Meshuggah, whose name is taken from the Hebrew and Yiddish word for "crazy", is a five-piece band from Umeå, Sweden, founded in 1987. The band's style is most easily described as extreme/technical metal with some jazz influence. They use extended polymetric passages, complex drum patterns, angular, dissonant guitar riffs, and harsh vocals. Their lineup has always been consistent, apart from bass which has been handled by many people since the band's inception. ...show more

Meshuggah, whose name is taken from the Hebrew and Yiddish word for "crazy", is a five-piece band from Umeå, Sweden, founded in 1987. The band's style is most easily described as extreme/technical metal with some jazz influence. They use extended polymetric passages, complex drum patterns, angular, dissonant guitar riffs, and harsh vocals. Their lineup has always been consistent, apart from bass which has been handled by many people since the band's inception.

Their current lineup consists of Jens Kidman (vocals), Fredrik Thordendal (lead/rhythm guitar + backup vocals), Mårten Hagström (rhythm guitar + backup vocals), Dick Lövgren (bass) and Tomas Haake (drums). Meshuggah is widely acknowledged as an influence on many modern metal bands from Textures to Tool. They are regarded as pioneers by critics and musicians alike. Discography Psykisk Testbild (EP, 1989) Contradictions Collapse (1991) None (EP, 1994) Selfcaged (1995) Destroy Erase Improve (1995) The True Human Design (1997) Chaosphere (1998) Contradictions Collapse and None (1999) Rare Trax (2001) Nothing (2002) I (EP, 2004) Catch Thirty-Three (2005) Nothing (Re-Release With DVD) (2006) obZen (2008) Alive (2010) Koloss (2012) Band history Meshuggah was formed in Umeå in 1987; two years later, the band released their first record, an EP entitled Psykisk Testbild (which can be roughly translated as "Psychological test image".

This recording displayed a straightforward thrash metal influenced sound, with some strains along the lines of Metallica's concurrent releases. There were also hints of more complex music in the songwriting. As the group grew older, they further refined the technicality of their musicianship and songwriting. This led to a harsher sound, utilizing strong seven string guitar (and later eight string guitar) rhythms, manic sounding vocals, and a combination of jazz fusion elements as well. ...show less