MESHUGGAH
The Djentlemen
HISTORY
Sweden’s Meshuggah began as a progressive metal band in 1987, eventually finding their sound in seven-string Ibanez guitars in the ‘90s before
really finding their sound in custom eight-stringers. Combining jazz fusion, metal, prog and death metal influences, Meshuggah’s Fredrik Thordendal and Mårten Hagström have crafted a uniquely rhythmic and incredibly influential guitar sound.
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS
Meshuggah’s influence goes well beyond just guitar players, but if it wasn’t for Thordendal and Hagström, there would be no djent – no Periphery, no TesseracT, no The Contortionist, no Animals As Leaders… Meshuggah’s willingness to explore both rhythm and really, really low notes has expanded what the guitar can do for metal, and they’ve pushed the technical development of the instrument and its related gear further through their use of custom eight-string guitars and amplifiers like the new Fortin Meshuggah head.
WHERE TO START
Shed
This one is not physically difficult, so it’s a great place to start. Its overlapping rhythms will keep you concentrating and focused.
BOSS LEVEL
IIt’s a 2004 track that combines brutal speed picking and crushing palm-mutes with fusion-inspired lead guitar parts. And at 21 minutes long, there’s a lot to master.