Catch ThirtyThree (2005) - Meshuggah

 

Released on May 16, 2005, Catch Thirtythree is the fifth studio album by Swedish extreme metal band Meshuggah. This avant-garde metal record is notable for its experimental approach, featuring a single continuous suite divided into 13 movements. The album showcases the band's complex rhythms, polyrhythmic structures, and innovative use of programmed drums, utilizing Toontrack's "Drumkit from Hell" software. Catch Thirtythree entered the Billboard 200 chart at number 170, reflecting its impact within the metal community.

Tracklist:

1. Autonomy Lost – 1:40
2. Imprint of the Un-Saved – 1:36
3. Disenchantment – 1:44
4. The Paradoxical Spiral – 3:13
5. Re-Inanimate – 1:05
6. Entrapment – 2:29
7. Mind's Mirrors – 4:29
8. In Death – Is Life – 2:02
9. In Death – Is Death – 13:22
10. Shed – 3:35
11. Personae Non Gratae – 1:47
12. Dehumanization – 2:57
13. Sum – 7:17

Catch Thirtythree represents a bold departure from traditional album structures, presenting a 47-minute composition segmented into 13 interconnected movements. The album opens with "Autonomy Lost," immediately immersing listeners in Meshuggah's signature complex rhythms and dissonant guitar work. This seamless transition into "Imprint of the Un-Saved" and "Disenchantment" maintains an intense and cohesive flow.

"The Paradoxical Spiral" exemplifies the band's mastery of polyrhythms, with intricate guitar patterns weaving through shifting time signatures. "Mind's Mirrors" introduces a more ambient and experimental atmosphere, featuring robotic vocals and electronic elements that provide a stark contrast to the album's heavier sections.

The centerpiece, "In Death – Is Death," spans over 13 minutes, showcasing dynamic shifts between aggressive riffs and atmospheric passages. This movement exemplifies Meshuggah's ability to craft extended compositions that remain engaging throughout. "Shed" offers a more groove-oriented approach, with tribal percussion and whispered vocals adding to the album's diverse sonic palette.

The concluding movement, "Sum," encapsulates the themes and motifs explored throughout the album, bringing the continuous suite to a powerful and cohesive close.

Catch Thirtythree stands as a testament to Meshuggah's willingness to push the boundaries of metal music. The album's seamless flow and intricate compositions create an immersive listening experience that challenges conventional song structures. Personal highlights include "The Paradoxical Spiral" for its rhythmic complexity and "In Death – Is Death" for its expansive and dynamic arrangement.

While the use of programmed drums was a point of contention for some listeners, it contributes to the album's mechanical and precise aesthetic, aligning with the band's thematic focus on dehumanization and existential concepts. The experimental nature of Catch Thirtythree may require multiple listens to fully appreciate its depth and intricacy, but it rewards those who engage with its complex structures and thematic coherence.