The song opens with the aural assault of the rhythm section, right into an insane wall of sound with Fredrik Thordendal screaming at the top of his lungs. Then out of nowhere, comes a dead stop, foreshadowing what’s to come. They go right into their signature sound of off-kilter melody and beats, reminiscent of their last release, ‘Nothing.’ Very little is repeated throughout the song, as riffs at the beginning are never heard again once that section has passed. The intoxicating musical sound that begins at the 2:54 until about 3:34 is just amazing, one of the highlights of the song. The musicianship throughout is held at a high peak, one that they have never seemed to fall from. This is definitely not your average 20+ minute epic, but then again, Meshuggah is not your average band by any means. As you listen to the song, it feels like it’s not just one song, but several songs in one, with the little repetitiveness of it.

At 7:48, the assault again stops with no warning, with just what sounds like a mandolin playing. Again, it seems like another song has started at this point. Once the band comes back, they take a simpler route, a throwback to the ‘Contradictions Collapse’ days, as the song now sounds like it was recorded during the CC era. This goes right into a galloping riff that just chugs along, pummeling your every move. If this song will ever be played live, this is the true mosh part of the song. This goes right back into the odd melody that is their true signature. Around the 13 minute mark, it goes into a more chaotic melody, like those of the ‘Nothing’ album (specifically “Straws Pulled at Random” and “Nebulous”). Although this ‘finale’ of sorts seems to drag on a little long, it is still done very well and would appeal to their fans. Overall, this is a very well written and performed song that will add to their legacy.

In the end, if you liked ‘Chaosphere’ and ‘Nothing,’ this song will probably suit you very well. If you’re more into ‘Destroy Erase Improve,’ approach with caution. But if your cup of tea is ‘Contradictions Collapse,’ approach like you’d approach your dad after totaling his car. And if you don’t like the band at all, avoid. But if you just want something different, fairly innovative, and just outright insane, this is your 20 minute anthem.

[This review was first published on the now defunct scandinavianmetal.info webzine]