Editing Meshuggah

{{short description|Swedish extreme metal band}}
{{otheruses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| name              = Meshuggah
| image             = Meshuggah - Rock am Ring 2023-44531.jpg
| caption           = Meshuggah performing at [[Rock am Ring]] 2023
| image_size        = 
| landscape         = yes
| alias             = 
| origin            = [[Umeå]], Sweden
| genre             = {{flatlist|
* [[Progressive metal]]
* [[avant-garde metal]]
* [[technical death metal]]
* [[groove metal]]
* [[djent]]
}}<!-- please don't make unexplained genre changes! -->
| years_active      = 1987–present
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[Nuclear Blast]]
* [[Fractured Transmitter Recording Company|Fractured Transmitter]]
* [[Atomic Fire]]
* [[Reigning Phoenix Music|Reigning Phoenix]]
}}
| website           = {{URL|meshuggah.net}}
| current_members   = 
* Jens Kidman
* [[Fredrik Thordendal]]
* [[Tomas Haake]]
* [[Mårten Hagström]]
* [[Dick Lövgren]]
| past_members      = 
* Niklas Lundgren
* Peter Nordin
* Gustaf Hielm
| module            = {{Infobox
| child           = yes
| header1         =
| headerstyle     = background:#b0c4de
| data2           = [[File:Meshuggah logo.svg|240px]]
}}
}}

'''Meshuggah''' ({{IPAc-en|m|ə|ˈ|ʃ|ʊ|ɡ|ə}})<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meshuggah|title=Meshuggah|work=[[Merriam-Webster]]|access-date=9 August 2010}}</ref> is a Swedish [[extreme metal]] band formed in [[Umeå]] in 1987. Since 2004, the band's lineup consists of founding members Jens Kidman (lead vocals) and [[Fredrik Thordendal]] (lead guitar), alongside rhythm guitarist [[Mårten Hagström]], drummer [[Tomas Haake]] and bassist [[Dick Lövgren]]. Since its formation, the band has released nine studio albums, six [[extended play|EPs]] and eight music videos. Their latest studio album, ''[[Immutable (album)|Immutable]]'', was released in April 2022 via [[Atomic Fire|Atomic Fire Records]].

Meshuggah has become known for their innovative musical style and their complex, [[Meter (music)#Polymeter|polymetered]] song structures and [[polyrhythm]]s. They rose to fame as a significant act in extreme [[underground music]], became an influence for modern metal bands, and gained a [[cult following]]. The band was labelled as one of the ten most important [[hard rock]] and [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] bands by ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' and as the most important band in metal by ''[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]''. In the late 2000s, the band was an inspiration for the [[djent]] subgenre.

In 2006 and 2009, Meshuggah was nominated for two Swedish [[Grammis|Grammis Awards]] for their albums ''[[Catch Thirtythree]]'' and ''[[obZen]]'', respectively. In 2018, the band was nominated for a [[60th Annual Grammy Awards|Grammy Award]] for their song "Clockworks" under the "Best Metal Performance" category.<ref name="grammy2018">{{cite magazine|last1=Lynch|first1=Joe|title=Grammys 2018: See the Complete List of Nominees|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/8047027/grammys-2018-complete-nominees-list|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=28 November 2017|access-date=4 December 2017}}</ref> The band has performed in various international festivals, including [[Ozzfest]] and [[Download Festival|Download]], and embarked on the [[ObZen Tour|''obZen'' world tour]] from 2008 to 2010, and also the "Ophidian Trek".

== History ==
=== Formation and ''Contradictions Collapse'' (1987–1994) ===
[[File:Meshuggah @ Hultsfredsfestivalen 1992.jpg|thumb|Meshuggah in 1992]]
In 1985, guitarist [[Fredrik Thordendal]] formed a band in [[Umeå]],<ref name="AMG bio">{{cite web|url = {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p169489|pure_url=yes}}|website = [[AllMusic]]|title = Meshuggah Biography|author = Jason Ankeny and Bradley Torreano|access-date = 11 May 2008}}</ref> a university town in northern Sweden with a population of 105,000.<ref name="Decibel story">{{cite web |url=http://decibelmagazine.com/features/jun2005/meshuggah.aspx |title=Cover History: Meshuggah |access-date=1 December 2008 |last=Smith |first=Rod |date=June 2005 |work=[[Decibel Magazine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051129013121/http://decibelmagazine.com/features/jun2005/meshuggah.aspx |archive-date=29 November 2005}}</ref> The band, originally named Metallien, recorded a number of [[Demo (music)|demo tapes]], after which it disbanded. Thordendal, however, continued playing under a different name with new band members.<ref name="AMG bio"/>

Meshuggah was formed in 1987<ref name="Official bio"/><ref name="Revolver Meshuggah">{{cite magazine|url = https://www.revolvermag.com/music/inside-obzen-how-meshuggah-pushed-themselves-limit-make-masterpiece|magazine = [[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]|title = Inside 'obZen': How Meshuggah pushed themselves to the limit to make a masterpiece |author = Jon Wiederhorn|date=1 April 2008| access-date = 2 September 2008}}</ref> by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Jens Kidman,<ref name="AMG bio" /> and took the name Meshuggah from the [[Yiddish]] word for "crazy"<ref name="MTV Swedish metal outfit enjoys being the hardest band on the Ozzfest bill.">{{cite web|url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456313/20020726/meshuggah.jhtml|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040520133914/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456313/20020726/meshuggah.jhtml|url-status = dead|archive-date = 20 May 2004|publisher = [[MTV.com]]|title = Swedish metal outfit enjoys being the hardest band on the Ozzfest bill.|author = Ryan J. Downey, with additional reporting by Iann Robinson|access-date = 6 July 2008}}</ref> (ultimately derived from the [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] word {{Script/Hebrew|מְשֻׁגָּע}}). Kidman found the word in an American street slang dictionary.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://metalheadzone.com/meshuggah-guitarist-reveals-why-did-they-chose-a-yiddish-band-name/|title=Meshuggah Guitarist Reveals Why Did They Chose A Yiddish Band Name|last=K|first=Enes|date=30 March 2019|website=Metalhead Zone|language=en-US|access-date=9 September 2019}}</ref> The band recorded several demos before Kidman left, which prompted the remaining members to disband. Kidman then formed a new band, Calipash, with guitarist Thordendal, bassist Peter Nordin and drummer Niklas Lundgren.<ref name="AMG bio" /> Kidman, who also played guitar,<ref name="Official bio">{{cite web |title = A short biography |url = http://www.meshuggah.net/bio/ |publisher = meshuggah.net |access-date = 16 May 2007 |author = Espn |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081020105647/http://www.meshuggah.net/bio/ |archive-date = 20 October 2008 |url-status = dead }}</ref> and Thordendal decided to restore the name Meshuggah for the new band.<ref name="AMG bio"/>

In 1989, Meshuggah released the self-titled, three-song [[Extended play|EP]] ''[[Meshuggah (EP)|Meshuggah]]'',<ref name="AMG bio" /> which is commonly known as ''Psykisk Testbild''<ref name="Rockdetector Bio">{{cite web
 |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/sweden/umea/meshuggah 
 |publisher=[[Rockdetector]] 
 |title=Meshuggah Rockdetector Biography 
 |author=Garry Sharpe-Young 
 |access-date=27 July 2008 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218195401/http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/sweden/umea/meshuggah 
 |archive-date=18 December 2008 
}}</ref><ref name="1989 Meshuggah">{{cite web
|title = Meshuggah - 1989|url = http://www.meshuggah.net/disco/psyk/|publisher = meshuggah.net|access-date = 11 May 2008| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080421151300/http://www.meshuggah.net/disco/psyk/| archive-date = 21 April 2008}}</ref> (a title that could be translated as "Psychological Test-Picture").<ref name="Official bio"/> This 12" (30&nbsp;cm) vinyl EP had only 1,000 copies released, sold by local record store Garageland.<ref name="Rockdetector Bio"/><ref name="1989 Meshuggah" /> The EP's back cover features the band members with cheese doodles on their faces.<ref name="1989 Meshuggah" />

After replacing drummer Niklas Lundgren with [[Tomas Haake]] in 1990, Meshuggah signed a contract with German heavy metal [[record label]] [[Nuclear Blast]] and recorded its debut full-length album, ''[[Contradictions Collapse]]''.<ref name="Allmusic Bio + Rockdetector Bio">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p169489|pure_url=yes}} |website=[[AllMusic]] |title=Meshuggah Biography |author=Jason Ankeny and Bradley Torreano |access-date=11 May 2008 }}<br />{{cite web
 |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/sweden/umea/meshuggah 
 |publisher=[[Rockdetector]] 
 |title=Meshuggah Rockdetector Biography 
 |author=Garry Sharpe-Young 
 |access-date=27 July 2008 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218195401/http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/sweden/umea/meshuggah 
 |archive-date=18 December 2008 
}}</ref> The LP, originally entitled ''(All this because of) Greed'',<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.meshuggah.net/disco/cc/ |publisher = meshuggah.net|title = Contradictions Collapse - 1991|access-date = 11 May 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080822221105/http://www.meshuggah.net/disco/cc/ |archive-date = 22 August 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> was released in 1991.<ref name="AMG bio" /> The album received positive reviews, but was not a commercial success.<ref name="Rockdetector Bio"/> Soon after, Kidman decided to concentrate on vocals,<ref name="Decibel story" /> and guitarist [[Mårten Hagström]],<ref name="AMG bio" /> who had already played in a band with Haake when they were in sixth grade, was recruited.<ref name="Official bio" /> The new lineup recorded the EP ''[[None (Meshuggah EP)|None]]'' at Tonteknik Recordings in Umeå in 1994 for release later that year.<ref name="Official Bio + Rockdetector Bio">{{cite web|title=A short biography |url=http://www.meshuggah.net/bio/ |publisher=meshuggah.net |access-date=16 May 2007 |author=Espn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070513083515/http://www.meshuggah.net/bio/ |archive-date=13 May 2007 }}<br />{{cite web
 |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/sweden/umea/meshuggah 
 |publisher=[[Rockdetector]] 
 |title=Meshuggah Rockdetector Biography 
 |author=Garry Sharpe-Young 
 |access-date=27 July 2008 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218195401/http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/sweden/umea/meshuggah 
 |archive-date=18 December 2008 
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=r270807|pure_url=yes}}|website = Allmusic|title = None overview|access-date = 28 August 2008}}</ref> A Japanese version was also released, including lyrics printed in Japanese.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.meshuggah.net/disco/none/|publisher = meshuggah.|title = None -1994|access-date = 11 May 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080822221144/http://www.meshuggah.net/disco/none/ |archive-date = 22 August 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

During this period, Thordendal, who was working as a carpenter, severed the tip of his left middle finger, while Haake injured his hand in a router accident.<ref name="AMG bio" /><ref name="Official Bio + Rockdetector Bio"/> As a result, the band was unable to perform for several months. Thordendal's fingertip was later reattached, and he went on to make a full recovery.<ref name="Official bio" /> The ''[[Selfcaged]]'' EP was recorded in April and May 1994, but its release was delayed to later in 1995 due to the accidents.<ref name="AMG bio" /><ref name="Official bio" />

=== ''Destroy Erase Improve'' (1995–1997) ===
[[File:Fredrik Thordendal Meshuggah Live at Getaway Rock Festival 2012.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Guitarist [[Fredrik Thordendal]] performing in 2012]]

In January 1995, Meshuggah undertook a short European tour organized by its record label Nuclear Blast. Afterwards, the band returned to the studio in February of that year to record the album ''[[Destroy Erase Improve]]''<ref name="Official bio" /> at Soundfront Studios in [[Uppsala]], with Daniel Bergstrand as a producer.<ref name="Rockdetector Bio" /> Shortly thereafter, the band went on a European tour supporting [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]] for two months.<ref name="Official bio" /> During the tour, Nordin became ill and experienced [[balance disorder]] with his [[inner ear]]. Due to the resulting chronic dizziness and vertigo, Nordin was forced to leave the tour and travel to Sweden. Machine Head's bassist [[Adam Duce]] offered to cover his absence; however, Meshuggah decided to continue as a four-piece. Sometimes Thordendal played bass, while other times the band performed with two guitars. In this lineup, Hagström would use a [[Pitch shifter (audio processor)|pitch shifter]] to play his guitar at an [[octave]] lower than usual.<ref name="Official Bio + Rockdetector Bio"/>

''Destroy Erase Improve'' was released in May 1995, with positive response from critics for the "heady tempos and abstract approach".<ref name="AMG bio" /><ref name="AMG DEI">{{cite web|url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=r228054|pure_url=yes}}|website = [[AllMusic]]|title = Destroy Erase Improve review|author = John Serba|access-date = 10 June 2008}}</ref> Kidman described the album cover: "The title fits the pictures we cut out and stole from reference books in the library."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=59436 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah's 'Destroy Erase Improve' Inducted Into Decibel's 'Hall Of Fame' - Sep. 29, 2006 |access-date=8 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000827/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=59436 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref>

In mid-1995, Meshuggah had a short tour with Swedish band [[Clawfinger]] in Scandinavia and Germany. Nordin had to leave the band because of his sickness and was replaced by bassist Gustaf Hielm during the tour.<ref name="Rockdetector Bio" /><ref name="Blabbermouth Meshuggah Guitarist: 'We're Always Experimental In One Way Or Another'">{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=101386 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah Guitarist: 'We're Always Experimental In One Way Or Another' - July 22, 2008 |access-date=25 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000420/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=101386 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref> In late 1995, Meshuggah went on a month-long tour with [[Hypocrisy (band)|Hypocrisy]].<ref name="Rockdetector Bio" />

During 1996 and 1997, Thordendal worked on his solo album ''[[Sol Niger Within]]'', which was released in March 1997 in Scandinavia and in April in Japan. He also hosted [[Mats/Morgan Band]]'s debut. In 1997, Meshuggah recorded an unreleased demo, toured occasionally, and played a few concerts in its hometown. In May, Meshuggah moved to Stockholm to be closer to its management and the record industry in general.<ref name="Official Bio + Rockdetector Bio"/>

The EP ''[[The True Human Design]]'' was recorded and released in late 1997. It contained one new song entitled "Sane", and one live and two alternate versions of ''Destroy Erase Improve''{{'}}s opening track "Future Breed Machine".<ref name="Official Bio + Rockdetector Bio"/><ref>{{cite web|title = The True Human Design - 1997|url = http://www.meshuggah.net/disco/tthd/|publisher = meshuggah.net|access-date = 11 May 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080725211031/http://www.meshuggah.net/disco/tthd/ |archive-date = 25 July 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thordendal's solo album ''Sol Niger Within'' was simultaneously released in the United States, and Meshuggah started to plan its next album at the end of the year.<ref name="Official bio" />

=== ''Chaosphere'' and ''Nothing'' (1998–2002) ===
[[File:Meshuggah - Mårten Hagström 2 - 2008 Melbourne.jpg|thumb|upright|Guitarist [[Mårten Hagström]] with a custom built [[Ibanez]] eight-string guitar]]

Hielm officially joined the band in January&nbsp;1998 after more than two years as a session member. Nuclear Blast re-released ''Contradictions Collapse'' with the addition of songs from the ''None'' EP. In May&nbsp;1998, the title of the next album, ''[[Chaosphere]]'', was reported and recording was done throughout May and June. Immediately after recording the album, Meshuggah went on a short US tour, and the album was released later in November 1998. Chaosphere's sound is an almost complete departure from the thrash metal style of the band's previous releases. Shortly after the release, Meshuggah toured Scandinavia with [[Entombed (band)|Entombed]].<ref name="Official Bio + Rockdetector Bio"/>

In early 1999, Meshuggah joined [[Slayer]] on their U.S. tour.<ref name="Decibel story" /><ref name="Rockdetector Bio" /> After the new album and the live performances, Meshuggah was beginning to be recognized by mainstream music, guitar, drum and metal magazines.<ref name="Allmusic Bio + Rockdetector Bio"/> In mid-1999, Meshuggah performed in several Swedish concerts. The band started to write some new material but reported in mid-2000 that "songwriting isn't that dramatic, but we're getting there slowly".<ref name="Official bio" /> While fans were waiting for the next album, a collection of demos (from the ''Psykisk Testbild'' EP), remixes and unreleased songs from the ''Chaosphere'' sessions were released as the ''[[Rare Trax]]'' album.<ref name="AMG bio" /><ref name="Official bio" /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/multiarticlesub.aspx?csid2=4&fid1=543&csid1=23 |magazine=[[Exclaim!]] |title=Meshuggah Are Breaking the Silence |author=Greg Pratt |access-date=5 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220114801/http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/multiarticlesub.aspx?csid2=4&fid1=543&csid1=23 |archive-date=20 December 2008 }}</ref> Hielm left the band in July 2001 for unclear reasons.<ref name="Official Bio + Rockdetector Bio"/> Meshuggah joined [[Tool (band)|Tool]] on a lengthy tour, playing for more than 100,000 people total.<ref name="Decibel story" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=219 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Archive News - Oct. 5, 2001 |access-date=1 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050327085250/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=219 |archive-date=27 March 2005 }}</ref>

In March 2002, Meshuggah recorded three-track demos with programmed drums in their home studio, which were based on Haake's sample ''Drumkit from Hell''. The upcoming album was recorded in five to six weeks in May<ref name="Official bio" /> and was produced by the band at Dug-Out Studios in Uppsala and at its home studio in Stockholm.<ref name="MTV Jack Osbourne's Favorite Metallists Meshuggah Prepare For Nothing">{{cite web|url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1454009/20020516/meshuggah.jhtml|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20020611065739/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1454009/20020516/meshuggah.jhtml|url-status = dead|archive-date = 11 June 2002|publisher = [[MTV.com]]|title = Jack Osbourne's Favorite Metallists Meshuggah Prepare For Nothing|author = Jon Wiederhorn|access-date = 27 August 2008}}</ref> The last-minute decision to join 2002's [[Ozzfest]] tour forced the band to mix the album in two days and master it in one.<ref name="Stylus Nothing">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/meshuggah/nothing.htm |magazine=[[Stylus Magazine]] |title=Meshuggah Nothing |author=Cosmo Lee |access-date=8 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617111314/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/meshuggah/nothing.htm |archive-date=17 June 2008 }}</ref> Meshuggah immediately went on another US tour after finishing the recording.<ref name="Official bio" /><ref name="MTV Jack Osbourne's Favorite Metallists Meshuggah Prepare For Nothing"/>

The album ''[[Nothing (Meshuggah album)|Nothing]]'' was released in August 2002,<ref name="AMG Nothing">{{cite web|url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=r598953|pure_url=yes}}|website = [[AllMusic]]|title = Nothing review|author = John Serba|access-date = 10 June 2008}}</ref> selling 6,525 copies during its first week in the US and reaching No.&nbsp;165 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref name="Rockdetector Bio" /><ref name="Meshuggah: Nothing First-Week Sales Numbers Revealed - Aug. 14, 2002">{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=5431 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah: "Nothing" First-Week Sales Numbers Revealed - Aug. 14, 2002 |access-date=1 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000501/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=5431 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref> With this album, Meshuggah became the first band in the history of Nuclear Blast Records to crack the ''Billboard'' 200 and also became the first band signed to Nuclear Blast to be reviewed in ''Rolling Stone'' magazine.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=5941 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah Breaking New Ground With 'Nothing' - Sep. 8, 2002 |access-date=6 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505163456/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=5941 |archive-date=5 May 2009 }}</ref> Meshuggah's previous two releases, 1998's ''Chaosphere'' and 1995's ''Destroy Erase Improve'', had sold 38,773 and 30,712 copies to that date, respectively.<ref name="Meshuggah: Nothing First-Week Sales Numbers Revealed - Aug. 14, 2002"/> The CD booklet of ''Nothing'' has no liner notes, lyrics, or credits, only a hint of one word: ''ingenting'', which is Swedish for ''nothing''. All of this information is available on the CD-ROM.<ref name="Popmatters Nothing">{{cite magazine|url = http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/m/meshuggah-nothing.shtml
|magazine = [[PopMatters]]|title = Organized Chaos|author = Adrien Begrand |access-date = 10 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=4399 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah Complete Work On "Nothing", August Release Expected - June 26, 2002 |access-date=1 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000702/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=4399 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref> At the end of 2002, the band went on another US tour with Tool<ref name="Official bio" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=5374 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah To Open For Tool In The Fall - Aug. 11, 2002 |access-date=8 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000353/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=5374 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=5635 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah Confirmed For Next Leg Of Tool Tour - Aug. 24, 2002 |access-date=8 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000358/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=5635 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref> and a headlining tour of its own.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=9548 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah Prepare For Scandinavian Tour - Feb. 8, 2003 |access-date=8 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031106200534/http://roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=9548 |archive-date=6 November 2003 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=10424 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah, Strapping Young Lad: U.S. Dates Announced - Mar. 11, 2003 |access-date=8 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000333/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=10424 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref>

=== ''I'' and ''Catch Thirtythree'' (2003–2006) ===
In 2003, Hagström hinted at the direction of the band's next album by saying, "There's only one thing I really feel that is important. We've never measured our success in terms of sales, because we're quite an extreme band. It's more that people understand where we're coming from. I get more out of a fan coming up and saying that we've totally changed their way of looking on metal music, than having like 200 kids buy it. I mean, it would be nice for the money, but that's not why we're in it. So what I'd like to see is that we keep progressing. Keeping the core of what Meshuggah has always been, but exploring the bar, so to speak. ''Destroy Erase Improve'' was like exploring the dynamics of the band, ''Chaosphere'' was exploring the aggressiveness, the all-out side, and ''Nothing'' is more of a sinister, dark, pretty slow album, actually. So honestly, now I don't know where we're going. It might be a mix of all of them."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=13041 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah: Off Nuclear Blast, Weighing Their Options - June 24, 2003 |access-date=8 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000727/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=13041 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref>
[[File:Meshuggah - Dick Lövgren - 2008 Melbourne.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Bassist [[Dick Lövgren]], who joined Meshuggah in February 2004]]

In February 2004, bassist [[Dick Lövgren]] joined Meshuggah.<ref name="Rockdetector Bio" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=19401 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah Split With Bassist, Announce Replacement - Feb. 19, 2004 |access-date=1 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000337/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=19401 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref> The band then recorded and released the [[I (Meshuggah EP)|''I'' EP]], which contains a single, 21-minute track, released on [[Fractured Transmitter Recording Company|Fractured Transmitter Records]].<ref name="PopMatters I">{{cite magazine|url = http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/m/meshuggah-i.shtml|magazine = [[PopMatters]]
|title = Meshuggah I|author = Adrien Begrand|access-date = 10 June 2008}}</ref> Meshuggah spent about six months in total on recording the EP.<ref name="The Aquarian: Challenges Collapse"/> ''[[Catch Thirtythree]]'', the only Meshuggah album on which [[Drum machine|programmed drums]] have been used, was released the following year in May 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.meshuggah.net/disco/c33/|publisher = meshuggah.net|title = Catch 33 - 2005 |access-date = 11 May 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080822221100/http://www.meshuggah.net/disco/c33/ |archive-date = 22 August 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Seven thousand copies of ''Catch Thirtythree'' were sold the first week, and it debuted at No.&nbsp;170 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart in June 2005.<ref name="Blabbermouth Bleed"/> The video for the track "Shed" was released in June, and the previous album ''Nothing'' sold approximately 80,000 copies in the United States to that date, according to [[Nielsen SoundScan]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=38654 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah: 'Shed' Video Posted Online - June 28, 2005 |access-date=1 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000812/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=38654 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref> ''Catch Thirtythree'' earned the band a [[Grammis|Swedish Grammy]] nomination.<ref name="Blabbermouth Warner" /> In October 2005, German band [[Rammstein]] released a single of their song "Benzin" with a remixed version by Meshuggah.<ref>[http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/meshuggah-apocalyptica-remix-rammstein-s-benzin-for-new-single-release/ Meshuggah, Apocalyptica Remix Rammstein's 'Benzin' For New Single Release]. 16 September 2005. [[Blabbermouth.net]].</ref>

In December 2005, 10 years after signing its first record deal with the publishing company [[Warner/Chappell Music|Warner/Chappell Music Scandinavia]], Meshuggah extended its cooperation with the company.<ref name="Blabbermouth Warner">{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=46738 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah Extend Publishing Deal - Jan. 12, 2006 |access-date=8 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000457/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=46738 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref> In November 2005, Haake said in an interview that the band was not content with the productions of ''Chaosphere'' and ''Nothing'', because, being on tour, they had little time to devote to them.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=44526 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah Drummer Talks About Upcoming Studio Album, Possible DVD - Nov. 20, 2005 |access-date=8 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000817/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=44526 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref><ref name="Allmusic Nothing [CD/DVD]">{{cite web
| url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=r858485|pure_url=yes}}
| website = [[AllMusic]]
| title = Nothing CD/DVD review
| author = Thom Jurek
| access-date = 16 November 2008
}}</ref>

A remixed and remastered version of ''Nothing'' with rerecorded guitars was released in a custom-shaped slipcase featuring a three-dimensional hologram card on 31 October 2006, via Nuclear Blast Records. The release also includes a bonus DVD featuring the band's appearance at the Download 2005 festival and the official music videos of "Rational Gaze", "Shed" and "New Millennium Cyanide Christ".<ref name="Allmusic Nothing [CD/DVD]"/><ref>{{cite news
 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=60691 
 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] 
 |title=Meshuggah: 'Nothing' Rerelease Track Listing Revealed - Oct. 21, 2006 
 |access-date=8 June 2008 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000512/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=60691 
 |archive-date=26 December 2008 
}}</ref>

===''obZen'' and ''Koloss'' (2007–2013)===
[[File:Tomas Haake 2005.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tomas Haake]] in 2005]]
Meshuggah returned to the studio in March 2007 to record ''[[obZen]]'', with recording concluding in October 2007, and the album being released in March 2008.<ref name="AMG bio" /> The band spent almost a year on the album, its longest recording session yet. A significant portion of the year was spent learning to perform the songs they wrote; the recording itself took six months.<ref name="Revolver Meshuggah"/> ''obZen'' reached No.&nbsp;59 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart, selling 11,400 U.S. copies in its first week of release and 50,000 copies after six months.<ref>{{cite news
 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=104986 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918063844/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=104986 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-date=18 September 2008 
 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] 
 |title=Meshuggah's 'obZen' Cracks 50,000 U.S. Sales Mark - Sep. 17, 2008 
 |access-date=24 September 2008 
}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine
| url = http://www.billboard.com/charts/2008-04-05/billboard-200
| title = Meshuggah – obZen – Chart Listing For The Week Of IV 05 2008
| magazine = Billboard
| publisher = Nielsen Business Media, Inc
| access-date = 11 November 2008
}}</ref> With ''obZen'', Meshuggah received more media attention and attracted new fans.<ref name="Blabbermouth Meshuggah Guitarist: 'We're Always Experimental In One Way Or Another'" /><ref>{{cite magazine
| url = http://www.theskinny.co.uk/article/43588-meshuggah-the-garage-8-sep
| magazine = [[The Skinny (magazine)|The Skinny]]
| title = Meshuggah @ The Garage, 8 Sep (25 Aug 2008)
| author = Ryan Drever
| access-date = 30 January 2009
}}</ref> The release was followed by [[obZen Tour|a world tour]], which started in the U.S. and proceeded to Europe, Asia and Australia.<ref name="AMG bio" />

In May 2008, Meshuggah published a music video for the song "Bleed", which was produced by [[Ian McFarland (musician)|Ian McFarland]] and was written, directed and edited by Mike Pecci and Ian McFarland. Killswitch Productions said: "It's extremely cool to work with a band who is willing to allow the music and imagery to speak for itself and who does not insist on themselves being the prominent focus of the video."<ref name="Blabbermouth Bleed">{{cite news
 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=96996 
 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] 
 |title=Meshuggah: 'Bleed' Video Available - May 14, 2008 
 |access-date=7 June 2008 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080519105929/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=96996 
 |archive-date=19 May 2008 }}</ref><ref name="Revolver Bleed">{{cite magazine|url=http://revolvermag.com/content/meshuggah-%E2%80%9Cbleed%E2%80%9D-video-hits-web |magazine=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]] |title=Meshuggah "Bleed" Video Hits The Web |access-date=2 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223122223/http://revolvermag.com/content/meshuggah-%E2%80%9Cbleed%E2%80%9D-video-hits-web |archive-date=23 December 2008 }}</ref>

In January 2009, ''obZen'' was nominated for the Swedish [[Grammis]] award in the "Best Hard Rock" category.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=112055 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=In Flames Wins Swedish Grammis Award For 'Best Hard Rock' Album; Video Available - Jan. 7, 2009 |access-date=8 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124031328/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=112055 |archive-date=24 January 2009 }}</ref> In February 2009, Haake announced that the band was planning a concert DVD and a studio album.<ref>{{cite news
 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=113746 
 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] 
 |title=Meshuggah To Release Concert DVD - Feb. 4, 2009 
 |access-date=8 February 2009 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206103922/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=113746 
 |archive-date=6 February 2009 
}}</ref> In April, Meshuggah was forced to cancel its Scandinavian shows in early 2009, due to Haake's [[Spinal disc herniation|herniated disc]] in his lower back, which was causing problems with his right foot when playing.<ref>{{cite news
 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=117325
 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201122554/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=117325
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-date=1 February 2013
 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] 
 |title=Meshuggah Forced To Cancel Scandinavian Tour - Apr. 1, 2009 
 |access-date=4 April 2009 
}}</ref> Haake later underwent a surgery and recovered for European summer festivals.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=121344 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah Forced To Pull Out Of Finland's Sauna Open Air Festival - June 4, 2009 |access-date=16 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611165746/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=121344 |archive-date=11 June 2009 }}</ref>

The concert DVD entitled ''[[Alive (Meshuggah video)|Alive]]'' was released on 5 February 2010 in Europe and 9 February in North America.<ref>{{cite web|title=Meshuggah News |url=http://www.meshuggah.net/news_1.html |publisher=meshuggah.net |access-date=16 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019102707/http://www.meshuggah.net/news_1.html |archive-date=19 October 2009 }}</ref><ref name="Blabbermouth Alive DVD+CD Details">{{cite news
 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=131611 
 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] 
 |title=Meshuggah: 'Alive' DVD+CD Details Revealed - Dec. 7, 2009 
 |access-date=11 December 2009 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213005216/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=131611 
 |archive-date=13 December 2009 
}}</ref> Thordendal started to work on a second solo album in June 2010 with the [[Belgium|Belgian]] drummer [[Dirk Verbeuren]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140281 |title=Soilwork Drummer Collaborating With Meshuggah Guitarist - May 18, 2010 |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=16 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607014037/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140281 |archive-date=7 June 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
 |url=http://meinlcymbals.com/news/press_report/archive/2010/09/june/article/dirk_verbeuren_reports_from_the_fear_and_loathing_studios_in_sweden_part_1.html?cHash=e0e22a8712
 |publisher=meinlcymbals.com 
 |title=Dirk Verbeuren reports from the Fear and Loathing Studios in Sweden / Part 1 
 |first=Norbert 
 |last=Saemann 
 |date=9 June 2010 |access-date=8 July 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20111003181001/http://meinlcymbals.com/news/press_report/archive/2010/09/june/article/dirk_verbeuren_reports_from_the_fear_and_loathing_studios_in_sweden_part_1.html?cHash=e0e22a8712
 |archive-date= 3 October 2011
}}<br />{{cite web
 |url=http://meinlcymbals.com/news/press_report/archive/2010/15/june/article/dirk_verbeuren_reports_from_the_fear_and_loathing_studios_in_sweden_part_2.html?cHash=2819fee23b
 |publisher=meinlcymbals.com 
 |title=Dirk Verbeuren reports from the Fear and Loathing Studios in Sweden / Part 2 
 |author=Norbert Saemann 
 |date=15 June 2010 |access-date=8 July 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20111003181021/http://meinlcymbals.com/news/press_report/archive/2010/15/june/article/dirk_verbeuren_reports_from_the_fear_and_loathing_studios_in_sweden_part_2.html?cHash=2819fee23b
 |archive-date= 3 October 2011
}}</ref>

The seventh studio album, ''[[Koloss]]'', was released on 23 March 2012 in Germany, on 26 March in the rest of Europe, and 27 March in North America.<ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=167888 Mehsuggah: New Album Release Date Announced - 4 Jan. 2012] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109001504/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=167888 |date=9 January 2012 }}. Blabbermouth.net.</ref> ''Koloss'' reached No.&nbsp;17 on the Billboard Top 200, and sold 18,342 copies in its first week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skullsnbones.com/profiles/blogs/meshuggah-makes-nuclear-blast-history-with-koloss |title=Meshuggah makes nuclear blast history with ''Koloss''! |author=Metal Mark|date=April 4, 2012|access-date=13 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407004507/http://www.skullsnbones.com/profiles/blogs/meshuggah-makes-nuclear-blast-history-with-koloss |archive-date=7 April 2012 }}</ref> In Sweden, it reached No.&nbsp;12.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nuclearblast.de/en/label/company/charts.html|title=Charts Entries|work=nuclearblast.de}}</ref>

===''Pitch Black'' and ''The Violent Sleep of Reason'' (2013–2018)===
[[File:Per Nilsson, Guitarrist.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Per Nilsson (guitarist)|Per Nilsson]] temporarily replaced Thordendal in live concerts between 2017 and 2019]]

On 5 February 2013, Meshuggah released a free two-track EP entitled ''[[Pitch Black (EP)|Pitch Black]]'' with [[Scion A/V]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Moore |first=Doug |date=February 5, 2013 |title=Meshuggah release new 'Pitch Black' EP for free |url=http://www.invisibleoranges.com/2013/02/meshuggah-releases-new-pitch-black-ep-for-free/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208071513/http://www.invisibleoranges.com/2013/02/meshuggah-releases-new-pitch-black-ep-for-free/ |archive-date=February 8, 2013 |access-date=2 May 2013 |website=[[Invisible Oranges]]}}</ref> The EP features a previously unreleased track, "Pitch Black", that was recorded by [[Fredrik Thordendal]] in 2003 at Fear and Loathing, in Stockholm Sweden.<ref name="Metal Storm">{{cite web|url = http://www.metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=19097 |work = [[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|title = Meshuggah - New Track Streaming Online |access-date = 2 May 2013}}</ref> The second track is a live recording of "Dancers to a Discordant System" from ''obZen''. The track was recorded at Distortion Fest in Eindhoven, Netherlands, on 9 December 2012.<ref name="Metal Storm"/>

On 12 May 2016, Meshuggah released a teaser video on their YouTube page and confirmed that their next studio album was to be released in late 2016. On 28 July 2016, the title was revealed to be ''[[The Violent Sleep of Reason]]'', and was given a 7 October release date. ''The Violent Sleep of Reason'' was shortlisted by [[IMPALA]] (The Independent Music Companies Association) for the Album of the Year Award 2016, which rewards on a yearly basis the best album released on an independent European label.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://impalamusic.org/content/25-artists-best-independent-album-year-europe/ | title=25 artists up for best independent album of the year in Europe | publisher=IMPALA | access-date=14 March 2017 | archive-date=15 March 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315085333/http://impalamusic.org/content/25-artists-best-independent-album-year-europe/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 2 June 2017, Meshuggah announced that Thordendal would take a leave from touring with the band; he would be temporarily replaced by [[Per Nilsson (guitarist)|Per Nilsson]] from [[Scar Symmetry]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/meshuggah-guitarist-fredrik-thordendal-to-miss-megadeth-tour-scar-symmetrys-per-nilsson-to-step-in/|title=MESHUGGAH Guitarist FREDRIK THORDENDAL To Miss MEGADETH Tour; SCAR SYMMETRY's PER NILSSON To Step In|date=2 June 2017|access-date=8 June 2017|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]}}</ref> In 2018, Meshuggah received a [[60th Annual Grammy Awards|Grammy nomination]] for their song "Clockworks" under the "Best Metal Performance" category.<ref name="grammy2018"/>

===''Immutable'' (2019–present)===
In a November 2019 interview, Hagström hinted that the band had begun working on a new album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2019/12/01/meshuggah-are-writing-a-new-album/|title=Meshuggah are Writing a New Album|date=1 December 2019|website=MetalSucks|language=en|access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref> Recording started in March 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CMnJvddBhZK/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CMnJvddBhZK |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|title =Instagram post from 19 March 2021|last=@meshuggah|publisher=[[Instagram]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Later that month the band stated that Fredrik Thordendal had ended his hiatus and would be participating fully in the recording of the new album.<ref>{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Kennelty|url=https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/meshuggah-rejoined-by-fredrik-thordendal-full-time|title=Meshuggah Rejoined By Fredrik Thordendal Full-Time|website=Metal Injection|date=25 March 2021 |access-date=25 March 2021}}</ref> On 28 January 2022, Meshuggah released a new song titled "The Abysmal Eye" taken from the band's ninth album ''[[Immutable (album)|Immutable]]'', which was later released on 1 April 2022 via Atomic Fire.<ref>{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Brannigan|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/listen-to-the-new-meshuggah-single-the-abysmal-eye|title=Listen to the new Meshuggah single, The Abysmal Eye|website=Louder Sound|date=28 January 2022|access-date=28 January 2022}}</ref>

The band announced a spring 2025 North American tour with support from [[Cannibal Corpse]] and [[Carcass (band)|Carcass]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kennelty |first=Greg |date=2024-12-03 |title=MESHUGGAH, CANNIBAL CORPSE & CARCASS Announce North American Tour |url=https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/meshuggah-cannibal-corpse-carcass-announce-north-american-tour |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=Metal Injection |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Musical style ==
[[File:Jens Kidman Meshuggah Live at Getaway Rock Festival 2012.jpg|thumb|right|Frontman Jens Kidman in 2012]]
[[File:Meshuggah 2016 Gear Fortin Amp.jpg|thumb|Custom made amplifier]]
Meshuggah's experimentation, stylistic variation and changes during its career cross several musical subgenres. Heavy metal subgenres [[experimental metal]] or [[avant-garde metal]] are umbrella terms that enable description of the career of the band in general.{{ref label|a|a|none}} [[Extreme metal]] crosses both [[thrash metal]] and [[death metal]] (or [[technical death metal]]), which are at root of the sound of Meshuggah's music, which has also been described as [[groove metal]].{{ref label|b|b|none}} The band has also been labelled as math metal and [[progressive metal]].{{ref label|c|c|none}} Meshuggah also incorporates elements of [[free jazz|experimental jazz]].<ref name="AMG bio" /> In its review of ''Nothing'', [[AllMusic]] describes Meshuggah as "masterminds of cosmic calculus metal—call it Einstein metal if you want".<ref name="AMG Nothing" /> Meshuggah's early output was also considered [[alternative metal]].<ref>{{cite web|url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=mw0000239585|pure_url=yes}}|website = [[AllMusic]]|title = Contradictions Collapse/Nothing Overview|author = Huey, Steve|access-date=10 March 2013}}</ref> Meshuggah creates a recognizable sonic imprint<ref name="AMG Catch-33">{{cite web|url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=r742522|pure_url=yes}}|website = [[AllMusic]]|title = Catch Thirty-Three review|author = Rivadavia, Eduardo|access-date = 10 June 2008}}</ref> and distinct style.<ref name="Exclaim! Meshuggah's One-Track Mind">{{cite magazine
 |url=http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/multiarticlesub.aspx?csid2=4&fid1=3907&csid1=70 
 |magazine=[[Exclaim!]] 
 |title=Meshuggah's One-Track Mind 
 |author=Jill Mikkelson 
 |access-date=5 July 2008 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220114927/http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/multiarticlesub.aspx?csid2=4&fid1=3907&csid1=70 
 |archive-date=20 December 2008 
}}</ref>

Trademarks and characteristics that define Meshuggah's sound and songwriting include [[polyrhythm]]s, [[polymeter]]ed riff cycles, rhythmic [[syncopation]], rapid [[Key (music)|key]] and [[tempo]] changes and neo-[[jazz]] [[Diatonic and chromatic|chromatics]].{{ref label|d|d|none}} Hagström notes that "it doesn't really matter if something is hard to play or not. The thing is, what does it do to your mind when you listen to it? Where does it take you?"<ref name="Decibel story" /> A trademark of Thordendal is [[jazz fusion]]-like soloing and improvisation. He is also known for the usage of a "breath controller" device. Haake is known for his [[cross-rhythm]] drumming with "jazzlike cadence".{{ref label|e|e|none}} The vocal style of Jens Kidman varies between [[hardcore punk|hardcore]]-style shouts<ref name="AMG DEI" /> and "robotic" [[Death growl|death metal vocals]].<ref name="AMG Nothing" /><ref name="Blender obZen" />

In polymeters typically used by Meshuggah, the guitars might play in odd meters such as 5/16 or 17/16, while drums play in 4/4.<ref name="Stylus Nothing" /> One particular example of Haake's use of polymeter is 4/4 against 23/16 bimeter, in which he keeps the [[Hi-hat (instrument)|hi-hat]] or [[china cymbal]] in 4/4 time but uses the [[Snare drum|snare]] and [[Bass drum#Double bass drum|double bass drums]] in 23/16 time.<ref name="Rockdetector Bio" /><ref name="PopMatters I" /> On "Rational Gaze" (from ''Nothing''), Haake plays simple 4/4 time, hitting the snare on each third beat, for 16 bars. At the same time, the guitars and bass are playing the same quarter notes, albeit in a different time signature; eventually both sides meet up again at the 64th beat.<ref name="Popmatters Nothing" /> Hagström notes about the polymeters, "We've never really been into the odd time signatures we get accused of using. Everything we do is based around a 4/4 core. It's just that we arrange parts differently around that center to make it seem like something else is going on."<ref name="Decibel story" />

=== ''Contradictions Collapse'', ''Destroy Erase Improve'' and ''Chaosphere'' ===
{{listen|filename=Meshuggah - Future Breed Machine (solo).ogg|title="Future Breed Machine" (1995)|description="Future Breed Machine" demonstrates the jazzlike soloing of Fredrik Thordendal. He also uses his "breath controller" device on this song.}}

The early work of Meshuggah, influenced mainly by [[Metallica]], is "simpler and more straightforward than their more recent material, but some of their more progressive elements are present in the form of time-changes and polyrhythmics, and Fredrik Thordendal's lead playing stands out".<ref name="Decibel story" /><ref name="Official bio" /> According to [[AllMusic]], their [[Contradictions Collapse|debut album]] is a relatively immature, but original, release.<ref name="AMG DEI" /> [[Bass drum#Double bass drum|Double bass drums]] and "angular" riffing also defined the early work of Meshuggah.<ref name="Blabbermouth.net - Meshuggah: Prague Concert Footage Available">{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=76586 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah: Prague Concert Footage Available - July 11, 2007 |access-date=8 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000523/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=76586 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref>

With the groundbreaking ''Destroy Erase Improve'', Meshuggah showed [[Fusion (music)|fusion]] of death metal, thrash metal, progressive metal.<ref name="Rockdetector Bio" /><ref name="AMG DEI" /><ref name="PopMatters Catch 33">{{cite magazine|url = http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/m/meshuggah-catch.shtml|magazine = [[PopMatters]]|title = Meshuggah Catch Thirtythree
|author = Adrien Begrand|access-date = 10 June 2008}}</ref> AllMusic describes the style as "weaving hardcore-style shouts amongst deceptively (and deviously) simple [[staccato]] guitar riffs and insanely precise drumming—often with all three components acting in different time signatures".<ref name="AMG DEI" /> Thordendal adds the melodic element with his typical lead guitar<ref name="AMG DEI" /> and uses his "[[Vocoder#Vocoder applications|breath controller]]" device most famously on the opening track "Future Breed Machine".<ref name="PopMatters I" /><ref>{{cite magazine
| url = http://www.theskinny.co.uk/article/43732-meshuggah-the-garage-8-sep
| magazine = [[The Skinny (magazine)|The Skinny]]
| title = Meshuggah @ The Garage, 8 Sep (15 Sep 2008)
| author = Ryan Drever
| access-date = 30 January 2009
}}</ref>

''Chaosphere'' incorporates typically fast,<ref name="PopMatters I" /> still tempo changing death metal. AllMusic compares the genre also with [[grindcore]] fathers [[Napalm Death]].<ref name="AMG Chaosphere">{{cite web|url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=r382654|pure_url=yes}}
|website = [[AllMusic]]|title = Chaosphere review|author = Mike DaRonco|access-date = 11 May 2008}}</ref><ref name="AMG Napalm Death">{{cite web|url = {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p4990|pure_url=yes}}|website = [[AllMusic]]|title = Napalm Death Biography|author = Jason Ankeny|access-date = 11 May 2008}}</ref> Rockdetector states: "Whilst fans reveled in the maze like meanderings, critics struggled to dissect and analyze, hailing Haake's unconventional use of dual 4/4 and 23/16 rhythm, Kidman's mechanical staccato bark and Thordendal's liberal usage of avant-garde jazz".<ref name="Rockdetector Bio" />

=== ''Nothing'', ''I'' and ''Catch Thirtythree'' ===
{{listen|filename=Meshuggah - Straws Pulled At Random.ogg|title="Straws Pulled at Random" (2006)|description="Straws Pulled at Random" (''Nothing'' rerelease) demonstrating the slow tempos, [[Musical tuning|tuned down]], low notes of Meshuggah's eight-string guitars, meter change and a polyrhythm.}}

On ''Nothing'', Meshuggah abandons the fast tempos of ''Chaosphere'' and concentrates on slow, [[Musical tuning|tuned down]] tempos<ref name="PopMatters I" /><ref name="PopMatters Shining in its Evil Splendor">{{cite magazine|url = http://www.popmatters.com/pm/column/shining-in-its-evil-splendor|magazine = [[PopMatters]]|title = Shining in its Evil Splendor|author = Adrien Begrand|access-date = 5 July 2008}}</ref> and [[Groove (music)|grooves]].<ref name="Stylus Nothing" /> The album was intended to be recorded using custom-made Nevborn [[eight-string guitar]]s, but the prototypes were faulty so Thordendal and Hagström used down tuned [[Ibanez]] [[seven-string guitar]]s instead. This technique caused the instruments to slip out of tune during the sessions, which created additional problems.<ref name="Popmatters Nothing2" /><ref name="Official gear">{{cite web|url = http://www.meshuggah.net/gear/|publisher = meshuggah.net|title = Gear|access-date = 9 October 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071008092843/http://www.meshuggah.net/gear/ |archive-date = 8 October 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> When Ibanez provided Meshuggah with special eight-string guitars with two extra-low strings that worked properly after the initial release, the band re-recorded the guitar parts for ''Nothing'' and re-released it in 2006.<ref name="Rockdetector Bio" /><ref name="Popmatters Nothing2" /> Hagström notes that this allowed the band to go lower sonically and to attain bass sounds on guitars.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=5262 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah Showcase "Ballsier" Sound On "Nothing" - Aug. 6, 2002 |access-date=1 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030915181212/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=5262 |archive-date=15 September 2003 }}</ref>

The ''I'' EP contains a single, 21-minute song<ref name="PopMatters I" /><ref name="AMG Catch-33" /> of complex arrangements and was a hint of the forthcoming album, 2005's ''Catch Thirtythree''.<ref name="AMG bio" /> The EP, which has never been played live by the band, was written and recorded during jamming sessions of Haake and Thordendal.<ref name="The Aquarian: Challenges Collapse"/> On ''Catch Thirtythree'', Meshuggah again used eight-string guitars,<ref name="Decibel story" /> but utilized programmed drums for the first time also for the release,<ref name="nuclear blast" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=36907 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah To Return To 'More Traditional' Songwriting Approach On Next Album - May 19, 2005 |access-date=1 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000807/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=36907 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref> with the exception of two songs from 2001's compilation ''Rare Trax''.<ref name="rare trax">{{cite web|url = http://www.meshuggah.net/disco/rare/|publisher = meshuggah.net|title = Rare Trax - 2001|access-date = 9 October 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071014043521/http://www.meshuggah.net/disco/rare/ |archive-date = 14 October 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The album was self-produced by the band and was recorded at the studio that Meshuggah shares with Clawfinger. Hagström notes, "The eight-strings really have given us a whole new musical vocabulary to work with. Part of it is the restrictions they impose: you really can't play power chords with them; the sound just turns to mush. Instead, we concentrated on coming up with really unusual single-note parts, new tunings and chord voicings. We wanted to get as far away from any kind of conventions and traditions as we could on the album, so the guitars worked out beautifully."<ref name="Decibel story" />

''Catch Thirtythree'' is one 47-minute song divided into 13 sections.<ref name="AMG Catch-33" /> It is more mid-tempo guitar riff based, and a more straightforward and experimental full-length album than ''Chaosphere'' or ''Nothing''.<ref name="PopMatters Catch 33" /><ref>{{cite news
 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=30372 
 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] 
 |title=Meshuggah: 'Catch 33' Tentatively Scheduled For Release In April - Dec. 14, 2004 
 |access-date=8 June 2008 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000756/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=30372 
 |archive-date=26 December 2008 
}}</ref> Nick Terry of ''Decibel Magazine'' describes the album as a four-[[Movement (music)|movement]] [[symphony]].<ref name="Decibel catch 33">{{cite journal |last=Terry |first=Nick |date=July 2005 |title=Meshuggah, catch 33, A futurist symphony in the key of Sleep |journal=Decibel Magazine}}</ref> Some songs still use Meshuggah's "familiar template combining harsh vocals and nightmarish melodies over coarse, mechanically advancing, oddball tempos", while others explore ambient sounds and quieter dynamics.<ref name="AMG Catch-33" /> The first part of ''Catch Thirtythree'' centers around two simple riffs.<ref name="PopMatters Catch 33" /> In the song "In Death - Is Death", the band uses a combination of noise and silence, which is in contrast with the atypical melodies on "Dehumanization". On "Mind's Mirrors", Meshuggah used electronics, programming and "robotic voices". "Shed" incorporates tribal percussion and whispered vocals.<ref name="AMG Catch-33" />

=== ''obZen'' and ''Koloss'' ===
{{listen|filename=Meshuggah - Bleed.ogg|title="Bleed" (2008)|description=Tomas Haake's drumming on the song "Bleed" from 2008's ''obZen'' attracted the attention of music journalists. Adrien Begrand from [[PopMatters]] states about the song: "It's a spectacular display of metal percussion."<ref name="PopMatters Shining in its Evil Splendor"/>}}
[[File:Meshuggah - Rock am Ring 2018-6296.jpg|thumb|upright|Lövgren in 2018]]
With 2008's ''obZen'', Meshuggah moved away from the experimentation of 2002's ''Nothing'' and 2005's ''Catch Thirtythree'' to return to the musical style of its previous albums, such as ''Contradictions Collapse'', ''Destroy Erase Improve'' and ''Chaosphere'',<ref name="AMG obZen">{{cite web
|url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1314680|pure_url=yes}}|website = [[AllMusic]]|title = obZen review|author = Thom Jurek|access-date = 10 June 2008}}</ref><ref name="Decibel story2">{{cite journal |last=Smith |first=Rod |date=April 2008 |title=obZen and the Art of Happiness, Tomas Haake and Mårten Hagström's experimental wisdom takes Meshuggah to higher ground |journal=Decibel Magazine}}</ref><ref name="RS obZen">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/meshuggah/albums/album/18493454/review/20532937/obzen |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |title=Meshuggah – obZen |author=Chris Steffen |access-date=9 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230211447/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/meshuggah/albums/album/18493454/review/20532937/obzen |archive-date=30 December 2008 }}</ref> while still maintaining its focus on musical and technical innovation. The album loses some of the quick, mathematical rhythmic changes of past releases and the melodic orchestration of ''Catch Thirty-Three''<ref name="AMG obZen" /> and uses "angular" riffs,<ref name="The A.V. Club obZen">{{cite news|url=http://www.avclub.com/content/music/meshuggah |newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]] |title=Meshuggah Obzen (Nuclear Blast) |author=Aaron Burgess |access-date=5 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617090224/http://www.avclub.com/content/music/meshuggah |archive-date=17 June 2008 }}</ref> mid-tempo and common 4/4 beats.<ref name="PopMatters Shining in its Evil Splendor"/> The album is a culmination of the band's previous work.<ref name="AMG obZen" /><ref name="Exclaim! obZen Max Deneau">{{cite magazine
 |url=http://www.exclaim.ca/musicreviews/generalreview.aspx?csid2=846&fid1=30305&csid1=121 
 |magazine=[[Exclaim!]] 
 |title=obZen 
 |author=Max Deneau 
 |access-date=5 July 2008 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220114822/http://www.exclaim.ca/musicreviews/generalreview.aspx?csid2=846&fid1=30305&csid1=121 
 |archive-date=20 December 2008 
}}</ref> Meshuggah decided to self-produce because it sought to retain artistic control over the recording and mixing process.<ref name="MTV.com Jan 18 2008">{{cite web
|url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1579871/20080117/meshuggah.jhtml|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080129101421/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1579871/20080117/meshuggah.jhtml|url-status = dead|archive-date = 29 January 2008|publisher = [[MTV.com]]|title = Meshuggah Chugging Along With 2008 Plans; Plus Queensryche, Papa Roach & More News That Rules, In Metal File|author = Chris Harris and Jon Wiederhorn|access-date = 6 July 2008}}</ref>

For ''obZen'', Haake returned to the drum kit most notably with his performance on the song "Bleed".<ref name="AMG obZen" /><ref name="RS obZen" /> In an interview for Gravemusic.com, Haake stated, "['Bleed'] was a big effort for me to learn, I had to find a totally new approach to playing the double bass drums to be able to do that stuff. I had never really done anything like that before like the fast bursts that go all the way through the song basically. So I actually spent as much time practicing that track alone as I did with all of the other tracks combined. It's kind of a big feat to change your approach like that and I'm glad we were able to nail it for the album. For a while though we didn't even know if it was going to make it to the album."<ref name="Blabbermouth Bleed" /> Hagström also stated, "''obZen'' is one of the most highly technical offerings the band has ever put to tape".<ref name="MTV.com Jan 18 2008"/> ''Revolver Magazine'' confirms this statement: "At first listen, ''obZen'' seems less challenging to the listener than some of the band's other records, and most of the songs flow smoothly from one syncopated passage to the next. However, careful examination reveals that the material is some of the group's most complicated".<ref name="Revolver Meshuggah"/>

A common quality in ''Koloss'' identified by multiple critics and outlets is the album's relatively straightforward, more groove-oriented sound, summed up by ''[[Metal Sucks]]'' as the band having "streamlined their compositions to a great extent."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2012/03/15/review-meshuggahs-koloss-is-a-giant/ |title=Review: Meshuggah's ''Koloss'' is a Giant |last=Rosenberg |first=Axl |date=15 March 2012 |website=Metal Sucks |access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref> The broad style of the record has been described as "primal" and featuring "less jazzy virtuosity" than the band's previous output.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/meshuggah-koloss-1798172123 |title=Meshuggah: ''Koloss'' |last=Heller |first=Jason |date=27 March 2012 |website=The AV Club |access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref> ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' noted that the record's rawer production style advanced this "tribal" sound further.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22142-25-years-of-musical-deviance/ |title=Meshuggah: 25 years of Musical Deviance |last=Reyes-Kulkarni |first=Saby |date=1 August 2016 |website=Pitchfork |access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref> The album invokes a greater sound of menace and "darkness" according to Metal Injection; additionally, Jens Kidman's vocals were described as "exponentially more anguished" than previous works.<ref name=metinject>{{cite web |url=http://www.metalinjection.net/reviews/meshuggah-koloss |title=Album Review: MESHUGGAH ''Koloss'' |last=Brown |first=Kit |date=20 March 2012 |website=Metal Injection |access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref> ''Metal Injection'' further compared the sound of the album's closing track "The Last Vigil" to works by the instrumental band [[Godspeed You! Black Emperor]].<ref name=metinject /> The record's guitar riffs have been noted as deviating somewhat from Meshuggah's earlier catalog, with ''[[Spin (magazine)|SPIN]]'' identifying "an almost bluesy swing" in the playing style.<ref name=spin>{{cite web |url=https://www.spin.com/2012/03/meshuggah-koloss-nuclear-blast/ |title=Meshuggah, 'Koloss' |last=Grow |first=Kory |date=26 March 2012 |website=Spin |access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref> ''SPIN'' further elaborated on the guitar leads, comparing the solos in "The Demon's Name is Surveillance" and "Marrow" to the (non-metal) works of experimental composer [[Philip Glass]] and jazz-guitarist [[Allan Holdsworth]] respectively.<ref name=spin />

===''The Violent Sleep of Reason''===
For their eighth album, the band recorded live in studio, a production style they hadn't pursued in reportedly "20, 25 years".<ref name=blabmouth>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/meshuggah-recorded-the-violent-sleep-of-reason-live-in-the-studio/ |title=MESHUGGAH Recorded 'The Violent Sleep Of Reason' Live In The Studio |date=19 August 2016 |website=Blabber Mouth |access-date=8 November 2018}}</ref> On rejecting the computerized format of recording of their previous albums, Haake said "''Obzen'' and ''Koloss'' are great albums, but, to me, they are a little too perfect. It didn't really capture what we sounded like honestly. But where we recorded live, you get to hear the push and pull, one person might be a little ahead and the other might be a little behind. If you kill that, you can kill the energy."<ref name=blabmouth /> It is the first album to have no writing credit from Thordendal; the majority of the album was written by Haake and Lövgren.

=== Method and lyrical themes ===
[[File:Meshuggah - Rock am Ring 2018-5995.jpg|thumb|Haake in 2018]]
Meshuggah's music is written by Thordendal, Hagström and Haake with assistance from Kidman and Lövgren. During songwriting, a member programs the drums, and records the guitar and bass via computer. He presents his idea to the other members as a finished work. Meshuggah typically adheres to the original idea and rarely changes the song afterwards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=106332 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah Guitarist On Songwriting, Touring And Influencing Younger Bands - Oct. 6, 2008 |access-date=10 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007234319/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=106332 |archive-date=7 October 2008 }}</ref> Hagström explains that each member has an idea of what the others are doing conceptually, and nobody thinks exclusively in terms of a particular instrument. Kidman does not play guitar in the band anymore, but he is involved in writing riffs.<ref name="Decibel story" />
Except for when Hagström needs a soloist, he and Thordendal rarely record together. Both play guitar and bass while composing. Haake says about his songwriting, "Sometimes I'll sample guitar parts, cut them up, pitch-shift and tweak them until I've built the riffs I want, just for demoing purposes. But most of the time I'll just present the drums, and explain my ideas for the rest of the song, sing some riffs."<ref name="Decibel story2" /> The band uses [[Cubase]] to record the tracks, and the guitars are routed through software [[amplifier modeling]], because it allows them to change the amp settings even after the song was fully recorded.
[[File:Meshuggah 2016 Gear Guitars.jpg|thumb|upright|Guitars of Meshuggah]]
Approximately once a year, Haake writes most of the band's lyrics, with the exception of finished tracks. His lyrical inspirations are derived from books and films. Aside from their album ''Catch Thirtythree'', Meshuggah does not usually record [[concept album]]s, although the band prefers strong conceptual underpinnings in the background.<ref name="Decibel story" /><ref name="The Aquarian: Challenges Collapse">{{cite news
| url = http://www.theaquarian.com/aq/2008/03/12/meshuggah-challenges-collapse/
| newspaper = [[The Aquarian Weekly|The Aquarian]]
| title = Meshuggah: Challenges Collapse
| author = Patrick Slevin
| access-date = 30 January 2009
}}</ref><ref name="Popmatters Nothing2" /><ref name="Decibel story2" />
Often [[Western esotericism|esoteric]]<ref name="AMG bio" /> and conceptual,<ref name="MTV Jack Osbourne's Favorite Metallists Meshuggah Prepare For Nothing"/> Meshuggah's lyrics explore themes such as [[existentialism]].<ref name="AMG Nothing" /> AllMusic describes ''Destroy Erase Improve''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> lyrical focus as "the integration of machines with organisms as humanity's next logical evolutionary step".<ref name="AMG DEI" /> PopMatters' review of ''Nothing'' singles out the lyrics from "Rational Gaze": "Our light-induced image of truth—filtered blank of its substance / As our eyes won't adhere to intuitive lines / Everything examined. Separated, one thing at a time / The harder we stare the more complete the disintegration."<ref name="Popmatters Nothing2"/> Haake explains that ''Catch Thirtythree''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> cover, title and lyrics deal with "the paradoxes/negations/contradictions of life and death (as we see it in our finest moments of unrestrained metaphoric interpretation)".<ref name="Blabbermouth Catch33 cover">{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=33194 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah: 'Catch 33' Cover Art Posted Online - Feb. 21, 2005 |access-date=1 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000801/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=33194 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref>
The main theme of ''obZen'' is "human evil", according to Haake. The title is a play on the words "[[obscenity|obscene]]" and "[[Zen]]"; in addition, "ob" means "anti" in Latin. Therefore, the title suggests that the human species has found harmony and balance in warfare and bloodshed.<ref name="Decibel story2" /><ref name="Exclaim! obZen Greg Pratt">{{cite magazine
 |url=http://www.exclaim.ca/musicreviews/generalreview.aspx?csid2=846&fid1=30229&csid1=120 
 |magazine=[[Exclaim!]] 
 |title=obZen 
 |author=Greg Pratt 
 |access-date=5 July 2008 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220114817/http://www.exclaim.ca/musicreviews/generalreview.aspx?csid2=846&fid1=30229&csid1=120 
 |archive-date=20 December 2008 
}}</ref> ''Revolver Magazine'' finds the lyrics of the title track from ''obZen'' representative of the entire album: "Salvation found in vomit and blood/Where depravation, lies, corruption/War and pain is god." However, Haake claims, "We don't dwell on hate and bad feelings as people. But with these songs, I think we really wanted to paint a picture lyrically that might be seen as a cautionary tale. We're going, 'Heads up. Here's what some of the parts of being human are about, and this is what we can be at our worst.' So it's more about being aware of negative feelings than actually living them all the time."<ref name="Revolver Meshuggah"/>

==Analysis==
[[File:Mårten Hagström, Meshuggah.jpg|thumb|Hagström in 2018]]
[[File:Meshuggah - Rock am Ring 2023-44530.jpg|thumb|Meshuggah live at [[Rock am Ring]] 2023]]
Meshuggah has become known for its innovative musical style that evolves between each release and pushes [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] into new territory, and for its technical prowess.{{ref label|f|f|none}} Hagström commented: "We try never to repeat ourselves."<ref name="Decibel story" /> [[MusicMight|RockDetector]] stated about ''[[Destroy Erase Improve]]'': "[T]he band...stripped Metal down to the bare essentials before completely rebuilding it in a totally abstract form".<ref name="Rockdetector Bio" /> The official Meshuggah biography comments on ''[[Chaosphere]]'' by noting that "Some fans felt that Meshuggah had left their dynamic and progressive elements behind; while others thought they were only progressing naturally and focusing on their original sound."<ref name="Official bio" /> The band's website also describes ''Nothing'' as displaying "a very mature and convincing Meshuggah, now focusing on groove and sound...Meshuggah once again divided their fans into the 'ecstatic' and the 'slightly disappointed'".<ref name="Official bio" /> The polyrhythms can make the music sound [[Phonaesthetics|cacophonous]], like band members are playing different songs simultaneously.<ref name="Popmatters Nothing" /><ref name="Popmatters Nothing2">{{cite magazine|url = http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/meshuggah-nothing|magazine = [[PopMatters]]|title = Nothing (Special Edition)|author = Adrien Begrand|access-date = 10 June 2008
}}</ref> Listeners perceiving a polyrhythm often either extract a composite pattern that is fitted to a metric framework, or focus on one rhythmic stream while treating others as "noise".<ref>{{cite book
  |last = Boring
  |first = Edwin
  |author-link = Edwin Boring
  |title = Sensation and perception in the history of experimental psychology
  |publisher = [[Appleton-Century-Crofts]]
  |location=New York
  |year = 1942
  |page= 253
}}</ref>

==Legacy==
''Rolling Stone'' labeled Meshuggah as "one of the ten most important hard and heavy bands",<ref name="nuclear blast">{{cite web
|url = http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/bands/meshuggah.html|publisher = [[Nuclear Blast]]|title = Meshuggah|access-date = 10 June 2008| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080510084617/http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/bands/meshuggah.html| archive-date = 10 May 2008}}</ref> and ''Alternative Press'' described them as the "most important band in metal".<ref name="Exclaim! Meshuggah's One-Track Mind" /> Meshuggah has been described as virtuoso or genius-bordering musicians,{{ref label|g|g|none}} "recognized by mainstream music magazines, especially those dedicated to particular instruments".<ref name="AMG bio" /> In 2007, Meshuggah earned an in-depth analysis by the academic journal ''[[Music Theory Spectrum]]''.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Pieslak|first1=Jonathan|title=Re-casting Metal: Rhythm and Meter in the Music of Meshuggah|journal=Music Theory Spectrum|date=2007|volume=29|issue=2|pages=219–245|doi=10.1525/mts.2007.29.2.219|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/6375990/Re-casting-Metal-Rhythm-and-Meter-in-the-Music-of-Meshuggah|access-date=11 December 2014|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Meshuggah has found little mainstream success but is a significant act in extreme [[underground music]], an influence for modern metal bands<ref name="The Skinny: Meshuggah: Destroy, Erase, Improve">{{cite magazine
| url = http://www.theskinny.co.uk/article/41856-meshuggah-destroy-erase-improve
| magazine = [[The Skinny (magazine)|The Skinny]]
| title = Meshuggah: Destroy, Erase, Improve
| first = Jamie
| last = Borthwick
| access-date = 30 January 2009
}}</ref> and has a [[cult following]].<ref>Greg Kot. [https://www.chicagotribune.com/2002/08/09/meshuggah-makes-its-mark/ Meshuggah makes its mark]. ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''. 9 August 2002.</ref><ref>Vik Bansal. [https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/meshuggah-catch-thirty-three Meshuggah – Catch Thirty Three]. ''[[musicOMH]]''. 23 May 2005.</ref> Meshuggah inspired the "[[djent]]" subgenre in progressive metal,<ref>Brad Angle (23 July 2011). [http://www.guitarworld.com/interview-meshuggah-guitarist-fredrik-thordendal-answers-reader-questions Interview: Meshuggah Guitarist Fredrik Thordendal Answers Reader Questions]. ''[[Guitar World]]''.</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Popoff|first1=Martin|title=The Top 500 Heavy Metal Songs of All Time|date=2003|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=1550225308|page=342}}</ref><ref name="lw genre">{{cite web|title=THE BEST METAL ALBUMS FROM 40 SUBGENRES|url=http://loudwire.com/best-metal-albums-subgenres/|website=[[Loudwire]]|access-date=15 January 2018}}</ref> that describes an "elastic, syncopated guitar riff" with its name.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/mar/03/djent-metal-geeks
|work = [[guardian.co.uk]]|title = Djent, the metal geek's microgenre|author =Jamie Thomson|access-date = 12 June 2011|location=London|date=3 March 2011}}</ref> They were described as being "the first djent band completely by accident";<ref name="HP">{{cite web |last1=DEITERMAN |first1=COREY |title=What the Hell Is Djent Metal Anyway? |url=http://www.houstonpress.com/music/what-the-hell-is-djent-metal-anyway-6777469 |website=Houston Press |date=3 February 2014 |access-date=28 June 2018}}</ref> in a 2018 interview, Hagström jokingly apologised for the band's role in creating the term, calling it a "drunk misunderstanding".<ref>{{cite web |title=MESHUGGAH's MÅRTEN HAGSTRÖM On 'Djent': 'We're Very Sorry For Creating That Genre; We Didn't Intend To – Our Bad' |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/meshuggahs-marten-hagstrom-on-djent-were-very-sorry-for-creating-that-genre-we-didnt-intend-to-our-bad/ |website=Blabbermouth |date=23 July 2018 |access-date=23 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/meshuggah-apologize-djent-it-was-drunk-misunderstanding|title=Meshuggah Apologize for Djent: It Was "Drunk Misunderstanding"|last=Camp|first=Zoe|date=24 July 2018|website=Revolver|language=en|access-date=21 April 2020}}</ref>

== Members ==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

'''Current'''
* Jens Kidman – lead vocals <small>(1987–present)</small>; rhythm guitar, backing vocals <small>(1987–1993)</small>
* [[Fredrik Thordendal]] – lead guitar, backing vocals <small>(1987–present)</small>; lead vocals <small>(1987–1992)</small>; keyboards <small>(1992–2001)</small>; bass <small>(2001–2004)</small>
* [[Tomas Haake]] – drums, backing and [[Spoken word|spoken vocals]] <small>(1989–present)</small>
* [[Mårten Hagström]] – rhythm guitar, backing vocals <small>(1993–present)</small>; bass <small>(2001–2004)</small>
* [[Dick Lövgren]] – bass <small>(2004–present)</small>

{{col-2}}

'''Former'''
* Peter Nordin – bass <small>(1987–1995)</small>
* Niklas Lundgren – drums <small>(1987–1989)</small>
* Gustaf Hielm – bass <small>(1995–2004; touring only 2001–2004)</small>

'''Former touring musicians'''
* [[Per Nilsson (guitarist)|Per Nilsson]] – lead guitar, backing vocals <small>(2017–2019)</small>
{{col-end}}

'''Timeline'''
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea = left:100 bottom:100 top:0 right:15
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat  = dd/mm/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1987 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}}
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1987
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1988

Colors =
  id:LVocals   value:red          legend:Lead_vocals
  id:BVocals   value:pink         legend:Spoken_vocals
  id:LGuitar   value:teal         legend:Lead_guitar,_backing_vocals
  id:RGuitar   value:brightgreen  legend:Rhythm_guitar,_backing_vocals
  id:Keys      value:purple       legend:Keyboards
  id:Bass      value:blue         legend:Bass
  id:Drums     value:orange       legend:Drums
  id:Studio    value:black        legend:Studio_album
  id:Other     value:gray(0.7)    legend:Other_release
  id:bars      value:gray(0.95)

BackgroundColors = bars:bars

LineData =
 layer:back
  at:01/07/1988 color:Other
  at:03/02/1989 color:Other
  at:01/05/1991 color:Studio
  at:08/11/1994 color:Other
  at:05/05/1995 color:Other
  at:12/05/1995 color:Studio
  at:19/07/1997 color:Other
  at:09/11/1998 color:Studio
  at:21/08/2001 color:Other
  at:06/08/2002 color:Studio
  at:13/07/2004 color:Other
  at:16/05/2005 color:Studio
  at:07/03/2008 color:Studio
  at:05/02/2010 color:Other
  at:23/03/2012 color:Studio
  at:04/02/2013 color:Other
  at:26/09/2014 color:Other
  at:07/10/2016 color:Studio
  at:01/04/2022 color:Studio

BarData =
 bar:Kidman     text:"Jens Kidman"
 bar:Thordendal text:"Fredrik Thordendal"
 bar:Hagström   text:"Mårten Hagström"
 bar:Nordin     text:"Peter Nordin"
 bar:Hielm      text:"Gustaf Hielm"
 bar:Lövgren    text:"Dick Lövgren"
 bar:Lundgren   text:"Niklas Lundgren"
 bar:Haake      text:"Tomas Haake"
 
PlotData=
  width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
  bar:Kidman     from: 01/01/1987 till: 31/12/1992 color:RGuitar
  bar:Kidman     from:31/12/1992 till: end        color:LVocals
  bar:Thordendal from: 01/01/1987 till: end        color:LGuitar
  bar:Nordin     from: 01/01/1987 till: 01/12/1995 color:Bass
  bar:Lundgren   from: 01/01/1987 till: 01/10/1989 color:Drums
  bar:Haake      from: 01/10/1989 till: end        color:Drums
  bar:Hagström   from: 01/01/1993 till: end        color:RGuitar
  bar:Hielm      from: 01/12/1995 till: 20/02/2004 color:Bass
  bar:Lövgren    from: 20/02/2004 till: end        color:Bass

  width:3
  bar:Thordendal from: 01/07/2001 till: 20/02/2004 color:Bass
  bar:Hagström   from: 01/07/2001 till: 20/02/2004 color:Bass
  bar:Thordendal from: 01/01/1993 till: 01/01/2001 color:Keys
  bar:Kidman     from: 01/01/1987 till: 31/12/1992 color:LVocals
  bar:Thordendal from: 01/01/1987 till: 31/12/1992 color:LVocals
  bar:Haake      from: 01/10/1989 till: end        color:BVocals
}}

== Discography ==
{{main|Meshuggah discography}}
* ''[[Contradictions Collapse]]'' (1991)
* ''[[Destroy Erase Improve]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Chaosphere]]'' (1998)
* ''[[Nothing (Meshuggah album)|Nothing]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Catch Thirtythree]]'' (2005)
* ''[[obZen]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Koloss]]'' (2012)
* ''[[The Violent Sleep of Reason]]'' (2016)
* ''[[Immutable (album)|Immutable]]'' (2022) 

==Awards and nominations==
'''Loudwire Music Awards'''
{{awards table}}
|-
| 2012 || Meshuggah || Death Match Hall of Fame<ref>{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|url=https://loudwire.com/meshuggah-enter-death-match-hall-of-fame/|title=Meshuggah Enter Death Match Hall of Fame|website=Loudwire|date=3 April 2012|access-date=29 January 2022}}</ref> || {{won}}
{{end}}

'''Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards'''
{{awards table}}
|-
| 2005 || Meshuggah || Best Underground Band<ref>{{cite web|url=https://production.blabbermouth.net/news/metal-hammer-golden-gods-awards-nominees-announced/|title=Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards: Nominees Announced|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=21 April 2006|access-date=29 January 2022}}</ref> || {{won}}
|-
| 2012 || Meshuggah || Best International Band<ref>{{cite web|first=Luke|last=Morton|url=https://kfmx.com/2012-metal-hammer-golden-gods-nominees-revealed-video/|title=2012 Metal Hammer Golden God's Nominees Revealed Video|website=KFMX|date=8 March 2012|access-date=29 January 2022}}</ref> || {{nom}}
|-
| 2015 || Meshuggah || Best Live Band<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2015/06/15/news/2015-metal-hammer-golden-gods-awards-winners-revealed/|title=2015 Metal Hammer 'Golden Gods Awards' Winners Revealed|website=The PRP|date=15 June 2015|access-date=29 January 2022}}</ref> || {{nom}}
|-
| 2018 || Meshuggah || Inspiration<ref>{{cite web|first=Luke|last=Morton|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/golden-gods-2018-judas-priest-code-orange-maynard-james-keenan-amongst-winners|title=Golden Gods 2018: Judas Priest, Code Orange, Maynard James Keenan amongst winners|website=Louder Sound|date=11 June 2018|access-date=29 January 2022}}</ref> || {{won}}
{{end}}

'''Revolver Music Awards'''
{{awards table}}
|-
| 2012 || Meshuggah || Best International Band<ref>{{cite web|first=Josh|last=Hart|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/2012-revolver-golden-gods-nominees-performers-announced|title=2012 Revolver Golden Gods: Nominees, Performers Announced|website=Guitar World|date=16 February 2012|access-date=29 January 2022}}</ref> || {{nom}}
|-
| 2016 || ''The Violent Sleep of Reason'' || Album of the year<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2016/12/13/news/heres-won-2016-revolver-music-awards/|title=Here's Who Won At The 2016 'Revolver Music Awards'|website=The PRP|date=13 December 2016|access-date=29 January 2022}}</ref> || {{nom}}
{{end}}

'''Decibel Magazine'''
{{awards table}}
|-
| 2006 || ''Destroy Erase Improve'' || Hall of Fame<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/meshuggah-s-destroy-erase-improve-inducted-into-decibel-s-hall-of-fame/|title=Meshuggah's 'Destroy Erase Improve' Inducted Into Decibel's 'Hall Of Fame'|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=29 September 2006|access-date=29 January 2022}}</ref> || {{won}}
{{end}}

'''[[IMPALA]]'''
{{awards table}}
|-
| 2016 || ''The Violent Sleep of Reason''  || Independent Album of the Year Award<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.impalamusic.org/25-artists-up-for-best-independent-album-of-the-year-in-europe/|title=25 Artists Up For Best Independent Album Of The Year In Europe|website=impalamusic.org|date=7 March 2017|access-date=29 January 2022}}</ref> || {{nom}}
{{end}}

'''[[Grammy Awards]]'''
{{awards table}}
|-
| 2018 || "Clockworks"  || Best Metal Performance<ref name="grammy2018"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/meshuggah/189126|title=Meshuggah Artist - Grammy.com|website=Grammy.com|access-date=29 January 2022}}</ref> || {{nom}}
{{end}}

==Notes==
{{Refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}

:a. {{note label|a|a|none}}[[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]] subgenres such as [[experimental metal|avant-garde metal]]<ref name="nuclear blast"/> or [[experimental metal]]<ref name="MTV Jack Osbourne's Favorite Metallists Meshuggah Prepare For Nothing"/><ref name="The Aquarian: Challenges Collapse"/><ref name="nuclear blast"/><ref name="MTV.com Jan 18 2008"/><ref name="The Skinny: Meshuggah: Destroy, Erase, Improve" /><ref name="Blabbermouth Oct. 4, 2008 math metal?">{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=106195 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah Guitarist On Songwriting Process, 'Math Metal' Tag - Oct. 4, 2008 |access-date=10 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010111826/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=106195 |archive-date=10 October 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1503040/20050526/as_i_lay_dying.jhtml| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070715150451/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1503040/20050526/as_i_lay_dying.jhtml| url-status = dead| archive-date = 15 July 2007| publisher = [[MTV.com]]| title = Metal File: As I Lay Dying, Meshuggah And Ill Nino In This Week's Hard News| author = Chris Harris, with additional reporting by Jon Wiederhorn| access-date = 20 January 2009
}}</ref> are umbrella terms that describe the whole career of the band in general.
:b. {{note label|b|b|none}}[[Extreme metal]]<ref name="MTV Swedish metal outfit enjoys being the hardest band on the Ozzfest bill."/><ref name="MTV Jack Osbourne's Favorite Metallists Meshuggah Prepare For Nothing"/><ref name="Blabbermouth Oct. 4, 2008 math metal?"/><ref name="Allmusic I [EP]">{{cite web
| url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=r708283|pure_url=yes}}
| website = [[AllMusic]]
| title = I EP
| author = Wade Kergan
| access-date = 16 November 2008
}}</ref> covers both [[thrash metal]]<ref name="nuclear blast"/><ref name="Exclaim! obZen Max Deneau"/><ref name="Western Courier I">{{cite web|url=http://media.www.westerncourier.com/media/storage/paper650/news/2004/08/27/TheEdge/Meshuggah.i-706398.shtml |publisher=[[The Western Courier]] |title=Meshuggah "I" |author=Mike Galaboff |access-date=10 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219062603/http://media.www.westerncourier.com/media/storage/paper650/news/2004/08/27/TheEdge/Meshuggah.i-706398.shtml |archive-date=19 December 2008 }}</ref> and [[death metal]]<ref name="nuclear blast"/><ref name="MTV Meshuggah Deliver Something For Nothing">{{cite web| url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456455/20020805/meshuggah.jhtml| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20020812110536/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456455/20020805/meshuggah.jhtml| url-status = dead| archive-date = 12 August 2002| publisher = [[MTV.com]]| title = Meshuggah Deliver Something For Nothing| author = Jon Wiederhorn| access-date = 11 November 2008}}</ref> (or [[technical death metal]]),<ref name="Blender Nothing"/> which also form the sound of Meshuggah's music, which has also been described as [[groove metal]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.guitarworld.com/interview-meshuggah-discuss-their-new-album-koloss| website = [[Guitar World]]| title = Interview: Meshuggah Discuss Their New Album, 'Koloss'| author = Brad Angle| date = 1 April 2013| access-date = 11 February 2015|quote=Meshuggah, Sweden's leaders of technical groove metal...}}</ref>
:c. {{note label|c|c|none}}The band is also often labelled as math metal<ref name="AMG bio"/><ref name="The Skinny: Meshuggah: Destroy, Erase, Improve" /><ref name="Exclaim! obZen Greg Pratt"/><ref name="Blabbermouth Oct. 4, 2008 math metal?"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url = http://altpress.com/reviews/meshuggah.htm|magazine = [[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]|title = We just like saying, "the AC/DC of math-metal."|author = Rob Ortenzi|access-date = 3 September 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081120080626/http://altpress.com/reviews/meshuggah.htm|archive-date = 20 November 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref name="Meshuggah, I, Swedish math-metal gods enjoy their temporary free-agent status">{{cite journal |last=Burgess |first=Aaron |date=October 2004 |title=Meshuggah, I, Swedish math-metal gods enjoy their temporary free-agent status |journal=Decibel Magazine}}</ref> (for using elements of [[math rock]])<ref name="AMG bio" /> and [[progressive metal]].<ref name="Rockdetector Bio" /><ref name="Exclaim! obZen Max Deneau"/>
:d. {{note label|d|d|none}}Trademarks and characteristics that define Meshuggah's sound and songwriting<ref name="AMG bio" /><ref name="Revolver Meshuggah"/><ref name="AMG Nothing" /><ref name="Blender obZen">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=5033 |magazine=[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]] |title=Meshuggah obZen |author=Ben Ratliff |access-date=10 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518203255/http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=5033 |archive-date=18 May 2008 }}</ref><ref name="MTV Meshuggah Deliver Something For Nothing"/><ref name="Meshuggah, I, Swedish math-metal gods enjoy their temporary free-agent status"/> include polyrhythms,<ref name="Blender obZen"/> polymetered riff cycles,<ref name="AMG Nothing" /><ref name="Popmatters Nothing" /><ref name="PopMatters Catch 33" /> and rhythmic syncopation,<ref name="Popmatters Nothing" /><ref name="PopMatters I"/> rapid key and tempo changes<ref name="AMG obZen" /> and neo-jazz chromatics.<ref name="AMG Nothing" />
:e. {{note label|e|e|none}}A trademark of Thordendal is [[free jazz]]-like soloing and lead guitar.<ref name="PopMatters I" /><ref name="PopMatters Catch 33" /><ref name="Popmatters Nothing2" /> He is also known for the usage of a "breath controller" device.<ref name="PopMatters I" /> Haake is known for his precise cross-rhythm drumming<ref name="AMG DEI" /><ref name="Blender obZen"/><ref name="RS nothing"/> with "jazz-like cadence".<ref name="Popmatters Nothing2" />
:f. {{note label|f|f|none}}Meshuggah has become known for its innovative style<ref name="Exclaim! Meshuggah's One-Track Mind" /><ref name="PopMatters Shining in its Evil Splendor"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url = http://www.popmatters.com/music/features/best2002-begrand.shtml|magazine = [[PopMatters]]|title = Best music of 2002|author = Adrien Begrand|access-date = 5 July 2008}}</ref> that evolves between each release<ref name="The Aquarian: Challenges Collapse"/><ref name="PopMatters Shining in its Evil Splendor"/><ref>{{cite news
|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/arts/music/09play.html?scp=4&sq=meshuggah&st=nyt|publisher = [[The New York Times Company]]|title = Harnessing the Wild Sax, Calming the Mad Metal
|author = Nate Chinen|date= 9 March 2008|access-date = 15 July 2009}}</ref> and pushes heavy metal into new territory,<ref name="AMG DEI" /><ref name="AMG Nothing"/><ref name="Popmatters Nothing" /> and for its technical prowess<ref name="AMG DEI" /><ref name="PopMatters Shining in its Evil Splendor"/><ref name="MTV Meshuggah Deliver Something For Nothing"/><ref name="Blender Nothing">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=49 |magazine=[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]] |title=Meshuggah Nothing |author=Ben Mitchell |access-date=10 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622142308/http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=49 |archive-date=22 June 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| url = https://www.theguardian.com/music/tomserviceblog/2008/oct/31/heavy-metal-mozart-salzburg
| work = guardian.co.uk
| title = What do Napalm Death and Mozart have in common?
| author = [[Tom Service]]
| access-date = 16 November 2008
| location=London
| date=31 October 2008}}</ref>
:g. {{note label|g|g|none}}Meshuggah have been described as virtuoso<ref name="Blender obZen" /><ref name="Allmusic I [EP]"/><ref name="RS nothing">{{cite magazine|url = https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/meshuggah/albums/album/172652/review/5945704/nothing|magazine = [[Rolling Stone]]|title = Meshuggah – Nothing|author = Greg Kot|access-date = 10 June 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080312214203/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/meshuggah/albums/album/172652/review/5945704/nothing |archive-date = 12 March 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=734 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |title=Meshuggah: The Evil Eight-String! - Jan. 11, 2002 |access-date=1 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226000707/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=734 |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref> or genius-bordering<ref name="AMG DEI" /><ref name="Revolver Bleed" /> musicians.

{{refend}}
{{Refend}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Commons category}}
*{{official website}}
*[http://www.meshuggahdrumtranscriptions.com/ Meshuggah Drum Transcriptions]

'''Videos'''
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH4T3Zq1eQQ Meshuggah - The Movie], Behind The Scenes Footage - The Life of Meshuggah, official Meshuggah channel on [[YouTube]]
* Interview with Mårten Hagström and Tomas Haake, 2008, Nuclear Blast: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Wn-saR6xI&feature=PlayList&p=BAAEE4FE5FACC296&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=21 part 1], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bsJYFJCxnM&feature=PlayList&p=BAAEE4FE5FACC296&index=22 part 2], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdTpQJdzRLU&feature=PlayList&p=BAAEE4FE5FACC296&index=23 part 3], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iQFETOLrSg&feature=PlayList&p=BAAEE4FE5FACC296&index=24 part 4]
{{Meshuggah}}
{{Featured article}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Meshuggah| ]]
[[Category:1987 establishments in Sweden]]
[[Category:Avant-garde metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Djent]]
[[Category:Extreme metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1987]]
[[Category:Nuclear Blast artists]]
[[Category:Swedish groove metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Swedish thrash metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Swedish technical death metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Swedish progressive metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Swedish musical quintets]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Umeå]]