Meshuggah @ Billboard,Melbourne (25/02/2010)

Sun 28th Feb, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Just over a year since they last blasted their way into Melbourne, Whitechapel were in fine form although they appeared to have some sound problems and only played for twenty-five minutes (probably from direction rather than choice). Playing to a fast filling venue, their best tracks were Prostatic Fluid Asphyxiation and the mighty This Is Exile. Complete with three guitarists, their presence was huge with blasting and impeccable double kick the norm. Just as the crowd was getting used to their sound they were off stage and the show rolled on.

It Dies Today filled the void for fans anxious to hear the headline act but their inclusion on this bill seemed a little mismatched. Following great crowd response for Whitechapel, the reception for It Dies Today was lukewarm and the feel of their show didn’t match what had been laid down before them and what was to follow. Their set was very good and tight but didn’t appear to fit with the general theme of the night. This certainly wasn’t a forum for clean vocals.

With an alien like backdrop of shadowed skull and hands and extraordinary light show, Meshuggah took the stage to cheers of anticipation. Listening to Meshuggah in any forum is an exercise in brutality. For purists, their music reaches a point of absolute clarity that is often associated with the resolution of off time beats in unusual time signatures. There is almost no need to communicate between tracks; their music is like binary for metal heads. This live show was no exception. They played for just over an hour (which was longer than their last tour) and once the eight strings were out there was no turning back and rhythmic pulsations of the show took over.

The sound quality was truly commendable and essential to be able to appreciate the multifaceted nature of their music. Each track was a journey into their song writing experimentation and stand outs included Bleed and Rational Gaze. Rhythmic movements by vocalist Jens Kidman in time to the tunes made him resemble a bald alien possessed. Combine this with the backdrops, light show and all encompassing nature of the music, and they are a live force to be reckoned with.

The show was finished in the same style as on their last tour with the untouchable Future Breed Machine, this track is simply a collection of riffs and drumming brutality that bludgeons the senses into recognition. Seeing it played live was certainly an experience to savour.

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