ALBUM REVIEW: Immutable – Meshuggah

2022 sees the 50th anniversary of what is arguably cinema’s finest achievement: the first instalment of The Godfather trilogy. Having stood the test of time across half a century, it has inspired and helped steer the direction of filmmaking ever since. And for all that Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece is a crucial pillar in cinematic history, MESHUGGAH feel equally integral when it comes to discussing technical metal. For three decades now they have been carrying the torch for a genre that largely exists because of them. Their importance cannot be understated, and now they are finally set to return with their ninth full-length Immutable. It has been six years since their last, and it seems that they are far from running out of steam yet.

First impressions are that Immutable is long. It’s the first time that one of their albums has ticked past the hour mark, no easy feat when you consider the energy with which MESHUGGAH approach their music. As usual, they deploy about as little tact as the battering ram used to penetrate Helm’s Deep, immediately exposing us to their signature chugs which rattle like gunfire and remain a constant throughout the opening track Broken Cog. It isn’t quick, it’s slow and meticulous, building a haunting atmosphere that’s cast into shadow by a whispered vocal delivery. At times, towering leads grab the baton before falling back into chugs that flow into The Abysmal Eye, a lethal bundle of energy that unleashes screams and pulverising drumming.

MESHUGGAH are loud, brash, and with tracks like Phantoms they prove very concise. One might suppose that three decades of experience would ensure musical telepathy between the various components, but it’s clear that the Swedes have truly mastered their craft. Other tracks such as Ligature Marks seem to up the heaviness even further, mostly achieved by slowing things down slightly. The gaps between the thuds almost add as much weight as the notes themselves. Kaleidoscope is an angry little number, followed by the interludial Black Cathedral and then the bone-crushing I Am That Thirst.

The fact that the album maintains the same level of energy through a 66-minute run time is remarkable. It does feel like a bit of a slog, but as we reach Armies Of The Preposterous and finally Past Tense, it is quite the prolific ride. MESHUGGAH are still a powerhouse for a reason. They truly are the godfathers of tech, and whether you are a fan of their pummelling style or not, there is no doubting that echoes of their influence still reverberate around the scene to this day. As Don Vito Corleone so eloquently put it, “A man who doesn’t spend time listening to MESHUGGAH can never be a real man.” Or something like that…

Rating: 7/10

Immutable is set for release on April 1st via Atomic Fire Records.

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