Meshuggah man’s solo album to get vinyl release

Special Defects, the project led by Meshuggah guitarist Fredrik Thordendal, are to have their debut album Sol Niger Within reissued on vinyl.

It was originally issued in 1997 but Husaria Records are now working on a re-release with Thordendal’s full cooperation.

Label founder Tom Smaga has been working on the album and plans to “provide the most memorable listening experience possible using today’s technology.”

Thordendal composed, arranged, and produced the album. He also recorded all guitars and vocals, played keyboards and most of the basslines. He was joined in the studio by Mats Oberg, Kantor Magnus Larsson, Marcus Persson, Jennie Thordendal, and Meshuggah drummer Thomas Haake.

No release date has been set, but Smaga says: “Fredrik and I are still plotting out final details, but I’m guessing we’ll do our best to generate at least a couple of surprises. We might also throw a little something extra in for people who pre-order early.”

Further details will be released in due course.

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.