The technical juggernauts that are Meshuggah have an almost iconic presence to them thanks to their meticulously crafted string of mind-bending releases. With that being the case, expectations are high for anything that the band grace their name with this latest EP, "I", is no exception. At first glance though, an EP is usually viewed as a stop-gap measure, put out in-between releases to keep the hype going. Factor in that this outing is the first release through a new upstart label headed up by J. Mann of Mushroomhead fame, and that it features but a single track that clocks in at 21 minutes, and the word gimmick does spring to mind.

Thankfully that word couldn't be farther from the truth in this instance as Meshuggah deliver a brutally textured display of technically proficient metal that is out for no less than total decimation. Taking a step back into a more temperamental direction, the general mood of the band here seems more in-line with some of their earlier works than the outright down-tuned introversion that comprised their last effort, "Nothing". But that's not to say there aren't elements of such a direction in place as this track runs the gamut of the bands dynamic metal fury, whether it be shredding forth with savage might, or languishing in atmospheric turmoil.

The prospect of listening to a 21 minute track from any group is a daunting one, yet Meshuggah are no ordinary group and in turn "I" comes off sounding almost like multiple tracks in one. The thing that gels it all together though is a resurgence of past grooves and a continual underlying sense of brooding which keeps the listener entertained throughout. Still, some may not find it to be enough bang for their buck or have enough patience to handle such a mammoth undertaking of attention-demanding metallic carnage. But then again, those that fickle don't deserve to listen to a band as talented as Meshuggah anyway.