Working with Metal: The Stylistic Characteristics of the Swedish Band Meshuggah and an Original Composition Inspired by Their Work
type: CreativeWork
description: I have long been fascinated by music that is created through the amalgamation of more than one style of music. As a composer, this has led to me exploring paths that combine elements of contemporary, classical, jazz, world, film, and video game music. In this thesis I explore elements of progressive metal band Meshuggah. More specifically I examine their use of polymeter, polyrhythm, and other rhythmic devices used in six of their songs. I then demonstrate how I applied those same components to an original composition, Armageddon, scored for flute, Bb clarinet, C trumpet, trombone, percussion, piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass. I used these techniques both in similar and different ways. I also explain how I employed a few techniques of my own.
abstract: I have long been fascinated by music that is created through the amalgamation of more than one style of music. As a composer, this has led to me exploring paths that combine elements of contemporary, classical, jazz, world, film, and video game music. In this thesis I explore elements of progressive metal band Meshuggah. More specifically I examine their use of polymeter, polyrhythm, and other rhythmic devices used in six of their songs. I then demonstrate how I applied those same components to an original composition, Armageddon, scored for flute, Bb clarinet, C trumpet, trombone, percussion, piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass. I used these techniques both in similar and different ways. I also explain how I employed a few techniques of my own.
author: Benefield, Adam J.
keywords: music composition, music theory, metal, progressive metal, Meshuggah, heavy metal, Composition
date published: 2020-04-01T07:00:00Z
date modified: 2026-07-24T04:30:30Z
provider: Stephen F. Austin State University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Stephen F. Austin State University