Meshuggah

In the last few years, Meshuggah have become one of the most ripped-off bands in extreme metal. The Swedish experimental tech-metal masters' iconic sound has been adopted by countless acts; it's that heavy, chugging guitar rhythm that's now one of the most widely used styles in modern metal, but Meshuggah did it first. Their seventh full-length, Koloss, is the highly-anticipated follow-up to 2008's stellar obZen and while it's still classic Meshuggah, the new record takes a much slower, groove-based approach than the band's previous efforts. With the exception of a few tracks, like the fast-paced, drum blast-filled "The Demon's Name is Surveillance," which is an album highlight, much of Koloss is a steady ride. However, the record captures Meshuggah's trademark intensity, particularly on standout track "Swarm," which features guitarists Mårten Hagström and Fredrik Thordendal's blend of heavy, catchy guitar work and more progressive material, with some insane fret board sliding techniques. Tracks like "Break Those Bones Whose Sinews Gave it Motion" and "Demiurge" feature some of the group's most atmospheric tones, with avant-garde guitar parts that mix well with the heavier, more intense rhythms. Although their sound has been copied Ad infinitum, with Koloss, Meshuggah prove that they still do it best.

Read an interview with Meshuggah here.