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Koloss
by
Koloss Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 24 Ratings

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  • Record Label: Nuclear Blast
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative Metal, Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, Scandinavian Metal
  • More Details and Credits »

Top Track

Swarm
Insectine man, carnivore. The shape of us, the conduct of flies All-consuming swarm in inconspicuous disguise Bloodseeking, parasitic. Ecstatically... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Metal Hammer (UK)
    Mar 26, 2012
    90
    Koloss is truly phenomenal. [Apr 2012, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Spin
    Mar 26, 2012
    90
    This unpredictability -the 25-year-old band's trademark attraction--is what keeps them at the forefront of metal's vanguard, and what makes Koloss, for all its "normalcy" (joke quotes intended), the first real contender for the genre's album of the year.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Mar 27, 2012
    83
    The good news is, it's another predictably fantastic Meshuggah album. The bad news is, it's another predictably fantastic Meshuggah album.
  4. Sputnikmusic
    Mar 26, 2012
    80
    By making precise tweaks and adjustments to their sound by approaching Koloss with a new attitude, all the while holding fast to their core strengths, Meshuggah have given us the first truly engaging metal album of 2012.
  5. AllMusic
    Mar 29, 2012
    80
    Meshuggah have easily proven to listeners time and time again that they know their way around their instruments better than most, so even though Koloss isn't the band's most daring or experimental work to date, it's definitely worth any metal fan's time.
  6. Exclaim
    Mar 27, 2012
    80
    Although their sound has been copied Ad infinitum, with Koloss, Meshuggah prove that they still do it best.
  7. Alternative Press
    Mar 26, 2012
    60
    The trouble is, not much sets this new album apart from their career benchmarks, like 2002's Nothing or 1998's Chaosphere.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Dybfest
    Mar 27, 2012
    10
    After the first listen I was not able to wrap my head around Koloss. It is so massive and organic, yet thoroughly precise through all it'sAfter the first listen I was not able to wrap my head around Koloss. It is so massive and organic, yet thoroughly precise through all it's convulsions and dark twists. It took a few listens before the songs grew on me. I hoped for a "Nothing pt. 2" album, and I must say, my expectations were by far exceeded. They have revisited some of their previous moods, such as having intros and outros, but still managing to keep things fresh and intense.Some of the songs becomes quite monotonous at times. But that still fits the big picture, the overall feeling of this album. As an ever growing, ever changing entity, Meshuggah yet again shows us that no bands out there can ever match their colossal, ogranic groove. It is fantastic to hear that great music still can be made with well positioned mics, hard work and pure talent. 10 out of 10.… Expand
  2. ThePotnoodleBoy
    Jun 21, 2014
    9
    Meshuggah were my first true extreme metal experience and i will hold them until my day of death. Koloss to me was a mind melting albumMeshuggah were my first true extreme metal experience and i will hold them until my day of death. Koloss to me was a mind melting album combining brutal djent riffs, blast beats and growls from Hell. However, after the 4th track, the album sounds quite repetitive and monotonous, unlike ObZen. Despite this, it is a cracking album with a rating of 9.… Expand
  4. beezball
    Mar 27, 2012
    9
    My first few listens didn't make how I felt about it clear. It was not an instant hit with me. But, I am glad to say that after multiple timesMy first few listens didn't make how I felt about it clear. It was not an instant hit with me. But, I am glad to say that after multiple times through the album it's really starting to grow on me. Some tracks are a bit monotonous, including the introductory track (which is a shame). But most of the tracks are top notch. There is a lot more variation in style this time around, including intro's to a lot of songs, which is unusual for Meshuggah, but I dig it. I give it a solid 9 out of ten.… Expand
  5. oDjento
    Jan 4, 2015
    6
    This album has some great tracks on it like Deimurge, break those bones and do not look down, and the songs are very diverse from one another.This album has some great tracks on it like Deimurge, break those bones and do not look down, and the songs are very diverse from one another. However some tracks just aren't that great like swarm and I am Kolossos (apart from the second half of it is pretty cool). The last song is alright for what it does but feels pretty plain either way for even a quite ambient song. Vocals are good and some very nice runs on guitar, along with typically great polygrythmic drumming. A good album but i think it lacks the power that obZen had.… Expand

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