Meshuggah: The Ophidian Trek (2CD + Blu-ray)

The Ophidian Trek captures Meshuggah doing what few bands can do: reproducing their impossibly precise, rhythmically complex music on stage with frightening accuracy while somehow making it sound even heavier than the studio recordings.

Released in 2014, the set documents performances from the band’s extensive touring behind Koloss, drawing from shows across Europe, the United States and the band’s appearance at Wacken Open Air 2013. Rather than concentrating solely on the then-current album, The Ophidian Trek reaches across Meshuggah’s catalogue and works as an excellent overview of their evolution into one of modern metal’s most influential bands.

The opening combination of “Swarm” and “Swarm (In Memoriam)” establishes the oppressive atmosphere before the enormous “Combustion” kicks the performance into gear. From there, the set becomes a demonstration of controlled rhythmic violence. “Rational Gaze,” “New Millennium Cyanide Christ,” “Bleed” and “Demiurge” are absolutely crushing.

The Koloss material translates particularly well to the stage. “Do Not Look Down” possesses a monstrous groove, while “The Hurt That Finds You First” and “Demiurge” demonstrate how Meshuggah can create overwhelming heaviness without relying purely on speed.

Longtime fans are well served too. “Future Breed Machine” reaches back to Destroy Erase Improve, while “Stengah”and “Straws Pulled at Random” represent Nothing. The staggering “Bleed” remains one of the ultimate demonstrations of Tomas Haake’s drumming and the band’s extraordinary rhythmic discipline.

The Blu-ray is a major part of this edition rather than an afterthought. Seeing Tomas Haake, Fredrik Thordendal, Mårten Hagström, Dick Lövgren and Jens Kidman execute this material live gives another level of appreciation for just how technically formidable Meshuggah really are.

For anyone wanting a live Meshuggah release, The Ophidian Trek is an easy recommendation. The production is massive, the performances are brutally tight and the selection covers several of the band’s essential eras. It’s Meshuggah at full power.