Reviewed by: Cosmo Lee
Reviewed on: 2007-01-17

Posted 01/17/2007 - 05:09:39 AM by meatbreak:
	I’ll start at the end. There is nothing sexual about this music, so comparing it to an ex-girlfriend is a bit of an optimistic stretch but I get the allusion. The answer to your question is: Her tan is from a bottle and I don’t like what she’s done to her hair. I’m glad the vocals have been lowered in this, because they are the one area Meshuggah need to step back with and the first version of this album had them up way to harsh. It’s not the area they excel in, this band is all about the music (maaaaaan). The drum sounds have been dealt with well, stopping short of that terrible death metal clicky sound that so many bands seem satisfied with. The lack of imposing weight and bite in the guitars is a disappointment as surely that would have been the whole point of redoing the album. I can’t see how a band like this would be happy with the end result. Having said that, and as ever with Meshuggah, the parts move across each other like shifting sands and demand a lot of concentration to get the most out of it. So few albums demand that of listeners that it deserves attention on that merit, though this is hardly a recommendation of it’s own accord. Last stop, the artwork: it’s still just a load of photoshop filters. Changing the colour does nothing (yup) for me.
Posted 01/17/2007 - 09:20:07 AM by dagenspost:
	Too bad this review only treats the record from the perspective of some one that owned the original. Is it worth buying for someone that doesn't have it?
Posted 01/17/2007 - 11:14:34 AM by meatbreak:
	If you've heard Meshuggah before then you'll know what to expect, though yes, it is worth investing in. Which version to get is a tough choice. Ultimately, it doesn't make too much difference as the structure of the album is identical.
Posted 01/17/2007 - 09:04:07 PM by cosmokane31:
	dagenspost, I apologize for my lack of clarity. As the tone of my review indicates, it really is a toss-up between the two versions. The original "Nothing" isn't considered a classic for no reason, and, frankly, if Meshuggah had left it alone, few would have complained. That said, the presentation in the reissue, with the included lyrics and DVD, is better than the original. As far as the sound goes, judging from the response on Meshuggah fan forums, those who own the original aren't pleased with the reissue. This might be a case of getting attached to the original sound, warts and all. Technically, there's nothing wrong with the sound of the reissue; it is very much along the lines of other major metal releases today. To someone unfamiliar with this album or Meshuggah, I'd probably recommend the reissue, simply on the grounds that the packaging offers more ways "in" to this album.