Berlin-based Italian industrial electronic / experimental club musician Shapednoise has released a thumping new album titled Absurb Matter. Despite him producing and releasing music for quite a while now, this is my first introduction to the talented artist, drawn by the various collaborations throughout this project. It’s quite a memorable and punchy body of work, with abrasive synths and percussion that hits hard throughout its 28-minute runtime.

“Intro” featuring sound designer Dean Hurley kicks the album off with a moody, quiet yet unsettling composition, with screeches that flow effortlessly into “Family” featuring Armand Hammer. As a massive billy woods and ELUCID fan, I was very curious to know how this collaboration would sound, and as expected, it’s exceptional. The beat is harsh and heavy, with wails that feel desperate, as woods raps effortlessly throughout. Would have liked to see more of an ELUCID contribution, as his vocals are merged and suffocated by the abrasive instrumental. “Know Yourself” with Brodinski and Zelooperz is another incredible track, with a meandering, disorienting beat, perfect for Zelooperz’s usually animated and idiosyncratic delivery. “Swash” has these noisy breaks, awashed with disorienting synths and sound effects, while the beat on “Savage Mindedness” is infectious and groovy, with more disorienting sound effects that capture the intensity of his sound so effortlessly. “Weighty!” similarly has these fast-paced beats and drums influenced by drill music, complemented by metallic synths and an intense industrial sound that makes this such a disorienting yet captivating listen. “Poetry” with Moor Mother is intense, with an animalistic techno beat that is just incredible throughout. The same goes for “Metal” another intense and fast-paced industrial techno-sounding track. The beat on “Twisted Skills” is heavy as well, with colourful synths being met with a pulsating beat and harsh instrumentation all around that just hits so hard, before the eerie ambience of the “Outro” track.

Shapednoise has created an arresting and heavy new album with Absurd Matter. With industrial, techno and hip-hop influences sprinkled throughout this pulsating and memorable body of work, Shapednoise has really set the intensity on this one to the absolute max, with tracks that are loud, abrasive, manic and utterly memorable. An eclectic and incredibly produced album.