Meshuggah rolled into The Majestic in Detroit, Michigan on October 29th 2016. Off the heels of recent album release titled ‘The Violent Sleep of Reason’. I’ve never seen Meshuggah but I have heard of them. Even though Meshuggah, based out of Sweden, is sort of an underground band, they are inspirations and influences on many other more well-known bands. And judging from the line that wrapped from the front doors down around the corner and down the side street sidewalk, the fans were there in full effect to show support.
Supporting the show was High On Fire, a sludge, stoner metal band out of Oakland, California. Playing an hour long set, the crowd was rocking along. Every now and then in between songs, people in the audience would yell out,“Free bird”! Eventually lead singer/guitarist Matt Pike responded, “A song about birds? Well here’s a song about weed”. And the crowd cheers as Den Kensel on drums and Jeff Matz on bass guitar jam along into another song. High On Fire’s music isn’t what you typically hear on the radio as it isn’t mainstream, it’s different and to me is more of an acquired taste, and you can hear the influence Meshuggah has had on them. And I really like their t-shirt featuring one of my favorite comedians, Richard Pryor. High On Fire’s music style set the tone for the rest of the night.
Meshuggah hit the stage to an eager crowd ready for more rock and roll. It was a display of precision musicianship all around from this innovative band. Meshuggah aims to always push the boundaries musically and to see that on display live in concert is a treat. The guttural vocals of lead singer Jens Kidman pairs well with the aggressive in your face style of music created and played by Fredrik Thordendal on lead guitar, Tomas Haake on drums, Marten Hagstrom on rhythm guitar and Dick Lovgren on bass guitar.
Playing fourteen songs in nearly an hour and a half, the crowd was glued looking and listening to what Meshuggah chimed out. As fans sang along, crowd surfed and rocked out, it was great night of rock and roll. Even though it was less than ideal as far as photographing the event for each band, it was dark-lighting with strobe lights flashing but it helped create the atmosphere both bands convey.
Looking for a new band to listen to and see live, check out Meshuggah, they aren’t new, as they’ve been around since 1987, but their ever changing sound will sure to give you a different experience for your senses to enjoy.