Berlin Atonal returned this August with a five-day takeover of Kraftwerk Berlin, Tresor and OHM, presenting premieres, commissions, installations and club nights that reaffirmed its reputation as one of the world’s most vital platforms for experimental, interdisciplinary art and music. This edition marked the festival’s first as an official member of the International Biennial Association, consolidating its status as a music-first biennial of global significance.

Across the cavernous industrial venue, soaring choral vocal from NYX leant a cathedral atmosphere to this temple of sound, while Emptyset vibrated the concrete with their deep tones in dissever. Merzbow, Igor Cavalera and Eraldo Bernocchi debuted an explosive new trio, Amnesia Scanner and Freeka.tet presented S.L.O.T.H. and Lord Spikeheart and NMR unveiled the politically charged REIGN. Bendik Giske with Barker brought their unique live sax and dance beats collab, whilst Billy Bultheel’s The Fugue State provided an incredible live art moment.

Embedded within the festival, Third Surface reimagined nightlife as a hybrid exhibition, hosting works by Joanna Rajkowska and Roberto Cuoghi among others.

First founded in 1982, Berlin Atonal continues to prove its credentials as a leading light of contemporary music and live performance.