Tomas Haake

[meshuggah1324]

Drummer for Swedish insane metal band Meshuggah. He's got independence that would scare most other drummers, and the crazy chops to go with it. Yeah, I know he didn't record the drums for Catch 33 but so what? It's one CD. Their next CD will be different and I'm sure he'll record the drums himself. It was to save time. He has nothing to prove anymore and obviously doesn't have a big ego like most drummers do.

http://drummerworld.com/drummers/Tomas_Haake.html

www.meshuggah.net

[Tyrnox]

Either way he's most likely going to have to learn the songs to play them live. I am pretty sure the real reason he didn't record the drums on Catch 33 was because of the Nuclear Blast contract. They have a certain number of cd's to be released in a certain amount of time, during the contract. From what I heard Tomas didn't have time to get them all down and they had to use a drum machine to get it done in time.

At least, that's what I heard and i'm pretty sure it's true. Correct me if i'm wrong...

[meshuggah1324]

You're 100% correct.

[Doom]

The band said they wont be playing catch 33 live. So learning it wont be a problem although I dont doubt he could do so. I admire his guts to program the drums. Some purists probably jibe him for that.

[krazykenny5150]

hes a great drummer, erally different, the patterns he plays, they are crazy, you have to give him credit just for the jacked up times he plays.

[meshuggah1324]

http://www.nuclearblast.de/usa/catch33/

:-)

[meshuggah1324]

Also thought I'd post this. It's from the Mike Portnoy forum. Some dude made a Meshuggah tribute song. He used the DFH and recorded guitar and bass himself. I like...!

http://members.home.nl/r.basic/html/Ismar%20-%20Paralize.mp3

Also some Haake doing sound check:

http://genjac.free.fr/shuggah_paris/videos/SoundCheck_Tomas.avi

[Jonas Bridgous]

Tomas haake is a genious in his own right. It's really an achievment to be able to
manipulate rhythms and mix and match time signatures like he does. 95% of his chops
baffle my mind.

[Freddie Freeloader]

i only recently got into meshuggah, and i have to say they're one of the only metal bands i have really enjoyed listening to. they're just a killer band, and thomas haake is brilliant.

[Elemental Nausea]

meshuggah is unbelieveble; a completely overpowered metal band

[meshuggah1324]

No one sounds like Meshuggah. They're above all other metal bands if you ask me.

[meshuggah1324]

http://img304.imageshack.us/my.php?image=haakeandmike1pm.png

[darkcherryfade]

Ah, good ol' Meshuggah. They've made the same 3 songs 700 times. Chaosphere and Destroy, Erase, Improve were good albums, but I can't stand anything else. Haake's quite a good drummer though, but flavorless.

[meshuggah1324]

Meshuggah isn't full of flavor, but they do have groove. Nothing is full of groove. Haake can do more but it wouldn't fit the music.

[darkcherryfade]

True, I couldn't imagine funky ghost notes on the snare sounding good on Concatenation.

[Anchein Vouivra]

The Ep "I" is my all time favourite song/album from Meshuggah that I have heard til now. I tought I was getting epileptic, gosh !!!!! that's so violently good. Haake sounds like a machine but you can't find a better way to fit in meshuggah's music. The lyrics are also very well done.
Seeing him live just shouts your mouth, it's bestial, you can't move it's just so powerful so properly disordered.

[drumby]

theyve gone to far with the mathematical metal stuff on catch 33. if the next album is like that im preety sure they might lose a couple of fans. destroy, erase improve was a great album, bring back the good old sound and stop trying so much to make rediculous beats, which are good in small amounts, not an entire album. They cant even play this album live because it would make the crowd bored.

[darkcherryfade]

Like I said, they've made the same 3 songs 700 times. I think the best thing they could do to honor the Meshuggah name is break up, leave the legacy where it is, since it's already survived 2 bad albums.

[meshuggah1324]

"Nothing" was a great album. "I" wasn't bad. I like Catch 33. Can't honestly say it's my favorite Meshuggah CD, but the guitar playing is amazing. I would bet you my bottom dollar that their next CD will be more like DEI and Chaosphere.

[Opus]

Hello!

I`m not so shure that he used the DFH because he didnt have time to lay the drums down. Meshuggah have used the DFH on other tracks before, and since his name is equal with the program, what could`nt be better for own marketing =) ??? Any thoughts about that?

By the way, Meshuggah is such a great band.... I saw them live in Sweden a couple a months ago.......amazing. Blew me away!!!! I`ve never heard a group of persons sound so much like a bunch of machines before.....AND STILL DOING IT BEYOND GOOD!!

Off with my hat to thoose guys!

[finnhiggins]

The band said they wont be playing catch 33 live. So learning it wont be a problem although I dont doubt he could do so. I admire his guts to program the drums. Some purists probably jibe him for that.

From memory I believe a lot of the drum programming for Meshuggah is done by Fredrik Thordendal. I'm not even 100% as to how much of it Haake did for Catch 33. Thordendal is a mean programmer, go check out some of the sample tracks he did for the DfHS website over at Toontrack. You can tell it's not real soloed, but I sincerely doubt even most drummers would be able to pick the difference in a good mix. From an old MD interview I believe Thordendal writes most of the drum parts using samples, then hands them over to Haake who learns them and works in fills and ghosting as he sees fit. The latest album seems to have skipped this step and just used the original programmed parts, albeit with some nice post-processing on the production.

When it comes to Haake himself, he's a monster. I've seen numerous live videos and he's a co-ordination machine. But yes, the band does tend to make the same album 50x. I personally think that each iteration makes some nice improvements, but they're the kind of band that makes one good album over their lifetime, gradually. A "greatest hits" album would be the best Meshuggah album ever.

Anybody who dislikes Nothing can go listen to Closed Eye Visuals from the solo onwards. That kicks the teeth out of most of DEI and Chaosphere, even if the rest of that album wasn't great. Catch 33 is nice background music for driving, haven't tried listening to it any other way yet.

[fourstringdrums]

I found this on Google Video http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4314549488860428176&q=drumming

[MECHT4NK]

nice playing. video quality could be better but it's ok. google video is really cool btw.

[fourstringdrums]

I found this on Google Video http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4314549488860428176&q=drumming


I just found this video on Youtube.com where there it says that this guy is a Thomas Haake "type" of drummer, so now I'm not entirely sure it is him. Maybe someone else can say for sure.

[MECHT4NK]

yeah I wouldn't know for sure either. I already thought he looked different from the pictures I've seen of him.

[meshuggah1324]

That was NOT Tomas Haake. That was a fan. Tomas Haake's page on drummerworld.com has been updated with new pics! And Meshuggah (the band he drums for is going to write and record another CD soon now that their U.S. tour is over).


http://drummerworld.com/drummers/Tomas_Haake.html

www.meshuggah.net

[meshuggah1324]

Here is Tomas Haake doing a quick sound check. He's not even trying that hard at all. Click on this link and "save as" to your computer.


http://genjac.free.fr/shuggah_paris/videos/SoundCheck_Tomas.avi

[Reflux own your mum]

i wish there were some decent videos of haake drumming. also if you just search drumming on google video there is some atrocious crap.

[Catch33]

Hey guuuuys,

A few words in defense of Tomas and Meshuggah.

I personally don't believe they've ever released a record that is anything short of completely inspired. I'm a massive fan, so I know I speak with bias - but every release, whether it be full album, or EP or whatever, is always guarantied to be a monumental piece of work - and something that leaves other heavy music standing.

Whether it be an experimental piece ('I', 'Catch 33', 'True Human Design' EP etc) or one of their full-on, solid as-you-like albums, the pure and unmistakable artistry, integrity, skill and vision of each piece is always completely un-faultable.

This said, I know the band felt 'rushed' with 2002's 'Nothing' as they had to get there ass's on Ozzfest in the US - and in some tracks, you can defiantly hear that the production/finished piece isn't quite up to the usual Meshuggah level - but this is with good reason, they had to get to the States and tour. This is one of those unfortunate things - but it's just the way it goes sometimes. I still have 100% unblemished respect for them, and even with its 'failings', 'Nothing' is still a HUGE album, and something which pisses all over other heavy releases from that year!

The other thing that seems to have come up a few times on this forum is the fact that 'Catch 33' is programmed. But I ask, what on earth is wrong with that?! You're completely missing the innovative leap that 'Catch 33' has made!! could YOU even begin to make something like that?! haha

The 'reason' for the use of programmed drums (as if you should need one) is that the rest of the content of the album (one 47 min piece of music, and not strictly an 'album' either) was changing on a hour-to-hour basis, and it simply wasn't possible to re-take the drum tracks every single time a change was made to any other part of the sound/tracks.

As if the execution and the over-all effect (one of a soulless, unfeeling mechanism) wasn't enough!!

It's not EVEN as if meshuggah (the programming is not just done by Haake) just used a random piece of software to do this, Haake was a part of the development team which created DFH anyway!! (a fine piece of software in my opinion, if a little heavy on your CPU :oP)

The dedication to, over-all knowledge of, and exceptional approach to the instrument as a whole is something which puts Haake WAY out in front as one of todays most innovative and inspiring players.

AND (just a final point :P) someone has previously mentioned 'Haake has nothing to prove anymore - if he wants do use programmed drums in place of a live-take he damn well can' or words to that effect - this is true, but to top it all of - i've SEEN meshuggah play parts/movements from 'Catch 33' LIVE on stage, so regardless of the 'is programming a good thing' debate - they can play it anyway :oP.

nothing to prove.

[meshuggah1324]

Tomas Haake of Meshuggah.

I think he's one of the best, if not the best metal drummer around.

He plays some jaw dropping beats. Check out Meshuggah's "Destroy Erase Improve" CD if you haven't already and you're into heavier some what technical music.

Sure there's more technical metal drummers out there. Sure there's faster metal drummers. But Tomas Haake is the total package and would have most drummers tied in a knot in little time.

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Tomas_Haake.html

[DogBreath]

meshuggah1324, I'm starting to think you really like this drummer.

[hookedup]

I've been a Meshuggahead for so long now I don't even think of Tomas when I try to list my favorite drummers. He finds a class of his own...his name isn't even worth mentioning since all other names after his will be shadowed with doubt.

That was a little too poetic, but anyway, Tomas rules. I know he catches some negative opinions because he's toned down his speed on recent albums. But that's part of the artistic adventure, the ability to change. His groove is stronger than ever, his stead-fast ability to play exactly what's needed for the song is something a lot of metal drummers could pay more attention to. Plus he can STILL pull off his Chaosphere beats for live shows, not to mention songs off of Catch 33. Hearing his live version of Shed is one of my highlights from last year's concerts. The man is incredible.

I can't wait for a new Meshuggah album.

-Cris

[cdawg_2010]

i like the intro to war, which was a rare track. i think hes one of the best metal drummers

[hookedup]

War, on Rare Trax, is actually programmed using samples from his set, using the Drumkit From Hell. But yeah, the drum sound on the track is incredible.

Anyone else use DFH for any programming that I can hear, cause I'd like to hear it's use outside of the Meshuggah realm.

-Cris

[npx]

Catch 33 is an amazing guitar based recording... Haake has said that learning the 13 minute section of it that they now play live was a lot harder on the guitarists than him. I hope the band gets to take their time on the next record and really combine the great elements of what has existed in each of thir albums into a truly cohesive, grooving, sonic apocalypse!

[meshuggah1324]

Meshuggah is in the studio right now. Haake will be recording the drums this time around. I'm excited to see what direction they take.

[Cephalic]

Oh, so Haake didn't record the drums on Catch 33? That's disapointing...
I just ordered that along with Cephalic Carnage's Anomalies. I currently only have Meshuggah's single I and a few other various songs I downloaded, and was hoping to get a nice full CD with Haake. Oh well, from what I've heard he's a great drummer and I especially love his drum set up. I is amazing.

Edit: Oops, sorry for the bump. I was just looking through http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Tomas_Haake.html and found a link to this page. I didn't notice the date of the thread...

[finnhiggins]

If you want a really good Meshuggah record with Haake it's usually best to start with Destroy Erase Improve. Chaosphere was recorded in a hurry and Haake didn't get much of a chance to flesh the parts out with fills and variation. DEI has a lot more of that. Ditto Nothing, although a lot of people don't like that album too much. I don't really know why, personally... it's certainly got some of Thomas's best playing on it, and "Closed Eye Visuals" is one of Meshuggah's best songs ever...

[hookedup]

Ditto Nothing, although a lot of people don't like that album too much. I don't really know why, personally

Cause it was the beginning of their embracing of a "groove" sound instead of their Chaospheresque turmoil. That's the impression I've gotten from 90% of Meshuggah fans I've talked to who don't care for their newer music.

[Cephalic]

Thanks, I'll definately look into Destroy Erase Improve.
Also, maybe someone here can figure this out. I have a Meshuggah song that I downloaded a while ago somewhere, but have no clue what it's called or the album it's from. I really like it though.

It starts of with something sounding like a train moving through a station, and that sort of fades into the song. There's also a "beep beep beep beep" type thing at the begining of the song.
I know that's not a great description, but it's all I can remember right now (the song's not on this computer). I can try and upload a little of it later though, if noone's sure.

[npx]

It starts of with something sounding like a train moving through a station, and that sort of fades into the song. There's also a "beep beep beep beep" type thing at the begining of the song.
I know that's not a great description, but it's all I can remember right now (the song's not on this computer). I can try and upload a little of it later though, if noone's sure.
That sounds like the opening track to Destroy Erase Improve, "Future Breed Machine".

I agree with Finn - check out DEI and Nothing. Both albums have some great grooves in them...

[meshuggah1324]

From what I've read Tomas say in some recent interviews, their next CD will be more "in your face" Meshuggah style with Tomas recording the drum tracks this time. Catch 33 was just an experiment that focused on guitar riffs, so it made sense they way the CD was written to use programed drums. So I guess that means we can look forward to a more of a heavy/harsh/brutal Chaosphere style next time around. But they always evolve, so I'm sure it will sound original. An early 2007 release is what I've heard...

[hookedup]

From what I've read Tomas say in some recent interviews, their next CD will be more "in your face" Meshuggah style with Tomas recording the drum tracks this time. Catch 33 was just an experiment that focused on guitar riffs, so it made sense they way the CD was written to use programed drums. So I guess that means we can look forward to a more of a heavy/harsh/brutal Chaosphere style next time around. But they always evolve, so I'm sure it will sound original. An early 2007 release is what I've heard...

That's amazing news. I can't wait to hear what they'll morph into next.

[Cephalic]

That sounds like the opening track to Destroy Erase Improve, "Future Breed Machine".

Thanks, that's probably it. Future Breed Machine does sound familiar.

Just another question... how do you guys pick out the time signatures in Meshuggah? Like whenever I write out a song, I always start by first going through and putting down what the time signature changes or whatever are. With Meshuggah, I can never pick them out. What are some things I should try and listen for?

[finnhiggins]

Thanks, that's probably it. Future Breed Machine does sound familiar.

Just another question... how do you guys pick out the time signatures in Meshuggah? Like whenever I write out a song, I always start by first going through and putting down what the time signature changes or whatever are. With Meshuggah, I can never pick them out. What are some things I should try and listen for?

Here's a hint: A lot more of it than you would possibly imagine is actually in 4/4.

For an example of some of the tricks they use, search for a thread I started called something like "Nightmare transcription assistance".

[hookedup]

Here's a hint: A lot more of it than you would possibly imagine is actually in 4/4.

That's something I'm CONSTANTLY trying to let people in on. They always say "Oh man that band uses the CRAZIEST time signatures ALL THE TIME DUDE like WHOOOOOA!!!!!" and that's just simply not the case most of the time.

Their greatness lies within their ability to make you THINK it's not a recognizable time signature. I freaking love that band.

[Anchein Vouivra]

That's something I'm CONSTANTLY trying to let people in on. They always say "Oh man that band uses the CRAZIEST time signatures ALL THE TIME DUDE like WHOOOOOA!!!!!" and that's just simply not the case most of the time.

Their greatness lies within their ability to make you THINK it's not a recognizable time signature. I freaking love that band.

I couldn't believe it, but the whole Nothing album is in 4/4, as said Haake in an old interview.

It doesn't seem so much appriciated by fans, but I love the most "I". I was intruced to Meshuggah by this EP and it's one the best metal piece i've heard. Makes me feel i'm breathing frozen air !

[finnhiggins]

It doesn't seem so much appriciated by fans, but I love the most "I". I was intruced to Meshuggah by this EP and it's one the best metal piece i've heard. Makes me feel i'm breathing frozen air !

"I" is great stuff. I really enjoy it too, it's some of the most vital recent Meshuggah stuff. It sort of reminds me of a cross between some of the stuff on Fredrik's solo album and Chaosphere.

I got on board with Chaosphere after reading an interview with Haake in Modern Drummer. I don't really think that Meshuggah have yet managed to make the album they have the potential to realise, but I'm hoping they do it one day. Every single one of their albums since DEI has had at least flashes of utter genius.

[Neurotica]

Haake f*cking rules! He's crazy. Absolutely not standard thinking. Creative mind. Olny he can create that polyrythmic stuff. I just love it. I wish I could play like him. I really love Meshuggah. And Tomas is the first drummer for me. He and Chris Adler. Those are two ppl I'd give really much for them to teach me.

[Neurotica]

His kit... *bows down*
http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/935/tomashaake16ke.jpg

[Elastic]

Hell...and that's his "old" kit! His new kit is Godly. Haake owns.

[Neurotica]

Hell...and that's his "old" kit! His new kit is Godly. Haake owns.
*shudders* Do you have a pic of his "new" kit?... Pleeeeaaaasssseeee *wide smile*

[Elastic]

It's an upgraded Sonor kit.

http://www.returntothepit.com/amimetalornot.php?id=16895

[Neurotica]

Yay!.... Thank you =D

[Cephalic]

I recently finished writing out the drum part to a Between The Buried And Me song, so now I'm looking for another challenge...

I think I wanna try writing out a Meshuggah song now. I was thinking about trying Future Breed Machine, but I think I wanna try something a little easier to start. Not necessarily easy on drums, rather easier to follow overall.

Any reccomendations? I'm guessing Nothing would be a good album to start with, since I've been told it's all in 4/4. I only have Catch Thirty Three, I, and parts of Destroy Erase Improve currently.

[finnhiggins]

Any reccomendations? I'm guessing Nothing would be a good album to start with, since I've been told it's all in 4/4. I only have Catch Thirty Three, I, and parts of Destroy Erase Improve currently.

My picks would probably be "Closed Eye Visuals" from Nothing or "Elastic" from Chaosphere if I was going to do one.

[Neurotica]

I agree with finnhiggins. Also you can try "Spasm" ("Nothing") or "Obsidan" ("Nothing").

[Elastic]

I would think Rational Gaze would be one of the easiest Meshuggah songs to write out on drums.

PS - For Meshuggah fans....

A re-mix of Meshuggah's NOTHING cd is going to re-release around August or September of this year. This re-mix sounds a lot better than the original, and bonus live footage from their last tour will be included also!

Fredrik Thordendal was the one to re-mix and re-master it. Should be interesting. And from what I hear, they're done re-mixing Nothing and are gearing up to write their next "new" cd.

*Meshuggah had to rush the mixing and mastering of Nothing because of Ozzfest in 2002, so this gave them the chance to re-mix and re-master the cd and re-release it with bonus live footage before they put out a new cd (which I guess will still be released in 2007). So be on the look out for this in the coming months!

[h3r3tic]

Yeah! Tomas Haake has it al:
-> Independence
-> Creativity
-> Speed
-> Power
-> Grace

I CAN GO FOREVER :p lolololol
But what´s more about Tomas is his ability to create very awsome odd-time signatures

He rulez :)

[liquid tension]

Tomas Haake is one of the best drummers ive yet to hear...and ive heard alot. The one big thing that drew me to him well my drum teacher showed me the band...but ive heard one of his drum solo's and you can hear licks of jazz and latin feel groves in it...so i mean hes not a to hard core metal...but thats the gig hes got and he makes money....so im sure hes happy

[cardan]

Hey guys, how do you pronouce 'Haake', like hock, hack??

[geek_boy_in]

after listening to all the praises in this thread .. i just heard a couple of meshuggah songs ......... umm well .... didn't like it ...... no melody ..... but yes a lot of aggression .. and better than other gutteral bands ....... but the target market of this type of band is post juvenile pre-adult listeners who gets angry at anything and everything in the world ....

but nontheless Tomas Haake samples in DFH site is really very intense ...

[geek_boy_in]

btw guys ... can anyone point me to some recordings of Tomas where he is playing with some other bands/people ????? obviously non-aggressive musical bands .....

[TomasHakkesBrain]

after listening to all the praises in this thread .. i just heard a couple of meshuggah songs ......... umm well .... didn't like it ...... no melody ..... but yes a lot of aggression .. and better than other gutteral bands ....... but the target market of this type of band is post juvenile pre-adult listeners who gets angry at anything and everything in the world ....

but nontheless Tomas Haake samples in DFH site is really very intense ...

think thats a pretty lazy statement you made. maybe listen to destroy erase improve a few times.

[hookedup]

after listening to all the praises in this thread .. i just heard a couple of meshuggah songs ......... umm well .... didn't like it ...... no melody ..... but yes a lot of aggression .. and better than other gutteral bands ....... but the target market of this type of band is post juvenile pre-adult listeners who gets angry at anything and everything in the world ....

but nontheless Tomas Haake samples in DFH site is really very intense ...

If you looked into their lyrical concepts, written for the most part by the drummer which is pretty unique, you'll find that they can, and do, reach a much wider audience outside of angst-ridden teenagers.

In addition, I don't see how your take on their target audience has anything to do with his playing.

[geek_boy_in]

you'll find that they can, and do, reach a much wider audience outside of angst-ridden teenagers.

In addition, I don't see how your take on their target audience has anything to do with his playing.

friend, I was talking about the musical expression that the band has chosen and the lack of melody......

right now before posting this I was listening to Stanton Moore's mambo variations which Bernhard has uploaded ...... and prior to that I was listening to Trilok Gurtu's old albums ........and now Meshuggah's Glints Collide number.......... well .... you hear them and then tell me yourself why Meshuggah sounded so bitter to my ears ....... face the fact: you have to be in a particular frame of mood to enjoy Meshuggah or maybe i should simply shut my musical mind and pay attention only to the technicalities.
This remind me of one memorable scene from the brilliant movie Amadeus (offcourse I know Amadeus is just a fiction with real characters, and also you see it if you have'nt yet). In the context of the movie Salieri himself was a technically brilliant, famous and well trained musician.

(copy pasting)
[Having played two pieces of music to the priest, who doesn't recognize either]
Salieri: Can you remember no melody of mine? I was the most famous composer in Europe. I wrote 40 operas alone.

I never questioned Tomas' abilities per-se thats why asked whether someone can point me towards any other form of musical setting where Tomas has played .. am sure he must be awesome otherwise they would not have sampled his chops in the first place......

from that toontrack site itself I found Morgan Agren to be very versatile .... versatility and "can execute"/independance are different things .... for example .. for the last 4/5 months am practicing salsa, bossa and mambo ... I can execute the exercises as far as the signature goes and am comfortable with most of the applicable tempos but somehow i feel that typical brazilian swing is not coming ...... maybe i need to listen more and play along Bossa records.........so coming to the point .. i can now incorporate some cool samba bass ostinatos and have some clave patterns thrown in my rock 4/4 beat ..but does that mean that am a great fusion drummer who can improvise at will ??

hope you are getting what am trying to say ....

[Glittertind]

http://www.metal-temple.com/interview.asp?id=244 <------ Interview

[Glittertind]

Hey guys, how do you pronouce 'Haake', like hock, hack??


I guess you can:P But the correct is like it spells... in swedish. "Haak-e" *Swedish e and a pronounce;p*

[daddyyabjee]

Hey guys, how do you pronouce 'Haake', like hock, hack??

"Hark".

blasted 20 characters

[hawaiiandisco]

"Hark".

blasted 20 characters
not really. its the a sound of bark and then a short e like in the. hopefully someone understands that.

[Shinx]

after listening to all the praises in this thread .. i just heard a couple of meshuggah songs ......... umm well .... didn't like it ...... no melody ..... but yes a lot of aggression .. and better than other gutteral bands ....... but the target market of this type of band is post juvenile pre-adult listeners who gets angry at anything and everything in the world ....

but nontheless Tomas Haake samples in DFH site is really very intense ...

I understand what you are saying here but from what I've found, Meshuggah has a wide reaching fan base, if you go to their forum their are all kinds of different people. Their lyrical concepts, especially the newer stuff, aren't at all similar to what you described. Again from my experience, their fans enjoy their music because of its technicality and agressiveness, but they also enjoy many other types of music. I don't know many people who listen to this band because they are angry at the world, more because they understand what the band is trying to accomplish and can respect the amazing technicality and structure.

[Neurotica]

I understand what you are saying here but from what I've found, Meshuggah has a wide reaching fan base, if you go to their forum their are all kinds of different people. Their lyrical concepts, especially the newer stuff, aren't at all similar to what you described. Again from my experience, their fans enjoy their music because of its technicality and agressiveness, but they also enjoy many other types of music. I don't know many people who listen to this band because they are angry at the world, more because they understand what the band is trying to accomplish and can respect the amazing technicality and structure.
Now thats just a great post.

[Cephalic]

"Hark".

blasted 20 characters

Really? I always just pronounced it "Hake." Haha.

[altered_beast]

Does anyone have any info on his kit and cymbals? I used the Sabian site for his cymbals but the pic from behind his kit shown earlier in this thread shows a china on the left of the kit not listed on the Sabian site, also I'd like to know sizes and specs of his drums - the Sonor site is rubbish for info like that, when I was looking for info on Danny Carey thankfully I managed to use his website and magazine interviews...

Thanks

Al

EDIT: Forget that about the cymbals I mis-read the info on the Sabian site, but I would still like to know about Tomas' drums (i.e. line [I know they're Sonor...], sizes etc), heads, hardware, sticks, any electronics he might use in conjunction with the kit etc

[meshuggah1324]

Tomas at Drummer Live this past Sunday...

http://www.drummerworld.com/reports/DrummerLivetomashaake.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/reports/DrummerLive2006.html

[cardan]

Wow, nice pics of Haake, his set looks so nice too...

[cardan]

I'm pretty sure his drums are of the Designer series, and I think the finish could be African Bubinga?... heres a link to the Designer finishes... http://www.sonor.com/temp_FE/download/401200213_Designer_Colours_de-engl..pdf ...

[Mr. Cloggy]

Well, I'm Dutch, so I can translate it somewhat. So don't blame me, I'm just the messenger, but:

"Kiss my ass, Tomas Haake can't even play a normal 4/4 beat. Such a damned noob, he should learn to play 4/4."

Right...

[NUTHA JASON]

ok leute leckt mich doch am arsch.thomas haake kann nicht mal einen 4/4 takt halten
so ein verdammter noob, der soll mal 4/4 lernen
thanks cloggy.
vampirenightmchine, thomas reads this thread and your baseless drivel is not appreciated. be nice, use only english and be warned.
don't bash haake

j

[meshuggah1324]

He should learn how to play in 4/4? hahahahaha. Haake rules you.

[altered_beast]

I'm pretty sure his drums are of the Designer series, and I think the finish could be African Bubinga?... heres a link to the Designer finishes... http://www.sonor.com/temp_FE/download/401200213_Designer_Colours_de-engl..pdf ...

Thanks for that. Anyone know anything about what sizes he uses? I know what heads he uses now cos I saw a pic where it showed Evans skins and I checked their website a few days ago, but I forget what skins he used now... I think it was an EMAD and clear G1's and G2's (reso and batter respectively) on toms. I know he uses a Sonor Artist Series Bronze Snare (retail on that is ridiculous!!) and Axis pedals and Pearl Hi Hat stands...

So I guess all I want now is drum sizes...

I want one of those Tama thrones...

[finnhiggins]

The precise spec of Thomas' kit is available on the Toontrack Drumkit From Hell package which includes detailed samples of the kit played by the man himself, including some of his custom-made snare drums.

http://www.toontrack.com/superior.shtml

I'd have to fire up my copy to tell you exactly what's in there though. But if you want to play around with his drum kit then it's probably the best way to go..

[braindead]

yeahh he's amazing man

[TomasHakkesBrain]

thanks cloggy.
vampirenightmchine, thomas reads this thread and your baseless drivel is not appreciated. be nice, use only english and be warned.
don't bash haake

j


Hey Tomas if you read this you rule the metallic earth dude. How about a Cynic cover?

[altered_beast]

The precise spec of Thomas' kit is available on the Toontrack Drumkit From Hell package which includes detailed samples of the kit played by the man himself, including some of his custom-made snare drums.

http://www.toontrack.com/superior.shtml

I'd have to fire up my copy to tell you exactly what's in there though. But if you want to play around with his drum kit then it's probably the best way to go..

top man, cheers for that!!

[cardan]

Here are two video's of Haake at DrummerLive 2006. I found them here http://sabian.com/sabiantalk/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=35&threadid=9963&enterthread=y (Sabian's page for DrummerLive 2006). The first video is 27 seconds long, Haake doing a soundcheck, playing a part from Catch 33 it sounds like, and the second video is 2:25 long, Haake playing what I think is Stengah... cool stuff...

http://198.164.252.203/video/drummerlive06_tomashaake.wmv - Soundcheck
http://198.164.252.203/video/drummerlive06_tomashaake1.wmv - In Performance

[finnhiggins]

Fantastic, thanks Cardan!

[braindead]

wow the clip it's exellent beautiful drum , i like the

"POLYMETRIC ACCOMPANIMENT"

[ccdrummin]

Either way he's most likely going to have to learn the songs to play them live. I am pretty sure the real reason he didn't record the drums on Catch 33 was because of the Nuclear Blast contract. They have a certain number of cd's to be released in a certain amount of time, during the contract. From what I heard Tomas didn't have time to get them all down and they had to use a drum machine to get it done in time.

At least, that's what I heard and i'm pretty sure it's true. Correct me if i'm wrong...

yeah ur right and just in case some one didnt already know tomas used programed drums called the drumkit fom hell for this album

[altered_beast]

yeah ur right and just in case some one didnt already know tomas used programed drums called the drumkit fom hell for this album

I read an interview saying that they play a 13 minute excerpt from Catch 33 live, so he hasn't had to learn the entire record. Since each of the band members is competent at drum programming when they write riffs they write the drums as well. Jens even wrote some of Catch 33. IMO it's a well good album, "Shed" is a great tune.

[meshuggah1324]

Having been a Meshuggah fan since 2000, I can say without a doubt that it's not a matter of if Tomas Haake could have recorded the drums live on Catch 33. He can play all the drums on Catch 33 with no problem. It's just that Catch 33 was more of an expirimental album in the sense that it pretty much just flows for 40 minutes. So it made sense to program the drums so he didn't have to learn all of that. The fact that they don't play but 10 minutes or so from it also plays a factor.

It is the only Meshuggah album that has programed drums and I would guess it's the last. Or at least their next full length album will not have programed drums. It'll be Haake live in the studio again.

[altered_beast]

Having been a Meshuggah fan since 2000, I can say without a doubt that it's not a matter of if Tomas Haake could have recorded the drums live on Catch 33. He can play all the drums on Catch 33 with no problem. It's just that Catch 33 was more of an expirimental album in the sense that it pretty much just flows for 40 minutes. So it made sense to program the drums so he didn't have to learn all of that. The fact that they don't play but 10 minutes or so from it also plays a factor.

It is the only Meshuggah album that has programed drums and I would guess it's the last. Or at least their next full length album will not have programed drums. It'll be Haake live in the studio again.

Agreed. But doesn't "War" from Rare Trax have programmed drums too? Heh..

I assume you're the same mesh1324 from the Meshuggah forums?

[meshuggah1324]

Yes "War" is programed. But that song is simply insane and was made as a joke kinda I think.

[y0avz]

Can someone give me a good example of Tomas Haake's playing abilities?
Because I've never heard enything from this dude...and he seems to be very popular around here.

[altered_beast]

Yes "War" is programed. But that song is simply insane and was made as a joke kinda I think.

It was done for Fredrik's 30th birthday according to the liner notes in Rare Trax but had different drums and vocals - the vocals consisted of mainly insults about Fredrik getting old.

[altered_beast]

Can someone give me a good example of Tomas Haake's playing abilities?
Because I've never heard enything from this dude...and he seems to be very popular around here.

Three tracks you could try:

"Concatenation", "Future Breed Machine" or "Stengah" are three of my personal favourites. If anyone else has any better suggestions fire em in, I'm on a Meshuggah binge right now so it's all amazing!

[meshuggah1324]

Can someone give me a good example of Tomas Haake's playing abilities?
Because I've never heard enything from this dude...and he seems to be very popular around here.

For double bass skills listen to the song New Millenium Cyanide Christ.

For all around skills listen to the song Soul Burn and Future Breed Machine.

[altered_beast]

For double bass skills listen to the song New Millenium Cyanide Christ.

For all around skills listen to the song Soul Burn and Future Breed Machine.

Seconded. I will get around to perfecting New Millennium Cyanide Christ sometime. Until then, I'm still trying to master the "chorus" type bit in Stengah... baffling timing galore!

[cardan]

I'm learning Elastic, it'll be the first Meshuggah song I've learned, and I'm planning to write out the whole song (up to 5:56 at least). I already have the first minute and a few seconds written, and I have a program on my computer called PowerDVD, which you can play video or audio at different speeds, 1/2, 1.5, 2, and 2.5x. So 1/2x is a major help in finding where the bass notes are...

[cardan]

I'm sure some of you know of this, but in case not, a Meshuggah re-release of their 2002 album, "Nothing", will be available on the 31st of October (Tuesday). It's re-mastered, with re-recorded guitar tracks, new art work with a custom slipcase (with a neat little 3-D holographic card), and bonus DVD material including 3 video's of them playing some songs live in 2005 (European tour...), 3 official music video's, and a "Mr. Kidman Delirium Version" of 'Rational Gaze'... I'll definetly be getting it, as I only downloaded the original Nothing...(but I bought all my others)...
Here's the link to the nuclearblastusa.com page... http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/bands/meshuggah/nothing.deluxe.html

and the new cover...
http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/covers/nothing.deluxe.jpg
pretty neat looking...

[altered_beast]

you MUST buy the original Nothing before the re-release is available as it probably won't be available afterwards, hence it being a rarity and also there's talk of them doing all the drums on Drumkit from Hell a la Catch 33 - some of the snare work on the original Nothing is amazing, not to mention the sound. Some of this, if not all, will probably be lost. Nothing is an amazing album anyway. I have pre-ordered my re-release from Amazon... can't wait for the dvd!! Especially since the vids of them playing live are at Download... if only I'd gone last year as well as this!

[altered_beast]

While I remember, I noticed Tomas has a set of roto tom frames on a remote hi hat... I'm intrigued. What song(s) does he use them on and also how do they sound? Do they have heads on? It must sound pretty weird. What sizes are they as well?

Cheers

Al

EDIT: I read somewhere they're called spoxe, as in Remo spoxe hi hats... any further info?! Anyone?

[altered_beast]

If anyone's interested I found this page...

http://www.halfmanhalfmachine.net/THaake_kitconfig.htm

May be of interest to some of you. How the hell do those spoxe hats sound? I honestly can't imagine them sounding like anything...

[altered_beast]

Anyone seen the DVD with the Nothing re-release yet? Amazing!!
Tomas is fantastic...

[cardan]

I have, altered! I got it about a week after it came out... I agree, I think its amazing, I watched each live one 3 times over...I think the "official music video" s are kind of cheesy though, I don't think the band even has much input in the idea's in the video, I think it's just that the nuclear-blast guys make stuff and see if the band thinks its ok...I loved the mr. kidman delirium version of rational gaze, I couldn't stop laughing! and of course the nmcc video is always a classic in my book...

[altered_beast]

i kinda like the music vids. i think the one for shed is a bit dodgy but the rational gaze one is smart and of course nmcc... awesomeness!!

that live version of straws pulled at random has made it one of my fav mesh songs

[meshuggah1324]

Some Meshuggah news on their record label's web site...

http://www.nuclearblast.de/news_indexa.php3?action=all&newsid=2000&show=6&start=6&stop=7&a_page=7

A new Meshuggah CD in spring of next year would be nice!

And HAAKE and LOVGREN are doing some Swedish clinics right now:

Nov. 15 - Örebro B-salen, Folkets hus, Gamla gatan 27
Nov. 16 - Karlskoga Musikhuset Vallmovägen.9
Nov. 22 - Göteborg Sticky Fingers
Nov. 24 - Borlänge
Nov. 25 - Gävle 15.00, Musikhuset/Sjömanskyrkan, St Esplanadgatan 1
Nov. 27 - Falköping Lilla Teatern, Dotorpsgatan 13
Nov. 28 - Motala
Nov. 30 - Stockholm 20.00, Street, Hornstulls Strand 9

[meshuggah1324]

New audio of TOMAS HAAKE from a clinic in Sweden yesterday Wednesday November, 15! Freakin sweet! Check it out! He truly is a master!

http://user.personal.fi/musiikki/torniojaws/meshuclinic/meshuggah-clinic-part1.mp3

http://user.personal.fi/musiikki/torniojaws/meshuclinic/meshuggah-clinic-part2.mp3

Post reviews please! I'd like to hear all of your thoughts!

[voldak]

Tomas Haake has always been one of my favorite drummers. Ever since I heard 'Chaosphere' I've tried to play along with his grooves. I wish he would just do a clinic in Dallas or Oklahoma City that I could try desperately to attend. I would like to hear him talk about how/what he practices to become that independent with his drumming.

[Jookbox]

New audio of TOMAS HAAKE from a clinic in Sweden yesterday Wednesday November, 15! Freakin sweet! Check it out! He truly is a master!

http://user.personal.fi/musiikki/torniojaws/meshuclinic/meshuggah-clinic-part1.mp3

http://user.personal.fi/musiikki/torniojaws/meshuclinic/meshuggah-clinic-part2.mp3

Post reviews please! I'd like to hear all of your thoughts!

downloading now! hopefully its in english :)

[meshuggah1324]

Who ever recorded this told me they didn't record the entire clinic because he didn't have the record button on, and Tomas Haake did talk some to the audience in Swedish.

Hope you enjoyed it!

[cardan]

sounds really awesome to hear haake playing like this! great sound quality i think too...i really like how his drums sound, and those sabians sound good too, especially the ride...love it, thanks a lot to whoever recorded and uploaded these! and i'm waiting for more news on the possible meshuggah album expected for 2007 sometime...cool stuff!

[hookedup]

That's a great drum take, especially given the ever popular "can we hear him do something besides metal?"

[meshuggah1324]

sounds really awesome to hear haake playing like this! great sound quality i think too...i really like how his drums sound, and those sabians sound good too, especially the ride...love it, thanks a lot to whoever recorded and uploaded these! and i'm waiting for more news on the possible meshuggah album expected for 2007 sometime...cool stuff!

Here is news about the next Meshuggah album on their record label's webs site...

http://www.nuclearblast.de/news_indexa.php3?action=all&newsid=2000&show=6&start=6&stop=7&a_page=7

[h3r3tic]

There´s no doubt that he is one of the most creative drummers in the planet. His sense of odd-timing is so huge. And oh YEAH he makes the drums sound awesome

Are you guys sure that there´ll be a new album comming on spring 2007?
I´m not saying that it´s impossible but they just re-recorded nothing (Better than the other nothing ;) )
Aren´t they tiered?
I´de love to have a new album from them soon, all of them are so welcomed in my ears ;)
Tomas Rulez!

[altered_beast]

There´s no doubt that he is one of the most creative drummers in the planet. His sense of odd-timing is so huge. And oh YEAH he makes the drums sound awesome

Are you guys sure that there´ll be a new album comming on spring 2007?
I´m not saying that it´s impossible but they just re-recorded nothing (Better than the other nothing ;) )
Aren´t they tiered?
I´de love to have a new album from them soon, all of them are so welcomed in my ears ;)
Tomas Rulez!

I don't have the link to hand so I will post back later or tomorrow, of an audio interview with Marten Hagstrom of Meshuggah saying that they're hoping to have the new album out late spring. FYI they didn't "re-record" Nothing, they re-recorded the guitars. Well, actually, Fredrik re-recorded the guitars and triggered drum sounds from Drumkit from Hell for the snare, toms and kick. The drums in re-Nothing sound a lot more flat and cold (a la Catch 33, where they sound awesome cos it fits with the music) but because we know what they're capable of from the original Nothing the drums sound arse on re-Nothing. The guitars, however, sound top on re-Nothing, definitely a massive improvement.

Plus they've been in "writing mode" for some time now and I assume it will continue that way right through to their recording. I am anxious for new material. I have heard rumours that they are playing Download in the UK next year. Chris Adler from Lamb of God told me LOG were playing and someone else told me Mastodon and Meshuggah are rumoured too. I will be going for the weekend if that's the case!!

If anyone knows where I can get Psykisk Testbild, Contradictions Collapse on vinyl and the American version of SelfCaged and the promo of Destroy Erase Improve please PM me - these are all I need to finish my collection. I think.

[cardan]

Good clips, I wish we could get an English translation for the first one, "snackar cymbaler", I'd love to hear what he says about those stacks...

[altered_beast]

Mega!! Nice one. Were they done on a mobile phone hence the short length of the clips?

[meshuggah1324]

Mega!! Nice one. Were they done on a mobile phone hence the short length of the clips?

I guess so. I don't really know. I didn't record it. I just found these on youtube.

[Shinx]

This is from a member of the Meshuggah forum


Here's the translated stuff. Kinda rough.. but you get the idea.

Haake: /.../ It's big cymbals...
Dude: You have removed the splash cymbals.
Haake: Yeah, I did dork around with those for a while. I mean... Seriously!
(laughter)
Haake: So I remember that for a while I had it all packed up here. It was nothing but splashes on a long row. Four of 'em hanging like this. Some kind of sandwich design. I don't feel... they don't belong there anymore. I'm not interested in those sounds anymore. Plus, it's hard to get any balance. When you have these large crashes it's hard to get any balance soundwise. It's not really what I'm looking for anymore. I thought it was cool. So now I have some splashes that lie... they're lying safe where they are. They don't have to be afraid of being used anytime soon... I don't think. And the reason why I use so large cymbals is because I kinda like dark long sounds. *pchhh* So it sustains for a while.
Ehm... the only reason for me having such an awfully small thing as an 18" or 19" is because you have to have atleast some cymbal that you can grab/stop. Otherwise I would rather just have 23" all the way. But if you're trying to grab a 22" it just *piiiiiing* ... it makes that sound and then your arm resonates the rest of the week. That's why I have one of these that you can (shows) silence pretty fast. But it's not just because of the sound... it's also so they won't wobble as much. Earlier I had small crash cymbals. Then I would sometimes be forced to "hunt after" the crash. I don't want to thighten them so they sit too tight, but I like them to hang freely like that. But then it can be... they wobble so much... so it's not hanging where it should when you want to hit it. It's much more comfortable with big crashes... they are not super wobbly like that. It's easier to mic those since they're less wobbly. In a studio it easily happens that you have a cymbal that fly around exceptionally much.. and these do that sometimes also. So sometimes it happens that you hear a cymbal go *wischwhshh* ... it sounds like that in the mics. That's not so funny. It depends on how you put up the mics in the studio also. bla bla More questions?

[cardan]

Thanks a lot shinx, I learned a few things...big thanks!

[cardan]

I downloaded the free version of Finale Notepad 2007 last night, and I was bored today so I put in the drum part of 'Autonomy Lost' from DRUM! magazine's transcription of it... here's the page they have with the one's they did for their Tomas Haake section from last year sometime, http://www.drummagazine.com/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1383&mode=thread&order=1&thold=-1 ... so I'll attach the .zip file here, it includes the .mus and .bak files... I might do some of the other one's later also, maybe 'Ritual', I bet 'War' would be pretty fun to do too, I'll post them asap once/if I do them...the part is in 5/4, but you can't phrase it like that with the program, so it's written as 4/4, and I put the riding crash notes as the bell on the ride...alright, enjoy!

[cardan]

ok, well I'm still pretty bored, so here's 'War'...at the tempo that DRUM! magazine say's it's at, a little over 200 bpm, the drum's were not played by Haake, they were programmed for the Rare Trax album. it sounds really funny to me when its at that tempo, I have to dull it down to about 140 until I can even comprehend most of it...I have some school homework to do now, but I might do 'Ritual' later today, let me know what you guys think of these or if you see any errors...

[Shinx]

Thanks a lot shinx, I learned a few things...big thanks!
Sure man, just trying to show people the greatness of Tomas

You might want to check out the forum, if you haven't already - http://www.tandjent.com/meshforum/

[cardan]

I did 'Ritual', so here's the .zip file...I don't have None, so I don't know what tempo the song is, but samples off amazon.com and mp3.com helped...hope you like it, tell me what you think!

[altered_beast]

Anyone know anything about the spoxe hi hats Haake has been using on his recent clinic etc? Has he ever used them in a Mesh song? Which one? I can't think how they would sound but I'm pretty intrigued, it's not the sort of thing you see very often.

[meshuggah1324]

Here's a recent interview with Tomas Haake about their upcoming album.

Taken from the Feb. '07 issue of Revolver Magazine "In The Studio" section, page 28

From what I gather from this short descriptive interview, it might just be the heaviest most chaotic Meshuggah album yet. I'm really looking forward to this now...

________________________________________________


Their 2005 album, the 47-minute one-song opus Catch Thirtythree, featured programed beats and repetitive rhythms, but Swedish metal mathematicians MESHUGGAH are bringing neither back for the as-yet-untitled follow-up. Instead, they're returning to the pummeling double bass drums and angular riffage that defined their early material to sculpt what they say will be their most savage, eclectic offering yet. "We've got some fast, intense songs and hectic, heavy stuff that draws from all the things we've done in the past," says drummer TOMAS HAAKE. "It's so great to actually be playing drums again."

The band members started writing this past August and currently have three tracks completed without vocals and parts in place for 10 more tunes. The goal is to finish by March, in time for a May release. To some extent, the tone of the music was motivated by the four months Meshuggah spent last year rerecording guitars for the Halloween rerelease of their 2002 album, Nothing. "It was great to revisit that super-heavy stuff," Haake says. "While we were doing it, we found new ways of playing guitar that give the music a really scary tone. That's going to make this record sound more brutal."

[Mr. DrummerMan]

i got to se him play and to meet him at Drummerlive event in uk and he was amazing

[Skameron831]

Tomas Haake is such a machine. The dude is nuts and blows me away on almost all of his songs. Not to change the subject but if your into the polyrythmic drumming scene and what not, try checking out Textures, their drummer Stef Broks is like a jazz version of Tomas Haake. And another dude you should listen to is Misha Mansoor, i posted something on him earlier but no one really seems to be intrested. Check out this page, listen to atleast like 10 songs, they're all short clips but freaking awesome. He uses drum programming for some of his songs, but he can also play the songs on a real set so, thats pretty sweet.

http://www.soundclick.com/pro/view/03/default.cfm?BandID=147108

[WebsterA]

Someone posted some Catch33 footage with excellent audio.
Haake nails it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMmsVxn8d4k

[Shinx]

Tomas Haake is such a machine. The dude is nuts and blows me away on almost all of his songs. Not to change the subject but if your into the polyrythmic drumming scene and what not, try checking out Textures, their drummer Stef Broks is like a jazz version of Tomas Haake. And another dude you should listen to is Misha Mansoor, i posted something on him earlier but no one really seems to be intrested. Check out this page, listen to atleast like 10 songs, they're all short clips but freaking awesome. He uses drum programming for some of his songs, but he can also play the songs on a real set so, thats pretty sweet.

http://www.soundclick.com/pro/view/03/default.cfm?BandID=147108Bulb(Misha) is the man! Amazing guitar player and a great drummer as well. I enjoy Textures a bit as well but not as much as I enjoy Meshuggah

[meshuggah1324]

Check out the Tomas Haake video footage from Drummer Live 2006.

http://vicfirth.com/features/drummerlive06.html

You'll need Quick Time to view it and choose HQ for high quality. 3 Videos to choose from, just scroll down a little bit.

Also Tomas Haake signature series sticks are going to be released soon!

[Busac]

Hey everyone, i'm new here so go easy on me.


Anyone else use DFH for any programming that I can hear, cause I'd like to hear it's use outside of the Meshuggah realm.


we actually used DFH to record our tracks since we still cant record live drums, i know my nickname will show up as a guitarist on our page but i'm actually learning drums now. I know this person asked for anyone who uses DFH a very long time ago but wat the hell... check out : www.myspace.com/smoulderinginforgotten

btw, the music is black metal so expect lots of screaming n stuff like that.


And someone else mentioned something about the DFH sample on "http://www.toontrack.com/dfh_superior.asp" , the sample called Sonor Of Metal is actually an extract from a song called Vanished (track 5 of Destroy Erase Improve)... the other one is pretty clear: The Superior Licking What You've Bled... check out chaosphere track 5

[HHxplorer]

Some Meshuggah news on their record label's web site...

http://www.nuclearblast.de/news_indexa.php3?action=all&newsid=2000&show=6&start=6&stop=7&a_page=7

A new Meshuggah CD in spring of next year would be nice!

And HAAKE and LOVGREN are doing some Swedish clinics right now:

Nov. 15 - Örebro B-salen, Folkets hus, Gamla gatan 27
Nov. 16 - Karlskoga Musikhuset Vallmovägen.9
Nov. 22 - Göteborg Sticky Fingers
Nov. 24 - Borlänge
Nov. 25 - Gävle 15.00, Musikhuset/Sjömanskyrkan, St Esplanadgatan 1
Nov. 27 - Falköping Lilla Teatern, Dotorpsgatan 13
Nov. 28 - Motala
Nov. 30 - Stockholm 20.00, Street, Hornstulls Strand 9
The clinic in Örebro was grrrrrreat!
I have a thread w/ pics in the General Section.
Very nice guy!

[PDPDrummer]

Well I'm finally gonna get in on this. Tomas Haake is a genius. This band is absolutely brilliant. They are brutal, technical, and manage to groove through it all. I saw somebody mention how quite abit of their stuff is in 4/4, and yes this seems to be the case (but while some is in 4/4, there is still alot that isn't). But the things they do over 4 beats... its amazing. It seems to me that there is some use of various permutations throughout, taking rhythmic figures over the bar-line and toying with your mind as you listen in a stupor.

This band never ceases to amaze me. I've only really messed with learning a few songs by Meshuggah, however, such as Stengah, Closed Eye Visuals, and Shed (after learning Dance of Eternity by Dream Theater, some of Meshuggah's stuff doesn't seem too bad but there are some songs that I still won't even venture into =P)

[meshuggah1324]

Tomas Haake makes listening to drums exciting. His rhythmic sense is second to none. Power, groove, independence...

[meshuggah1324]

New video clips from the Bass N' Drum Festival 2006.

Scroll down just a bit once you click on the link. Tomas has 3 video clips and he's second below Zoro. Haake also has his own signature stick now.

http://www.vicfirth.com/features/bass-n-drum06.html

&

http://www.vicfirth.com/features/bass-n-drums06/02.jpg

http://www.vicfirth.com/features/bass-n-drums06/09.jpg

[cardan]

New video clips from the Bass N' Drum Festival 2006.

Scroll down just a bit once you click on the link. Tomas has 3 video clips and he's second below Zoro. Haake also has his own signature stick now.

http://www.vicfirth.com/features/bass-n-drum06.html



Those video's are really great, Tomas' playing is so fluid and and precise... I was really suprised his second cymbal stand w/ stacker didn't fall off the podium in the 3rd video... anyways, I would upload these to youtube like I did with the 3 video's of him and Dick playing at DrummerLive, but part 2 and 3 are too big, and window's movie maker (it's the only program I have) doesn't support .mov because it's apple...

here are the direct link's to the video's, great watch, very suspenseful when you can see his headphones slipping off!

http://www.vicfirth.com/features/bass-n-drums06/haake_stockholm_1HQ.mov
http://www.vicfirth.com/features/bass-n-drums06/haake_stockholm_2HQ.mov
http://www.vicfirth.com/features/bass-n-drums06/haake_stockholm_3HQ.mov

[Afrolicious]

Wow, isn't that second video Stengah (http://www.lastfm.de/music/Meshuggah/_/Stengah)?

[Bernhard]

Vic Firth doesn't love to see their Videos on You Tube....

oh oh oh.....

I see very BIG TROUBLE coming up very very soon...

Bernhard

[charlesurich]

War, on Rare Trax, is actually programmed using samples from his set, using the Drumkit From Hell. But yeah, the drum sound on the track is incredible.

Anyone else use DFH for any programming that I can hear, cause I'd like to hear it's use outside of the Meshuggah realm.

-Cris


Hey, I use DFH for all my computer related solo stuff. I'm still learning how to get good sound and everything from it, but I get better with it every time I make a new song. So people check out my songs at www.myspace.com/charlesurich (http://www.myspace.com/charlesurich) and tell me what you think. Any constructive criticism or DFH tips would be greatly apprectiated.

BTW, They don't call it the Drumkit from Hell for nothing. I freakin eats my computer! I can't even listen to what I work on unless I export it as an Mp3!

Charles

[meshuggah1324]

Here are some updates on Meshuggah's new album which is due out this fall (September perhaps) and other random but confirmed Meshuggah info. Haake is back on drums...

Source: http://www.meshuggah.net/news/

"Yup, it’s us again already!! (Oh, that soon!? -you think) We know you guys think we update this site way too often and that our continous “super-flux” of information is a bit too much for all y’all to handle!!

Well, here’s yet another little tidbit for your over-full mouths and minds to nibble on:

As you’ve already read and/or heard from other places than the source from where, in a perfect world, you should have heard it (i.e this site) that we’re writing for coming album and we’re just about to start recording!

This album will rock your flee-ridden socks off! (that is - if you let it) We’re aiming at a fall release, hopefully september!

Doing some Euro/Scandinavian festivals this summer, starting late june through august, so check the tour schedule over the next few weeks as dates will be posted there!"

*****

"Another little something for you drummers out there!

Vic Firth has released a Tomas Haake signature stick! It should be readily available in stores, at least in the U.S! If it's not available at your local store in Europe yet, it will be within the next few weeks/months!

It’s fairly big stick, but really well balanced! So all you guys who play like 5B/2B or bigger size sticks should check these babies out!!"

*****

Source: Revolver Magazine December 2006 issue -

"Their 2005 album, the 47-minute one-song opus "Catch Thirtythree", featured programed beats and repetitive rhythms, but Swedish metal mathematicians MESHUGGAH are bringing neither back for the as-yet-untitled follow-up, reports Revolver magazine (web site). Instead, they're returning to the pummeling double bass drums and angular riffage that defined their early material to sculpt what they say will be their most savage, eclectic offering yet. "We've got some fast, intense songs and hectic, heavy stuff that draws from all the things we've done in the past," says drummer Tomas Haake. "It's so great to actually be playing drums again."

[meshuggah1324]

Does anyone have the latest issue of DRUMMER Magazine (UK based)? It's got an interview with Tomas Haake.

[meshuggah1324]

I think Tomas is done or close to being done recording the the drum tracks for Meshuggah's new album which is due out later this fall.

They're playing a few European festivals this summer:

Kauhajoki, Finland Jun 22, Nummirock
Borlänge, Sweden Jun 29, Peace & Love
Gothenburg, Sweden Jun 30, Metaltown
Kristiansand, Norway Jul 02, Quart Festival
Bergum, Holland Jul 07, Waldrock
Salzhaus, Switzerland Jul 08, Winthertur
Novi Sad, Serbia Jul 12, Exit Festival
Venice, Italy Jul 14, Frozen Rock Open Air

[m1ck]

I've seen this guy's name pop up a lot since I've been surfing drum forums. I checked out their website and listened to the MP3 segments, and I like the sound.

You Meshuggah fans: which do you consider their best album, if I were going to buy one? (To start with.)

[m1ck]

He does play some insane stuff... Like an orchestra of artillery and machine guns, in places...

[Gilded]

New video clips from the Bass N' Drum Festival 2006.

Scroll down just a bit once you click on the link. Tomas has 3 video clips and he's second below Zoro. Haake also has his own signature stick now.

http://www.vicfirth.com/features/bass-n-drum06.html

&

http://www.vicfirth.com/features/bass-n-drums06/02.jpg

http://www.vicfirth.com/features/bass-n-drums06/09.jpg

That third link is very eeire, I don't like it.
But I like the Sonor in 2nd link

[polyrhythmic1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BatXT196-Qw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60FlmOw0qtQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCe_qJsw1L0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW9NKRZrWwo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcHm7_96qWw

[Vril drumms]

I respect Tomas Haake and the guys of Meshuggah to the highest extent. I think that they don't just create music, but an experience, a world all their own. Their vocalist Jens described it as writing colors, not music. And I completely agree, especially the way Tomas plays. Everything from his incredible endurance on double bass to his complete knowledge of every note that the band plays, expecting each off-time rhythm. He's a master of his art.

And if you want to see a damn good groove, look up "Straws Pulled At Random".

[ThisSpitefulSnake]

Tomas Haake is insane. He has influenced me so much. I love the band too though, the 7 and 8 strings sound awesome. It's starting to influence me to learn to play guitar. Yeah, Straws Pulled At Random is crazy stuff.

[polyrhythmic1]

New Tomas Haake drum cam footage:

Bleed - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap7Z5S6yTZM

Pravus - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsRvYFr9tYw

[Jim Penebaker]

Favorite Meshuggah tunes:

Future Breed Machine
New Millenium Cyanide...
Neurotica
Bleed
Electric Red

These guys never cease to amaze.

[ThisSpitefulSnake]

Favorite Meshuggah tunes:

ALL!

[Jim Penebaker]

You got a point, Snake.

[Neurotica]

Favorite Meshuggah tunes:

Future Breed Machine
New Millenium Cyanide...
Neurotica
Bleed
Electric Red
I second ;)

[lewisn27]

Haake f*cking rules! He's crazy. Absolutely not standard thinking. Creative mind. Olny he can create that polyrythmic stuff. I just love it. I wish I could play like him. I really love Meshuggah. And Tomas is the first drummer for me. He and Chris Adler. Those are two ppl I'd give really much for them to teach me.

tomas is not the only person who can create the ployrythmic stuff, who ever writes the meshuggah song writes the drum parts, fact.

[Jim Penebaker]

I've read many interviews with a member of Meshuggah and some metal journalist. Often, the journalist is assuming that Meshuggah's songs are in odd time when the fact is that over 95% of what they do is straight 4/4 with odd phrases being played over the bar line.
It's interesting that only select musicians and especially drummers "get" what's going on in their music. Yet they're heavy and industrial enough to have the widespread appeal that they do.
I even saw a transcription of some Meshuggah patterns in either Drum or Modern Drummer magazine and they were in odd time mostly. A definite mistake.

[deadbirdsoup]

Saw Meshuggah live in Glasgow Garage, and they blew me away. Tomas Haakes power behind the kit fits in perfectly with the low tuned crunch of the guitars.

I was just disapointed with the length of the set. They only played for the best of an hour!

[ThisSpitefulSnake]

Saw Meshuggah live in Glasgow Garage, and they blew me away. Tomas Haakes power behind the kit fits in perfectly with the low tuned crunch of the guitars.

I was just disapointed with the length of the set. They only played for the best of an hour!

Yeah, I love them! I really want to see them and meet them. I love the unique sound they have, takes loads of talent too.

[Construct]

I even saw a transcription of some Meshuggah patterns in either Drum or Modern Drummer magazine and they were in odd time mostly. A definite mistake.

Ja. I used to think Combustion was in 6/8 based on guitar tabs, but it's 4/4 through and through.

[Polishdrummer23]

I'm also a huge fan of Meshuggah. Especially ObZen and Nothing. The re-issue of nothing I enjoy a bit more because it sounds more full with the 8 string guitars.

I have admire Tomas for his interdependence as well as his mastery at programming those same beats via computer. And anyone that can pull of the double bass in the track Bleed deserves a purple heart.

[kwolf68]

Tomas is also a student and reveres the players who paved the way for him. Def. a fantastic player.

[darkcherryfade]

lol, haven't been on this forum in years, and this will seem random as hell, but I would like to retract the stupid comments I made years ago when I used to post on this forum, I've grown to appreciate the meshuggah stuff I was criticizing back then. Still gets to be a bit too much of the same thing sometimes, but they do it well and it sounds awesome. Also, any drummer that can survive playing Bleed deserves a ton of credit

[Infernal Valkyrie]

Tomas is a great drummer. I admit I dont listen to meshuggah very often but its great. I was able to meet him and get his autograph while he was in town on tour. Very kind guy and enjoys answering questions.

[dwarrior]

Man I love this guy Haake. For the type of music Meshuggah play he really can pick the flavor. I love the way he uses certain ghost notes in Sublevels. I guess my favourite work is on Spasm (nothing album) and Electric Red (Obzen album)... Though i must admit I cannot listen to their music more than 20 mins... its too unemotional, so i put on my art blakey and frank sinatra cds after that hehehe

[Elenayuan]

Man I love this guy Haake. For the type of music Meshuggah play he really can pick the flavor. I love the way he uses certain ghost notes in Sublevels. I guess my favourite work is on Spasm (nothing album) and Electric Red (Obzen album)... Though i must admit I cannot listen to their music more than 20 mins... its too unemotional, so i put on my art blakey and frank sinatra cds after that hehehe

I listen to 10000 days after. He is not human...

[al_hunter]

anyone know when Haake switched to the Trick Pro 1V pedal? I thought he used Axis? Not sure on his new setup either... what's with the 14 x 14 tom in the position of his smallest rack tom then 12, 15 and 18" toms? Guess he downsized cos of irritatingly long setup times?

[leftyrightplayer]

changed the way I drum, I take a lot onboard from this guy. Hence why I'm a metal drummer with groove. Seriously the best metal drummer at the moment. Godlike

[ccsimms]

Tomas is incredible, he can groove and feel anything. Even if it's in 23/16 against 4/4...

[leftyrightplayer]

Tomas is incredible, he can groove and feel anything. Even if it's in 23/16 against 4/4...

Yeah theres no other drummer out there that could replace him. A big inspiration for me, hence converting me quickly from Tama drums to Sonor. With a little help from Mr Harrison to. Kind of annoying that ive met all the other guys except him.