peter Nordin

1987
1995

Bass guitar

Niklas Lundgren

1987
1990

Membranophone

Gustaf Hielm

1998
2001

Bass guitar

Story of Meshuggah

Meshuggah: The Architects of Modern Metal

Hailing from the frigid north of Umeå, Sweden, Meshuggah emerged in 1987 as a force to be reckoned with in the extreme metal scene. Since 2004, the band's core has remained steadfast, with founding members Jens Kidman (vocals, a growling beast) and Fredrik Thordendal (lead guitar, a shredding master) joined by rhythm guitarist Mårten Hagström, drummer Tomas Haake (a polyrhythmic powerhouse), and bassist Dick Lövgren.

Their sonic legacy is one of sheer innovation. Meshuggah's nine studio albums, six EPs, and eight music videos stand as testament to their relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries. Their latest offering, "Immutable" (released in April 2022 via Atomic Fire Records), cements their status as pioneers.

Their signature sound, characterized by complex polyrhythms, intricate polymeters, and crushing heaviness, has earned them a loyal following and influenced a generation of musicians. They've risen from the underground to become a force to be reckoned with, earning accolades from giants like Rolling Stone (listing them among the ten most important hard rock/heavy metal bands) and Alternative Press (dubbing them the most influential metal band). In the late 2000s, their influence helped birth the djent subgenre, a testament to their enduring impact.

Meshuggah's musical prowess has also garnered recognition from the industry. They were nominated for two Swedish Grammis Awards (in 2006 for "Catch Thirtythree" and 2009 for "obZen") and, in 2018, achieved the ultimate accolade – a Grammy nomination for their song "Clockworks" in the "Best Metal Performance" category.

Meshuggah's story is a testament to the power of innovation, pushing the boundaries of music and leaving an undeniable mark on the world of metal. They are more than just a band; they are a sonic force that continues to inspire and challenge.

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