Ten years ago this week, Meshuggah released their sixth album Obzen, via Nuclear Blast, and simultaneously re-affirmed their status as one of the greatest bands ever, but also released a work of music that has become a modern masterpiece. After the experimentation of their EP catch-thirty three, Obzen was back to basics, if such a thing exists for this band. On every level, this album trumps nearly every prior notion the band created in terms of capability. From the music, the concept, the incredible artwork, it was inventing a new language musically for us to learn. By returning to their roots slightly, while still carving a path forward creatively, Meshuggah broke through to a global audience, leaving the underground behind forever. Continue reading →