Reflections on a Legacy: MÅRTEN HAGSTRÖM of MESHUGGAH Discusses Their Journey
Enduring Legacy in Progressive Metal
In a recent interview with Gregg Bendian on The ProgCast, Mårten Hagström, the guitarist of the influential Swedish progressive metal band MESHUGGAH, shared insights into the band’s remarkable journey that has spanned over 35 years. Reflecting on their long-standing career, Mårten expressed gratitude for the band’s continued success while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining their unique sound in an evolving musical landscape.
Reflecting on Their Journey
“We’re getting up in the ages now,” Mårten remarked, contemplating the band’s evolution over the decades. He emphasized the importance of reflection, stating, “It’s been a really rewarding journey. We’re really grateful for the spot that we’ve been able to get to.” Despite their accomplishments, he admitted that it can be challenging to step back and evaluate their growth, as they often still see themselves as the “upstart oddball band” they were in their early days.
Stubbornness and Vision
Mårten attributed their longevity to the band’s steadfast commitment to their vision and craft. “Us being stubborn and keeping true to our vision… is a unique blessing,” he explained. The band has navigated various challenges and changes, yet they have remained a family unit, consistently prioritizing their joint vision. “Having some moderate success has helped us as well,” he added, highlighting their gratitude for their journey.
Hard-Earned Success
When discussing their success, Mårten acknowledged the hard work behind it. “It’s hard to compare yourself to other musicians,” he said. Having grown up together, the members of MESHUGGAH have shared a unique bond that has shaped their musical journey. Mårten reflected on how their early experiences and collaborations have influenced their current path, emphasizing that they have known nothing but MESHUGGAH since childhood.
Creative Process and Current Phase
As Mårten spoke about their creative process, he shared his current state of mind, describing it as an “exhale” phase. After completing the touring cycle for their 2022 album ‘Immutable’, he feels creatively spent but acknowledges that this is a natural part of the artistic journey. “You learn about your own music in many ways with going out and touring with it,” he explained, noting how live performances can reshape a musician’s understanding of their work.
Creative Cycles and Personal Dynamics
Mårten elaborated on the different modes in which musicians operate, such as “intake,” “output,” and “off” modes. He noted that each person’s creative rhythm varies, and some require more downtime to recuperate before diving back into the creative process. “I hope I’m not a lazy person,” he stated, emphasizing his dedication to working hard when writing and composing new material.
Collaborative Efforts and Individual Projects
While Mårten currently focuses on personal projects and downtime, he mentioned that other band members are exploring their creative interests. Fredrik Thordendal is working on his studio projects, while Dick Lövgren has started experimenting with music for fun. Mårten believes that this natural ebb and flow of creativity often leads to new ideas and collaboration.
Recent Releases and Upcoming Projects
This past April, MESHUGGAH unveiled the “Indelible Edition” of ‘Immutable’, offering fans an immersive experience with remastered audio, new artwork, and live tracks. This special edition is available in two formats, showcasing the band’s commitment to quality and artistic expression.
Touring and Future Endeavors
Coinciding with the album reissue, MESHUGGAH embarked on a U.S. and Canada tour, supported by heavyweights CANNIBAL CORPSE and CARCASS. With their previous album, ‘The Violent Sleep Of Reason’, released in 2016, the anticipation for new music continues to build among fans.
Conclusion
Mårten Hagström’s insights reveal not only the dedication and passion behind MESHUGGAH’s music but also the importance of reflection and adaptation in a long-standing career. As they continue to navigate the complexities of their artistry, the band remains a testament to resilience and innovation in the progressive metal genre.
FAQs
How long has MESHUGGAH been active as a band?
MESHUGGAH has been active for over 35 years, establishing themselves as pioneers in the progressive metal genre.
What is the “Indelible Edition” of ‘Immutable’?
The “Indelible Edition” is a special reissue of MESHUGGAH’s 2022 album ‘Immutable’, featuring remastered audio, new artwork, and live tracks.
What are the current projects for MESHUGGAH members?
While Mårten is in a creative downtime, other members like Fredrik Thordendal are working on individual projects, and Dick Lövgren is exploring music for fun.
What is MESHUGGAH’s approach to their creative process?
MESHUGGAH approaches their creative process with a focus on collaboration and reflection, acknowledging the need for downtime and personal exploration before diving into new material.
