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Noisia
Noisia
from Wikipedia

Noisia[2] (/ˈnɔɪziə/) was a Dutch electronic music trio from Groningen. The trio was composed of Nik Roos, Martijn van Sonderen, and Thijs de Vlieger.[6] Their music spanned several genres, including drum and bass, dubstep, breakbeat, and house. They released music on labels such as Skrillex's Owsla, deadmau5's mau5trap, and Jay-Z's Roc Nation. Noisia collaborated with Foreign Beggars on the supergroup project I Am Legion, releasing a self-titled album on 2 September 2013. They also worked under the pseudonym Nightwatch, contributing to projects with artists like Alexis Jordan, Hadouken!, Wiley, and Wretch 32.[4] Their production work on Hadouken!'s album, For the Masses, resulted in a number 19 placement on the UK Albums Chart.[7]

Key Information

Noisia also created music for video games; including the soundtrack for DmC: Devil May Cry, a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Music Kit in 2014, and the original soundtrack for the game, Armajet.[8]

Career

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2003–06: Formation and record deals

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Van Sonderen, with his experience in hip hop production and piano skill, formed Noisia with Roos and de Vlieger. Their song "Tomahawk" (with Mayhem) gained attention from Shadow Law Recordings, leading to their debut release "Silicon" / "Tomahawk" on Paul Reset's Nerve Recordings in August 2003. Between 2005 and 2009, they released tracks like Drifter (incorporating liquid funk) and an EP under the name Hustle Athletics on Love Break Recordings. They later returned to using the name Noisia to maintain consistency and avoid genre pigeonholing.[9]

2007–09: Commercial breakthrough and productions

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In early 2007, Noisia produced Tasha Baxter's album Colour of Me for EMI South Africa. The album, completed over a year, blended pop, reggae, and drum and bass influences. In June 2008, they released FabricLive.40, a mix CD featuring many of their own tracks.[10] They also remixed The Prodigy's "Omen" in 2009. Mid-2009 saw them producing Hadouken!'s second album, For the Masses, released in 2010. The album reached number 19 on the UK Albums Chart.[7]

2010–15: Split the Atom and other ventures

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Noisia's debut studio album, Split the Atom, was released on 5 April 2010, preceded by the singles "Machine Gun" (8 March 2010) and "Split the Atom" (25 July 2010).[11] A special edition, featuring 2012 remixes, was released on mau5trap on 27 February 2012.[12] Later in 2012, they remixed Mark Knight's "Nothing Matters" and The Prodigy's "Smack My Bitch Up" for the re-release of The Fat of the Land.

Noisia also contributed music to short films and video games, including Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition, Wipeout Pulse, Wipeout HD, Wipeout HD Fury, Dance Dance Revolution Universe 2 (with "The Tide"), Gran Turismo PSP (with "Stigma"), DJ Hero (with "Groundhog"), and MotorStorm: Pacific Rift (remixed "Groundhog"). They collaborated with Klaus Badelt on remixes for the MotorStorm: Apocalypse soundtrack. The 16bit remix of "Machine Gun" featured in the Far Cry 3 trailer, and "Could This Be" and "Machine Gun" were used in SSX. They produced over three hours of music for Ninja Theory's DmC: Devil May Cry, resulting in a 36-track soundtrack released through Division on 15 January 2013.[3]

Noisia manages two record labels:[4] Vision Recordings (for drum and bass) and Division Recordings (for other genres like house and grime). Invisible Recordings, launched in March 2010, focused on experimental drum and bass and closed in 2019.[13]

I Am Legion

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I Am Legion was a supergroup formed by Noisia and Foreign Beggars. Their self-titled debut album was released on 2 September 2013, following the singles "Make Those Move" and "Choosing for You".[14][15]

2015–2018: Outer Edges

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Noisia announced their second studio album, Outer Edges, on 10 June 2016, releasing the single "Anomaly". "Collider" followed as a second single with a promotional video on 30 June 2016, alongside the album's track listing and pre-order information. The release date was set for 16 September 2016. The group stated that the album title reflected the individual exploration of each song's "edge".[16]

The album leaked online on 29 July 2016, shortly before the premiere of a new audio-visual show at the Let It Roll festival. Noisia officially released the album digitally on 5 August 2016, with the physical release following in September.[17]

2019–2022: Split and final album Closer

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On 17 September 2019, Noisia announced that they would disband at the end of 2020, citing creative differences. They planned to continue releasing music and touring until the end of the year, with the possibility of future collaborations.[18] Their farewell tour was extended into 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[19] In June 2020, some of their songs became available in the rhythm game osu!.[20]

Following the split announcement, members released music under new aliases and projects, including Thys (de Vlieger),[21] Sleepnet (Roos),[22] Zonderling (van Sonderen and Jaap de Vries, manager of Vision Recordings)[23] and Body Ocean (Roos and Jeremy Glenn of The Upbeats).[24] De Vlieger also confirmed involvement in ILY, a duo with Skrillex. While no official releases emerged, they performed a DJ set at OOST in February 2020.[25]

On 28 April 2022, Noisia announced a final album, Closer, encompassing their various musical styles.[26] They played their final show together on 21 August 2022.[27]

Awards

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Noisia received multiple Drum&BassArena Awards in 2015, including Best Producer, Best Track ("Dead Limit", with The Upbeats), and Best Live Act.[28]

In 2016, they won Best Video ("Mantra"), Best Album (Outer Edges), and Best Producer at the Drum&BassArena Awards.[29]

Discography

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Noisia was a Dutch electronic music trio from Groningen, Netherlands, consisting of producers Nik Roos, Martijn van Sonderen, and Thijs de Vlieger. Formed in 2003, the group specialized in drum and bass, neurofunk, dubstep, and experimental electronic music, earning acclaim for their technically precise productions, heavy basslines, and innovative sound design that influenced the global bass music scene. Over nearly two decades, Noisia released seminal albums including Split the Atom (2010) and Outer Edges (2013) on their own Vision Recordings label, alongside the collaborative project I Am Legion (2014) with British hip-hop group Foreign Beggars. They also founded Division Recordings in 2006 to support emerging neurofunk artists, remixed tracks for major acts like The Prodigy and Pendulum, and contributed sound design to video games such as Devil May Cry. The trio's career was marked by a commitment to pushing technological and creative boundaries from their high-tech studio in , where they developed custom software and hardware for their complex, high-energy tracks. Noisia's live performances evolved from DJ sets to full live band configurations, including collaborations with live instrumentalists, and they hosted influential events like Noisia Invites. Their discography spans hundreds of singles, EPs, and remixes, with consistent releases on labels like and , amassing millions of streams and a dedicated international fanbase. In 2019, Noisia announced their disbandment for the end of 2020 due to creative differences, but the delayed their farewell, leading to a final album, Closer (2022), featuring guests like and , and a series of closing festival shows culminating in their last performance at Lowlands on August 21, 2022. Post-split, the members have pursued solo projects, including Thijs de Vlieger as Thys, Nik Roos as Sleepnet, and Martijn van Sonderen as part of Zonderling and ring noord, while continuing the Noisia legacy through the Resonance remix series, with the eighth installment released in September 2025.

Background

Formation

Noisia was founded in 2003 in , , by producers Nik Roos, Thijs de Vlieger, and Martijn van Sonderen. Roos and de Vlieger first met in 1998 through the local community at their school, where they bonded and began experimenting with music production as a casual to pass the time. Their initial efforts reflected the electronic music trends popular in the at the time. Van Sonderen, who was slightly younger, joined the duo in 2003 after early collaborations proved promising, solidifying the trio's lineup. With van Sonderen's arrival, the group shifted their creative direction toward , a genre they had discovered and grown passionate about through shared interests. This pivot was influenced by the vibrant international drum and bass scene, which the members explored amid the limited local options in . The trio adopted the name Noisia—derived from "VISION" rotated 180 degrees—to represent their unified vision, marking the formal start of their collective journey in electronic music production. In their early days, Noisia experimented with basic production setups, honing their skills in and while building a modest home studio in . Prior to fully uniting under the Noisia banner, the members had dabbled in individual projects and aliases, such as de Vlieger's work as Thys, allowing them to test ideas independently before channeling efforts into group tracks. This foundational period emphasized fun and boundary-pushing creativity over commercial goals, laying the groundwork for their distinctive approach to the .

Members

Thijs de Vlieger (born 1982), performing under the alias Thys, was the primary force behind Noisia's programming and synthesis elements, leveraging his background in modular systems to craft intricate, experimental soundscapes that defined the group's technical precision. His skills in generating randomized patterns and evolving textures through hardware like modules allowed for the dynamic, unpredictable layers that elevated Noisia's tracks beyond conventional structures. De Vlieger's contributions complemented the trio's overall sound by providing a foundation of sonic innovation, balancing the heavier bass elements with atmospheric depth and rhythmic complexity. Post-split, he has pursued solo endeavors as Thys. Nik Roos (born c. 1982) handled much of Noisia's visual and graphic design alongside his production duties, creating live VJ visuals, video content, and artwork that synchronized seamlessly with their performances and releases to enhance the immersive experience. His graphic design expertise, rooted in his arts academy training, brought a visual identity to the group that mirrored their sonic intensity, often incorporating abstract, high-contrast aesthetics to complement the music's aggressive energy. Roos's multifaceted role in production, including sound design and mixing, integrated with his bandmates' strengths to produce polished, visually cohesive outputs. After the group's disbandment, Roos launched the solo project Sleepnet in 2021, and has contributed to game soundtracks including Asphalt 8: Airborne. Post-split, he has continued innovative projects such as Ring Noord (launched 2025). Martijn van Sonderen (born c. ) specialized in bass design and mixing for Noisia, drawing on his hip-hop production background and proficiency to engineer deep, modulated sub-frequencies and balanced mixes that anchored the trio's high-impact tracks. His ability to sculpt aggressive yet controlled basslines, as demonstrated in collaborations like "Reptilians," provided the low-end power that contrasted and supported the group's higher-frequency experiments. Van Sonderen's expertise in hip-hop-influenced rhythms and precise audio rounded out Noisia's sound, ensuring structural cohesion amid their boundary-pushing style. Following the split, he has pursued solo work under aliases including Zonderling, a house and electronic project with Jaap de Vries. The interplay of de Vlieger's synthesis innovation, Roos's visual and production polish, and van Sonderen's bass and mixing prowess created a synergistic dynamic in Noisia, where each member's specialized skills amplified the others to produce renowned for its technical mastery and emotional range.

Musical style

Genres and influences

Noisia's primary genre has been , particularly the subgenre characterized by complex rhythms, dark atmospheres, and futuristic sound design. They pioneered high-energy tracks that blended mechanical precision with deep basslines, establishing a signature style within the underground electronic scene. In addition to , their output incorporated elements of and darkstep, subgenres of emphasizing distorted breaks and intense, ominous tones. The trio expanded into through their Division Recordings imprint, releasing bass-heavy tracks with shuffled rhythms and aggressive drops that pushed the genre's boundaries away from mainstream trends. Their early work also included and under pseudonyms, blending these with elements. In their later years, Noisia forayed into midtempo bass, as heard in remixes like those from the Outer Edges series, which featured halftime grooves and experimental textures at slower tempos around 110-140 BPM. These works often overlapped with influences, evident in tracks drawing from melodic, driving synth lines. Key influences on Noisia's sound stemmed from early acts such as & Optical, Konflict, , Cause 4 Concern, TeeBee, Stakka & Skynet, and Dom & Roland, whose dark, futuristic productions inspired the trio's initial forays into the genre during club experiences in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Broader inspirations included for high-impact live energy and aggression, as well as eclectic artists like , , Tipper, and , which infused their music with , , and breaks elements. Collaborations with Amon Tobin further highlighted shared experimental leanings in . Over time, Noisia evolved from the high-octane of their early releases to more experimental, bass-dominant styles in albums like Outer Edges, prioritizing underground innovation over commercial EDM conventions. This progression reflected a commitment to the darker, more intricate facets of electronic music, influenced by the underground community rather than broader pop trends.

Production techniques

Noisia's production techniques are characterized by a blend of hardware experimentation and sophisticated digital processing, emphasizing intricate to achieve their dense, aggressive sonic palette. Central to their workflow is the use of modular synthesis, particularly by member Thijs de Vlieger, who employs systems for creating unique, monophonic sounds that inspire tracks and contribute to their experimental edge. These modular setups allow for real-time manipulation and jamming sessions, fostering spontaneous creativity in the studio, as de Vlieger has described getting "lost in it for a couple of hours" while exploring patches. Complementing hardware, Noisia integrates custom programming via Max for Live within their DAW environment, enabling bespoke audio manipulations tailored to specific track needs. Their primary digital workspace is Cubase, used across all members for arrangement and mixing, where they prioritize the "mix is the music" philosophy by monitoring and tweaking elements in context from the outset. Post-2010, they increasingly adopted in-the-box workflows, incorporating tools like for complex arrangements and live performance elements, marking a shift from earlier hardware-heavy sessions to more streamlined software integration. Sound design techniques focus on granular processing and time-stretching to generate evolving textures, with Nik Roos utilizing PaulStretch for extreme extensions of samples, creating ethereal or elements that add depth to their compositions. Heavy sub-bass layering is a hallmark, achieved through multiband via plugins like iZotope Trash 2, which adds controlled "dirtiness" to low-end frequencies without overpowering the mix, essential for the intensity of their neurofunk-leaning tracks. They layer sine waves or 808-style subs under kicks and synths, EQing to carve space and applying compression for punch, ensuring the low end drives the track's energy. Noisia has also innovated through collaborations with software developers, notably partnering with Excite Audio to create the VISION 4X plugin in , a custom metering tool that combines spectrum analysis, , metering, and for precise mix referencing. This bespoke development stemmed from over two decades of using visual analyzers to evaluate bass presence and track comparisons in imperfect studio environments, allowing real-time adjustments during production. Emphasis on live manipulation extends to studio practices, where they record unconventional sources—like scraping cardboard—and process them through chains of effects such as FabFilter Saturn and NI for saturated percussion and bass tones.

Career

2003–2006: Early years and record deals

Noisia's early career began in 2003 when the trio from , —Nik Roos, Martijn van Sonderen, and Thijs de Vlieger—released their debut single, "Silicon / Tomahawk," on the UK-based Nerve Recordings label. This track, co-produced with Mayhem on the B-side, marked their entry into the scene after initial interest sparked through online message boards, leading to a deal with Shadow Law Recordings that facilitated the Nerve release. The single's raw energy and innovative caught attention in underground circles, helping to establish their presence beyond local Dutch productions. Building on this momentum, Noisia issued a series of singles and EPs between 2004 and 2005 on various independent labels, including Citrus Recordings ("Masada / Lifeless" in 2004 and "Lockjaw / Absolom" in 2005), Shadow Law Recordings ("Vanishing Point / Echelon" in 2004), and Subtitles ("Hubcap / Backdraft" in 2004). These releases showcased their evolving style, characterized by complex rhythms and heavy basslines, while they navigated the challenges of limited distribution in the vinyl-dominated underground market, often relying on small-press runs and word-of-mouth promotion via DJ sets and forums. In 2005, they achieved a milestone with the "Block Control E.P." on the esteemed label, which included tracks like "Block Control" and "Stigma," further solidifying their reputation among enthusiasts. To gain greater autonomy over their output, Noisia founded Vision Recordings in 2005 as an independent imprint dedicated to , allowing them to retain creative control amid the fragmented distribution landscape of the era. The label's inaugural release, "The Tide / Concussion" in 2005, exemplified their signature production techniques and set the stage for future endeavors. By 2006, they expanded their label partnerships, signing with Virus Recordings for the "End Game / Unveil" single, while Vision issued "Bad Dreams / Omissions," tracks that appeared on key compilations and garnered initial international nods through European DJ support. This period also saw a deliberate shift from their individual solo experiments to a unified group identity, as the trio collaborated more intensively in shared studio sessions to refine a cohesive sound that blended technical precision with aggressive energy, fostering a dedicated underground fanbase.

2007–2009: Commercial breakthrough

In 2007, Noisia marked a significant step in their commercial ascent by producing South African singer Tasha Baxter's debut album Colour of Me for , blending pop, , and elements in a project that showcased their versatile production skills beyond the electronic underground. That same year, they released the collaborative track "Exodus" with Mayhem featuring on their Vision Recordings imprint, a high-energy cut that highlighted their intricate and earned play from key DJs in the scene. These efforts contributed to growing visibility, with Noisia securing guest mixes on in February 2007 and delivering an at in August 2008, exposing their music to broader audiences. By 2009, Noisia solidified their breakthrough with the release of "Stigma / Crank" on Vision Recordings, a double A-side that fused and influences and became a staple in sets due to its aggressive basslines and precise rhythms. Their remix of The Prodigy's "Omen" further elevated their profile, transforming the track into a pounding anthem featured on the official single release and played across European radio and clubs. This period also saw them collaborate with hip-hop group on "Contact," a -infused track released on Dented Records that bridged electronic and rap genres, foreshadowing their later joint projects. Noisia expanded their live presence with their first major tours across the and , performing at venues like Phoenix in June 2009 and building a reputation for high-impact DJ sets that blended their originals with genre-pushing selections. In parallel, they launched Division Recordings in 2007 as a sublabel to explore and related styles, releasing experimental works that allowed them to diversify beyond traditional while nurturing emerging talent in .

2010–2014: Split the Atom and expansions

In 2010, Noisia released their debut studio album, Split the Atom, on their own Vision Recordings label. The 19-track double-disc set, issued on April 4, blended with elements of and , showcasing the trio's signature heavy basslines and intricate . Key singles from the album included "Machine Gun," released earlier that year on March 8, which featured remixes by artists such as Spor, Amon Tobin, and 16bit, and became a cornerstone of their aggressive production style. Other notable tracks like "Split the Atom" and "My World" (featuring Giovanca) highlighted the album's dynamic range, from high-energy drops to atmospheric interludes. The album garnered widespread critical praise for its innovation within the genre, with reviewers commending its bold fusion of styles and technical precision. described it as a "sheer breadth" of electronic experimentation, noting tracks like "" for their coiled tension and melodic subtlety. highlighted its "big, loud, and overly boisterous" energy across its runtime, positioning it as a definitive statement in . Commercially, Split the Atom propelled Noisia to prominence on , where they were named Best Drum & Bass Artist in 2010, and "" earned a for Best Dubstep Track (16bit Remix). These achievements solidified their leadership in , a subgenre characterized by complex, futuristic bass patterns, as Noisia's work crossed over into broader electronic audiences. During this period, Noisia expanded beyond standalone releases into multimedia scoring and high-profile collaborations. In 2011, they contributed production to Korn's tenth studio album, , handling tracks such as "Kill Mercy Within" and "Burn the Obedient," which integrated their dubstep-influenced beats with the band's nu-metal aggression. Released on December 2, this project marked a significant crossover for Noisia, blending electronic production with rock elements on . By 2013, they composed the full original soundtrack for the video game DmC: Devil May Cry, a of the action series, featuring 18 core tracks like "Crush Him" and "Hunter Theme" that emphasized intense, rhythmic tailored to gameplay intensity. Issued on January 8 via their Division Recordings imprint, the score underscored Noisia's growing versatility in adaptive audio design. Noisia also advanced their label ecosystem, launching full-length artist albums under Vision Recordings and increasing production support for emerging acts through imprints like Division. This included curating releases that amplified and bass-heavy sounds, fostering a roster of collaborators and building on the momentum from their earlier singles. These efforts not only diversified their output but reinforced their role as tastemakers in the electronic scene.

2015–2018: Outer Edges era

In 2015, Noisia began developing their second studio , Outer Edges, approaching the without a predefined concept and instead embracing open experimentation to push the boundaries of their sound. The trio explored a broader sonic palette, incorporating midtempo rhythms and influences alongside their signature , aiming to capture the "outer edges" of what defined Noisia as a . This involved revisiting unfinished ideas from earlier sessions, such as synth elements in tracks like "The Entangled," and utilizing tools like Cubase for production to achieve a more organic drum sound. The was ultimately released on August 5, 2016, through their own label, Vision Recordings, marking a deliberate shift toward personal expression over conventional genre constraints. Outer Edges features 18 tracks that highlight Noisia's innovative production, with standout examples including "Tentacles," which incorporates a vocal layer from band member Nik Roos to add emotional depth, and "Voodoo," a of their earlier work that blends heavy basslines with experimental textures. While direct collaborations on the album were limited, the project drew from Noisia's history of partnerships, reflecting influences from past joint efforts like those with Calyx & Teebee. Critics praised the album for its complexity and forward-thinking approach, describing it as "astonishingly complex, perplexing, and satisfying" and commending its role in advancing through unique and genre-blending innovation. Following the album's release, Noisia embarked on an extensive world tour in support of Outer Edges, debuting the project with a full live show at Let It Roll Festival in the in August 2016, where the performance was accompanied by custom visuals and lighting. The tour expanded globally, including headlining slots at major events such as Rampage in in 2017 and additional dates at festivals like Sziget in , showcasing the album's tracks in a high-energy, immersive format that emphasized the trio's technical prowess. This period solidified Noisia's status as live performers, with the tour running through 2018 and drawing large crowds across and beyond. During this era, Noisia's imprint Vision Recordings experienced significant growth, expanding its roster and output to support emerging talent in electronic music. The label signed and released works from artists aligned with Noisia's aesthetic, including collaborations with established acts like Black Sun Empire, whose joint track "Infusion" appeared on the 2015 compilation Ten Years of Vision Recordings, helping to elevate the label's profile in the drum and bass scene. This development reinforced Vision's role as a key platform for experimental and neurofunk sounds.

2019–2022: Disbandment and final album Closer

In September 2019, Noisia announced their decision to disband at the end of 2020, marking the conclusion of their 20-year collaboration as a trio. The group cited evolving personal and creative paths, stating, "Noisia has always been about making as few compromises as we can. When Noisia becomes a compromise in itself, it's time to move on," reflecting a desire to pursue individual directions without forcing the collective dynamic. They planned a farewell tour to celebrate their legacy, emphasizing gratitude toward fans and collaborators while committing to release remaining material. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted these plans, postponing the tour and extending the group's active period into 2022. Noisia rescheduled performances across Europe and beyond, adapting to restrictions while continuing to tease new music. Their final live show took place at the Lowlands Festival in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands, on August 21, 2022, where they delivered an emotional two-hour set blending classics and unreleased tracks, closing a chapter that began in the same region years earlier. Amid these farewells, Noisia released their third and final studio album, Closer, on May 12, 2022, via Vision Recordings. The 20-track project combines 11 new originals with nine previously issued singles, serving as a reflective capstone to their neurofunk-rooted sound. Notable collaborations include "Horizon" with , "Shift" with IMANU, "Nova" with , and "Shibuya Pet Store" with The Upbeats, alongside contributions from , Mefjus, and others, showcasing the trio's expansive network and experimental edge. Tracks like "Horizon" highlight high-energy basslines and intricate percussion, encapsulating the group's intensity. In an accompanying emotional statement, Noisia described Closer as a "bittersweet ending," expressing, "We want to go out with a blast and say goodbye to our fans properly, so that we can look back and say 'it was an amazing era, and we finished it properly.'" To commemorate the release, a limited-edition four-LP vinyl was made available for , featuring marbled silver pressing, printed sleeves, and digital download code, priced at €80 and limited in quantity to honor collectors.

2022–2025: Post-split activities and Resonance series

Following their disbandment in 2022, Noisia shifted focus to legacy projects managed through their label, Vision Recordings, which has played a central role in curating and releasing archival material to sustain the group's influence in electronic music. The label has overseen the continuation of the series, a collection of reinterpreted tracks from Noisia's catalog by contemporary artists in the scene. This series, initiated pre-split, extended into the post-split era with Volumes V through VIII, each volume featuring 12–16 remixes that highlight the enduring appeal of Noisia's and production ethos. Volume V was released on February 17, 2023, compiling remixes of tracks like "" by and "Asteroids" (with Prolix) by Tsuruda, emphasizing and deep bass elements. Volume VI followed on May 26, 2023, with contributions including Moore Kismet's take on "Horizon" and The Glitch Mob's rework of "Collider," blending Noisia's high-energy rhythms with diverse electronic influences. Volume VII arrived on April 25, 2024, featuring Eptic's of "Stigma" and Teddy Killerz's version of "Dead Limit" with The Upbeats, further bridging Noisia's legacy with modern production. The series culminated with Volume VIII on September 12, 2025, a 16-track compilation including Mefjus's of "Dustup," Thys's rework of "Tentacles," and ring noord's 172 BPM mix of "Pleasure Model," alongside efforts from , Posij, and others, marking a collaborative homage to Noisia's catalog. These volumes preserve Noisia's intricate soundscapes while allowing new artists to reinterpret them, ensuring the brand's evolution without requiring the trio's direct involvement. In 2023, Noisia relaunched their under the VISION banner to provide exclusive content for fans and producers, including tutorial videos, remix stems from label tracks, and early access to releases like Resonance VII. This platform has facilitated ongoing engagement, offering insights into Noisia's production techniques through monthly content curated by the label. Complementing this, Vision Recordings released Noisia Sample Pack Vol. 2 on March 16, 2023, via Splice, containing 340 samples drawn from the group's 20-year archive of breaks, basses, and effects. Vol. 3 followed on August 1, 2025, with 354 samples spanning synths, drums, and loops from Noisia's various studio eras, enabling producers to incorporate authentic Noisia elements into new works. While no new original group tours or performances have occurred since the split, these initiatives—archival , sample packs, and Patreon exclusives—have maintained Noisia's brand vitality through Vision Recordings' stewardship. The label's efforts focus on preservation and accessibility, allowing the trio's sonic innovations to influence emerging artists without active collaboration, thus extending Noisia's impact in the community.

Collaborative projects

I Am Legion

I Am Legion was a collaborative formed by the Dutch electronic music producers Noisia and select members of the British hip-hop and grime group , including MCs (Ebow Graham) and Orifice Vulgatron (Pavan Mukhi). The partnership built on prior joint efforts, such as the 2009 track "Contact" from Foreign Beggars' album Stray Bloods, allowing Noisia's production expertise to merge with the rappers' lyrical style. The project's debut output was the self-titled album I Am Legion, released on September 2, 2013, via Division Recordings in collaboration with . Spanning 16 tracks, the record fused hip-hop vocals with Noisia's signature bass-heavy electronic sounds, incorporating elements of , , and to create a dynamic crossover sound. Standout tracks included "Make Those Move," which served as the and showcased aggressive, wobbling basslines underpinning rapid-fire rhymes, and "Choosing For You," highlighting the group's rhythmic interplay. A follow-up instrumental version of the album appeared later in 2013, emphasizing Noisia's production layers. To support the , I Am Legion conducted extensive live performances, including a summer tour across and in 2013–2014, where the group delivered high-energy sets blending pre-recorded elements with live MCing. A featuring contributions from artists like Alix Perez, , and Suburban followed on June 17, 2014, further expanding the project's sonic palette through reimagined versions of key tracks. The endeavor concluded after these releases as Noisia shifted focus to their core catalog and other ventures, though I Am Legion's innovative fusion of rap and electronic genres influenced subsequent crossover experiments in .

Other collaborations and side ventures

Noisia provided remixes for several prominent artists, including a dubstep-infused take on The Prodigy's "," released on in 2012. They also remixed Skrillex's "" for the 2011 remix EP on Records, blending elements with the original's aggressive energy. They remixed tracks for , including "Masochist" (2008) and "" (2018). In 2011, Noisia co-produced three tracks on Korn's album —"Kill Mercy Within," "Burn the Obedient," and "Let's Go"—infusing the nu-metal record with electronic production, a collaboration that marked a significant crossover for the trio. Through their imprints, Noisia mentored and supported emerging talent. They founded Division Recordings in 2007 as a platform for experimental , releasing works by artists like Posij and Neosignal, while fostering a scene around innovative electronic sounds. Vision Recordings, established earlier in 2005, served as another key outlet, hosting collaborations such as Noisia's joint EP with Phace (Program / Regurgitate, 2011) and tracks with like "Infusion" (2008), helping to elevate these acts within the and communities. Noisia ventured into media soundtracks with their original score for the 2013 video game DmC: Devil May Cry, developed by and , which featured 18 tracks blending orchestral tension with their signature heavy basslines and was released on Division Recordings. Although no major film scores are documented before 2019, their game work highlighted their ability to adapt production techniques to narrative-driven audio design. After 2014, Noisia shifted focus toward curating label compilations over intensive new collaborations, exemplified by Noisia Presents Ten Years of Vision Recordings (2015), a 22-track showcasing label highlights and new material like "Incessant." This era also included remix collections such as Outer Edges (Noisia Remixes) (2017) on Vision Recordings, emphasizing archival and developmental support for the ecosystem rather than prolific guest productions.

Legacy

Awards and nominations

Noisia received numerous accolades throughout their career, particularly within the drum and bass community, recognizing their production prowess and influence. They were voted Best Drum & Bass Artist at the Music Awards in 2009 and 2010, reflecting their early commercial dominance in digital sales and chart performance. The trio also secured the Best D&B Act title three times at the Music Awards, underscoring consistent peer and fan recognition in the genre. At the Drum & Bass Arena Awards, Noisia amassed multiple wins, establishing them as a perennial favorite. In 2010, they won Best Producers, highlighting their innovative during a breakthrough period. They repeated as Best Producer in 2015 and 2016, with the latter year also yielding Best Album for Outer Edges and Best Video for standout visuals. In 2015, their collaboration "Dead Limit" with The Upbeats earned Best Track, a testament to its impact on dancefloors and remixes. Their , Noisia Radio, won Best Podcast in 2020, extending their legacy into broadcasting. Earlier honors included Best Tech DJ at the National Drum & Bass Awards in both 2009 and 2010, affirming their technical excellence amid rising popularity. Noisia never received Grammy nominations or wins, but their sustained chart-toppers—over a dozen number-one downloads—served as a key metric of success in electronic music. Post-disbandment in 2022, they earned honorary mentions in industry retrospectives, such as UKF's tributes to their 20-year influence.

Cultural impact and influence

Noisia's innovative approach to and midtempo bass has profoundly shaped the genre, blending intricate with dark, futuristic atmospheres that pushed the boundaries of electronic music production. Their work, characterized by complex basslines and rhythms, established a blueprint for neurofunk's evolution, influencing a new generation of producers who adopted similar technical precision and genre-blending techniques. Artists such as IMANU have openly credited Noisia as a major influence, citing their legacy in evolving the European electronic sound through meticulous artistry and boundary-pushing experimentation. Similarly, Eptic's of Noisia's "Stigma" serves as a respectful , reflecting the trio's enduring impact on creators who draw from their visceral, high-tension style. Through their label Vision Recordings, founded in 2005, Noisia played a pivotal role in cultivating the Dutch drum and bass scene, releasing over 100 tracks that spotlighted cutting-edge and from emerging talents. The label's focus on high-quality, innovative releases helped solidify the as a global hub for the genre, fostering a vibrant of artists and elevating the local sound on international stages. Noisia's performances at major festivals like Rampage significantly contributed to festival culture, where they headlined multiple editions and delivered immersive sets that drew thousands, amplifying the genre's communal energy and production standards. Their presence in online communities, including discussions on platforms like Reddit's r/DnB, has sustained fan engagement, with their music often hailed as a cornerstone of the scene's experimental ethos. Following their 2022 disbandment, Noisia's legacy endures through the ongoing Resonance remix series, which reached its eighth installment, released on September 12, 2025, reinterpreting their catalog with contributions from contemporary artists and keeping their sound alive in evolving forms. Individual members have carried forward this DNA via solo projects, such as Thys's ambient explorations aimed at relaxation and focus, and Sleepnet's collaborative ventures like Ring Noord, which incorporate unfinished Noisia elements into new electronic works.

Discography

Studio albums

Noisia's debut studio album, Split the Atom, released on April 5, 2010, via their own imprint Vision Recordings, comprises 19 tracks that blend high-energy with experimental electronic elements, marking the trio's first full-length exploration of their signature sound. The album's production spanned several years, incorporating intricate and diverse influences from breaks to , as the group aimed to showcase both their core style and more tendencies. Key singles included "," released on March 8, 2010, which exemplified the album's aggressive, machine-like rhythms and helped build anticipation ahead of the full release. In terms of chart performance, Split the Atom debuted at number 4 on the Independent Album Breakers Chart on April 11, 2010. The trio's second studio album, Outer Edges, arrived on August 5, 2016, also through Vision Recordings, featuring 13 tracks that represented a significant experimental shift toward grooves, cinematic atmospheres, and genre-blending production, diverging from traditional structures. This evolution was informed by the group's live concepts, where tracks were developed alongside immersive visual and elements to create a narrative-driven experience, emphasizing spatial audio and dynamic builds. Critics praised the album for its , sonically intricate sound, with reviews highlighting its microcosmic representation of Noisia's matured brand, blending with sci-fi-inspired textures and off-kilter rhythms. The production process involved rushed finalization following an online leak, yet it maintained the trio's commitment to high-fidelity, multi-layered compositions. Noisia's third and final studio album, Closer, released on May 12, 2022, via Vision Recordings, spans 20 tracks and serves as a thematic farewell, infused with motifs of closure and reflection amid the group's disbandment. The album prominently features collaborations with artists such as on "Nova," The Upbeats on "Shibuya Pet Store," IMANU on "Shift," and on "Horizon," integrating diverse electronic influences while preserving the trio's gritty, unrelenting production style. Production emphasized emotional depth, starting with the introspective "Three (Intro)" and progressing through high-octane tracks like "Scrapped," evoking a bittersweet of endings and legacy. Reviews lauded it as an incredible send-off, noting its comfort in groove and identity compared to prior works, with every track upholding Noisia's revered quality through distinct collaborative styles.

Remix and compilation albums

Noisia's remix and compilation albums primarily revolve around collections that reinterpret their extensive catalog through collaborations with other producers, as well as curated mixes showcasing their influence in the drum and bass scene. The most prominent of these is the Resonance series, a post-split initiative launched by their label Vision Recordings to breathe new life into their 20-year discography. Initiated in late 2021 following the trio's 2019 disbandment announcement and ahead of their final album Closer in 2022, the series invites prominent electronic artists to remix select Noisia tracks, effectively extending the lifespan of originals by adapting them to contemporary styles and production techniques. The Resonance series comprises eight volumes released between 2021 and 2025, each functioning as a compilation album of remixes drawn from Noisia's earlier works, EPs, and collaborations. Volumes I and II arrived in December 2021 and March 2022, respectively, featuring remixes by artists such as Malux, IMANU, Levela, and The Caracal Project, focusing on tracks from their pre-2010 era like "Could This Be" and "Incessant." Subsequent volumes III and IV, released in June and October 2022, expanded to include reinterpretations by Mefjus, Futurebound, Nitepunk, and Halogenix, targeting mid-career highlights such as "Program" and "Concussion." By 2023, Volumes V and VI incorporated contributions from producers like Eptic, Teddy Killerz, and Annix, remixing later material including "Stigma" and "Dead Limit." Volume VII in 2024 continued this pattern with fresh takes on classics, while the series culminated in Volume VIII on September 12, 2025, a 16-track compilation featuring remixes by Simula, Thys, Posij, Spor, COIDO, Break, VISLA, and others, such as Spor's neurofunk overhaul of "Exodus" and Posij's rework of "Simon." These volumes collectively demonstrate Noisia's enduring impact, allowing their sound to evolve through diverse lenses while honoring the original intensity and innovation. Prior to the Resonance series, Noisia ventured into remix compilations with Outer Edges: Remixes in 2017, a dedicated album reworking tracks from their 2016 studio release Outer Edges. This collection included contributions from artists like , Phace, and Ivy Lab, transforming originals such as "The Edge" and "Visage" into varied subgenres, from deep and atmospheric to high-energy jump-up variants. The album served as an early example of Noisia curating external interpretations to highlight their production's versatility. Additionally, in 2008, Noisia compiled FabricLive.40 for the renowned Fabric mix series, a 29-track DJ mix blending their own productions like "Cannonball" with remixes and selections from contemporaries such as Spor's take on The Qemists' "Stompbox," encapsulating the and sounds dominant in the late 2000s landscape. These earlier efforts laid the groundwork for the more expansive project, underscoring Noisia's role in fostering community-driven evolutions of their music.

EPs and singles

Noisia's early extended plays and singles marked the beginning of their rise in the drum and bass scene. Early singles such as "Masada" (with , released November 15, 2004, on Citrus Recordings) and "Mindstorm/Timechaser" (2004) showcased their initial foray into with intricate and heavy basslines. These releases helped establish their technical prowess, drawing attention from underground labels. In 2005, the Block Control EP on further developed their style with complex rhythms and atmospheric elements, contributing to their growing reputation in European electronic circles. Their 2006 single "Bad Dreams/Omissions" on Vision Recordings included aggressive, high-energy compositions that honed their signature sound. Key standalone singles from the mid-2000s to 2010s highlighted Noisia's versatility and impact. "Tommy's Theme," released on September 26, 2011, as a single on , blended grime influences with , featuring a driving beat and vocal samples that became a staple in DJ sets; it later appeared in remix variants, including a reissue on . In 2010, "Machine Gun" emerged as a breakthrough single on Division Recordings, known for its relentless percussion and metallic synths, which earned critical acclaim and inspired non-album remixes like the 16Bit version, amplifying its reach in communities. These tracks demonstrated Noisia's ability to push genre boundaries, with "Machine Gun" particularly noted for its influence on subsequent productions. Post-2018 activities, following the group's announced split, saw Noisia return with collaborative singles tied to their series and final album Closer. "Supersonic (My )," a 2021 collaboration with , josh pan, and on OWSLA/Atlantic, fused bass with experimental vocals, marking a poignant reunion effort and garnering millions of streams for its emotional depth. In 2022, "Horizon," featuring , Thys, and Sleepnet on Vision Recordings, served as a for Closer, exploring melodic elements with soaring synths and subtle drops; it included variants that extended its play in live sets, underscoring Noisia's enduring despite the hiatus. These releases, while not charting highly in mainstream territories, achieved significant digital traction and reinforced their legacy in electronic music.

References

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