While the production might be a bit thin, the shining achievement is the major leap forward in their unique compositional style (odd groupings inside common time). This is definitely bar setting material in the world of rhythmic concepts and drumming.
Meshuggah have said that this album was a rush-job, and after hearing it one can easily say it sounds like men under pressure. But then, metal is all about stress. Like the subsequent 'Nothing' album, I didn't like this one much when it came out. But unlike Nothing, Chaosphere has grown on me. Even compared to other Meshuggah music, this has a VERY mechanical feel to it--the measured slap of the snare-drum sounds like conveyor belts in a factory--and all of the songs follow the same basic structure. This may annoy you--if you are a human. If you are a cyborg who owns a killer-robot factory, this will be playing in your brain-implanted headphones when your legions enslave the human race.
My least favorite of all their releases. I think it has something to do with the thin production. Anyway, still better than most metal bands on their best day.
