As for obZen, from start to finish, it is filled with some incredible songwriting, varied structures, and deliciously complex arrangements. It is just flat out heavy. Even if you have no interest in structures and writing and you just want something heavy, this will fill the bill as it crosses demographics between heavy music seekers and musical aficionados who treasure quality music.

The production quality gives the album a crisp, clear feel that has an industrial, mechanical edge to it. I find it a little hard to describe, but there is definitely something factory-based in the overall sound. They are fronted by Jens Kidman, whose blood curdling growls lead you through some bleak and disturbing lyrical landscapes, when you can understand him. Next up is lead guitarist Fredrik Thordendal, delivering some wild solos that are ethereal and discordant and just add so much flavor to the overall sound.

Joining Fredrik is Marten Hagstrom on rhythm guitar, adding something incredibly complex. Together, they lead you through a landscape of ever shifting time signatures and patterns that could not otherwise exist in nature. Bassist Dick Lovgren is an animal adding the low end to an already deep sound, expanding on what the guitarists and drummer are creating. Finally is the man-machine Tomas Haake on drums, his drumming is seriously otherworldly.

obZen is a haunting experience that really grew on me upon multiple listens. I found it very easy to listen to them and not listen to them at the same time. Yes, I am aware of how odd that seems, but hear me out. When the band is in the midst of their extended rhythmic dirges, with no vocals present, I found myself nearly hypnotized by the syncopated rhythms, shifting time signatures, and discordant leads. It was to the point where I was taken away from the music on a layer of sound to a place where nothing mattered. I just floated along on the musical composition. It is hard to describe, with hypnotic being the best word. t It almost makes me wish they did some completely instrumental work.

So, when you listen to obZen, you will discover a great album from start to finish. Still, allow me to point you towards a couple of highlights from my experience: "Electric Red," "Pineal Gland Optics," and "Dangers to a Discordant System."

Bottomline. This is an amazing album. It is a technical masterpiece that delivers on so many different levels. The music on display here will hit you upside the head and force you to pay attention and give it the attention it deserves. This is Meshuggah at the top of their game doing things that few others can even dream of.

Highly Recommended.