released: 30th january, 2026

genre: electronic

from: lancashire, uk, based in berlin, germany

label: ad 93

a few thoughts: legendary producer shackleton is back with an intense, tribal album titled euphoria bound. the talented producer has been at the forefront of some of the most innovative and uncompromising electronic releases in recent years, including the 2024 release tumbling psychic joy of now with holy tongue. “elemental dream” kicks the album out with a dub-infused rhythm and an atmospheric synth melody that sets the tone of the album perfectly. the bass-heavy and rumbling “philistine wavelength” is fantastic too, while “contagious illusion” is an incredible moment on the album, with these hypnotic tribal rhythms and key melodies that add a lightness to an otherwise menacing and gruelling sound. the cacophonous energy of “crushing realities”, is at times disorienting, but incredibly dynamic and vibrant, while the dark and eerie atmosphere of “the unbeliever’s pulse” makes for a nocturnal cut. the jittery energy of “when memory ceases” is incredible too, while the utterly hypnotic and tribal “the past awakening” is another fantastic moment. the dense and lively percussion on “the soul of everything” makes it one of my favourites on the album, with an overpowering, immense composition that is just incredible from start to finish. the synths and guitar leads on “the dream in fragments” are colourful and add a lightness to the bass-heavy beat, with chimes and synths adding to the textured composition. “buried and irretrievable” closes the album out with ambient synths and a dark and gloomy energy, making for a reflective and somber listen. euphoria bound is a varied, eclectic and hard-hitting album, with bass-heavy electronic compositions that rumble and shake with every meandering turn, creating an intense and meditative listen from start to finish.

the album: