Wait.. I thought the first song off ObZen was the worst! I thought the rest was not that much different to what has gone before.. Some faster (as wankerness said, noodlier) riffing and so on.. But it still was far better than Combustion.. That track is out of place and pretty weak in my view.. Nevermind.
ObZen's riff is fucking crushing!
The 1st song sounds like a Meshuggah cover band thrashing away, a bit generic for Meshuggah's standards but it still is an awesome opener imo. I'm really enjoying the whole album so far, seems like a combination of all previous 'shuggah styles with an extra spice thrown in. ObZen might be my favourite track, Thordendal is exploring some new effects and actually improving his typical siren-like lead guitar style, as for the rythm guitar, it is mindblowing as always...i will admit that some riffs sound a little recycled but most of them just blast in all directions and there is enough variation to keep me satisfied. I particularly love that Larks' era King Crimson-ish part in the beggining of ''Dancers'', it adds a lot to the song. Also, some people are complaining about the little Tool influence and the tremolo-pickin parts, but i don't have a problem with it, because Marten and Thordendal don't make Meshuggah sound like a Tool clone, or like crappy Death Metal.
I'd say that Combustion, Bleed, ObZen, Pravus and Dancers to a Discordant System are the best tracks, but the rest is quality too. This album is an owner, but it's one of Meshuggah's worst, Catch 33 is better on most levels and formed a really coherent whole, it had those drone-y, calm ambient parts and tense riffing that are truly unforgettable.
I will rate this below DEI, Chaosphere, and Catch 33, but it's definitely as good or better than Nothing or CC.
Deserves a solid 8,5/10 imo.
