Artist: Adam Beyer
Title: Explorer Vol. 1
Label: Drumcode
Released: 11 July
Sounds like: Deep in space, a discovery vessel picks up a distress signal and must investigate, but malevolent cosmic forces are at play
Album review
Explorer Vol. 1 marks Swedish Techno heavyweight Adam Beyer’s first studio album in over two decades, a bold return that reaffirms his status as one of the genre’s most enduring forces. Across 16 tracks, Beyer delivers a body of work that’s as driving as it is refined, showcasing his ability to evolve while staying true to the pulse of the dancefloor.
Kicking off the album, Silent Mapping is a slow-burning, cinematic cut that immediately evokes the feeling of space exploration. It eases in with moody, detuned pads and cavernous reverb, with textures, sounds, and glitches appearing across the stereo field.
Gradually, a kick drum emerges, and the track begins to build layer by layer until you’re propelled forward at light speed, immersed in a dense, evolving soundscape that feels part sci-fi soundtrack and part Techno meditation.
Alto shifts gears with a driving offbeat bassline that anchors the track in classic dancefloor energy. Sprinkled with plucky, textured synth stabs reminiscent of late 2000s and early 2010s Electro (think early deadmau5), the track channels a nostalgic feel, yet is steeped in modernity.
A spoken word vocal cuts through the mix, giving it a raw, reflective edge, while a descending arpeggio in the final section adds a sense of motion and tension, like being pulled into the gravity well of a darker, deeper place.
Upping the ante, Explorer and Waypoint stand out as the album’s peak-time dancefloor weapons.
Propelled by heavy-hitting drums and energetic, rolling basslines, both deliver a sense of urgency, and are designed to raise heart rates. This is Adam Beyer in full stride, precision-engineered for maximum impact,
The Distance Between Us leans into a nostalgic ‘80s aesthetic, but with a distinctly modern twist. Driven by another rolling bassline and crisp, plucked synths coupled with rhythmic toms, it flirts with Synthwave textures without ever losing its club-ready momentum.
As the track progresses, a soaring lead emerges in the second half, euphoric and triumphant, elevating the mood into something cinematic and emotionally charged. It’s a standout tune that adds depth and dynamism to the album’s overall arc.
The Long Way Home brings the album to a cinematic close, a track that confidently sets itself apart from the rest.
Atmospheric and melodic, it leans into introspection without sacrificing momentum. Lush synth stabs make a bold statement, while a deep, rich saw bass anchors the track with weight and warmth.
Beyer’s use of ping-pong delays and expansive reverbs adds a sense of depth and space, giving the track a complex, textured feel. It’s a fitting finale: reflective, refined and resonant, signalling the end of the journey.
With Explorer Vol. 1, Adam Beyer proves that some journeys are worth the wait.
After more than 20 years since his last studio album, he returns not just with a collection of tracks, but with a statement of intent. Explorer Vol. 1 balances peak-time power with melodic depth and emotional range.
Whether you're a longtime Drumcode devotee or new to his sound, this album cements Beyer’s place at the forefront of modern techno but also demonstrates his willingness to keep pushing the boundaries.
Highlights: Alto, Explorer, Desolate Lands, Do It For The Bass
Explorer Vol 1. is out today, Friday 11 July, and is available to stream and download on all reputable online platforms.
Adam Beyer starts his headline residency for RESISTANCE at Amnesia on Wednesday 23 July and is ever-present for the nine week, peak-summer run.
At the opening party, he plays back-to-back with Mau P on the Terraza, where they are joined by Mathame, Eli Brown, KOROLOVA, Massano, Max Styler and co-headliners ARTBAT.
Tickets can be found below.
