Working with Metal: The Stylistic Characteristics of the Swedish Band Meshuggah and an Original Composition Inspired by Their Work

<p>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, <em>Armageddon,</em> 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.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Music

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

School of Music

Year dc:date.available

2020

Author dc:creator

• Benefield, Adam J.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Stephen Lias
• J. D. Salas
• James Adams

• music composition
• music theory
• metal
• progressive metal
• Meshuggah
• heavy metal
• Composition

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/296

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.sfasu.edu:etds-1335