What makes The Consuming Flame by Matmos notable?

The Consuming Flame is notable for its conceptual depth and eclectic range, garnering positive reviews from critics who praised its innovative fusion of sounds. It reached significant attention in the experimental music scene, further solidifying Matmos' reputation as pioneers in electronic music and sound art. Released on August 21, 2020, The Consuming Flame is Matmos' first full-length album since the duo's 2016 release, Ultimate Care II. At this point in their career, they were exploring their experimental sound further while continuing to engage with themes of identity and ecological concern, marking a continued evolution from their earlier work.

Who is The Consuming Flame for?

The Consuming Flame works well if you're into intricate soundscapes for exploration, playful rhythms inviting curiosity and short tracks fostering variety.

How many songs are on The Consuming Flame?

The Consuming Flame has 44 tracks, running approximately 177 minutes.

The Consuming Flame

Matmos · 2020

177 min · 44 tracks · electronic music

An intricate tapestry of sound, weaving together field recordings with electronic textures and unpredictable rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I, Voxelman — This track exemplifies the album's playful yet complex approach to rhythm and sound, blending glitchy beats with a whimsical tone that captures listeners' attention immediately.
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Circle of Swords — With its extended runtime and evolving structure, this track showcases Matmos' ability to create immersive soundscapes that challenge conventional song forms.
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Dancing Your Animal — This track stands out for its infectious energy and rhythmic playfulness, inviting listeners to engage physically while also sparking deeper contemplations about movement and expression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

An intricate blend of field recordings and electronic textures creates a unique soundscape, though its extensive tracklist affects cohesion.

What we noticed

The album features 44 tracks, many of which are under two minutes long, creating a rapid-fire sequence of ideas.
Field recordings are layered with electronic sounds, often shifting abruptly between textures and rhythms.
The use of silence and pauses is prominent, allowing moments for reflection between the dense soundscapes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intricate soundscapes for exploration
playful rhythms inviting curiosity
short tracks fostering variety
immersive layers for detail hunting
patient unfolding of themes

Maybe skip if you

seeking straightforward song structures
prefer instant gratification sounds

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on August 21, 2020, The Consuming Flame is Matmos' first full-length album since the duo's 2016 release, Ultimate Care II. At this point in their career, they were exploring their experimental sound further while continuing to engage with themes of identity and ecological concern, marking a continued evolution from their earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors: Oval· The Books· Mouse on Mars