2023 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of one of Meshuggah’s earliest milestones, “Chaosphere”. Originally released on November 9th, 1998, the band’s third full-length studio album shows the band toning down some of the thrashier sounds of previous releases in favor of the more technical, poly-rhythmic, groove-oriented sound they would go to explore on subsequent albums.
Revolver wrote about the ground-breaking offering: “From the concrete-crushing opener ‘Concatenation’ to the barbed, apocalyptic ‘Elastic,’ which ends with almost twenty-minutes of feedback and noise, Meshuggah presents a relentless mechanical barrage of synapse-frying rhythms and trudging, off-kilter riffs.”
Pitchfork concurred: “Paced more evenly than “Destroy Erase Improve”, the hard-thrashing “Chaosphere” offers a snapshot of Meshuggah at their most fluid, as an unrelenting procession of uptempo riffs swirls in a rhythmic vortex.” And Sputnik Music added: ““Chaosphere” stands as the band’s most robust statement; a progressive, complex beast that hints at both old and new yet stands out as Meshuggah‘s most primal, raw and perhaps pure representation of their sound. It may seem contradictory to say this but through all of its contradictions, it becomes all things to all the qualities of good music. Highly recommended.”
Enjoy a taste of the sonic enormity of the record with a stream of ‘Sane,’ HERE.
To commemorate the album’s quarter-century anniversary, Atomic Fire will unleash a sonically updated version of the album on November 10th. The re-release of this masterpiece comes in hi-def audio remastered by Thomas Eberger and Sofia von Hage at Stockholm Mastering on all streaming platforms, as well as a jewel case CD edition, including an 8-page booklet, and stunning new vinyl colors, though most are limited worldwide to under 1500 of each color, 180 grams, 2cLP in 5 mm Sleeve incl. 2-page insert, to complete every collector’s dream.
“Chaosphere” is available for pre-order at THIS LOCATION.
Meshuggah will return to US and Canadian stages for a nineteen-date tour this November and December with support provided by special guests In Flames and Whitechapel. Produced by Live Nation, the journey begins on November 21st in San Diego, California and runs through December 16th in Laval, Quebec. The tour marks the first time in five years Meshuggah has played on Canadian soil. The final show will also include the addition of Voivod. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast. Secure yours today at THIS LOCATION. See confirmed dates below.
Meshuggah with special guests In Flames, Whitechapel:
11/21/2023 SOMA – San Diego, CA
11/22/2023 Hard Rock Live Sacramento – Wheatland, CA
11/24/2023 Paramount Theatre – Seattle, WA
11/25/2023 Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre – Vancouver, BC
11/27/2023 Midway Music Hall – Edmonton, AB * Sold Out *
11/28/2023 Grey Eagle Event Centre – Calgary, AB
11/30/2023 Burton Cummings Theatre – Winnipeg, MB
12/01/2023 The Fillmore Minneapolis presented by Affinity Plus – Minneapolis, MN
12/02/2023 The Sylvee – Madison, WI
12/03/2023 GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Grand Rapids, MI
12/05/2023 The Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana – Gary, IN
12/06/2023 The Andrew J Brady Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
12/08/2023 The Paramount – Huntington, NY
12/09/2023 MGM Music Hall at Fenway – Boston, MA
12/10/2023 The Wellmont Theater – Montclair, NJ
12/12/2023 Toyota Oakdale Theater – Wallingford, CT
12/14/2023 Wind Creek Event Center – Bethlehem, PA
12/15/2023 HISTORY – Toronto, ON * Sold Out *
12/16/2023 Place Bell – Laval, QC – w/ Voivod