I grew up listening to the 90's 'rock' music in junior high/high school. Soundgarden, Pearl jam, Alice-n-Chains, NIN, Smashing Pumpkins, Tool, and the like. Metallica was about as metal as it got (AJFA, Master, etc.). Could be wrong, but music then seemed to be structured in a fairly original and colorful way, unlike anything on the radio now. I'm beginning to sound young and old all at once.
In my senior year of High School, some not-so-musically-inclined friends exposed me to Meshuggah- and I was done for. Nothing after that was remotely heavy or even 'challenging' to me. Future Breed Machine was the song that made me take music theory in college. It opened so many musical doors. Ironically, because of Meshuggah I can listen to a song from say, Chicago or even Sade with far more appreciation, than some popular pomade-wearing bullshit on the radio.
Having been a huge fan of Mesh back then, there was a time you could email the guys in the band directly and get a response within a day. I asked Fredrik Thordendal what he was listening to at the time. He replied "City, by Strapping Young Lad". And then it was another chapter for me. I'd say that ever since my exposure to Devin's music I became less and less interested in anything heavy, especially after hearing OM. It's still my favorite album today.
The way Devin gives you heavy is meaningful and dynamic. There are a million metal bands that will turn to ashes having been nothing but clones of their peers, while making nothing memorable or even known to potential listeners.
I don't get how people never grow out of listening to the "Blood-Curdling Ass Pummelers of the Honorable Lord Necron", or some shit like that. I can barely stomach Meshuggah now, because after a while even a technical masterpiece can become a well-coordinated throwing of pots and pans down a flight of stairs. Jens, please don't hunt me down.
So, fast-forward to today and I feel as if I've grown alongside Devin. As you age, become a parent, go through the more serious stages in life...music changes with you. I welcome the new album and know that my drive to and from work will again soon be quality time.
In my senior year of High School, some not-so-musically-inclined friends exposed me to Meshuggah- and I was done for. Nothing after that was remotely heavy or even 'challenging' to me. Future Breed Machine was the song that made me take music theory in college. It opened so many musical doors. Ironically, because of Meshuggah I can listen to a song from say, Chicago or even Sade with far more appreciation, than some popular pomade-wearing bullshit on the radio.
Having been a huge fan of Mesh back then, there was a time you could email the guys in the band directly and get a response within a day. I asked Fredrik Thordendal what he was listening to at the time. He replied "City, by Strapping Young Lad". And then it was another chapter for me. I'd say that ever since my exposure to Devin's music I became less and less interested in anything heavy, especially after hearing OM. It's still my favorite album today.
The way Devin gives you heavy is meaningful and dynamic. There are a million metal bands that will turn to ashes having been nothing but clones of their peers, while making nothing memorable or even known to potential listeners.
I don't get how people never grow out of listening to the "Blood-Curdling Ass Pummelers of the Honorable Lord Necron", or some shit like that. I can barely stomach Meshuggah now, because after a while even a technical masterpiece can become a well-coordinated throwing of pots and pans down a flight of stairs. Jens, please don't hunt me down.
So, fast-forward to today and I feel as if I've grown alongside Devin. As you age, become a parent, go through the more serious stages in life...music changes with you. I welcome the new album and know that my drive to and from work will again soon be quality time.
