Iszoloscope

Iszoloscope is an industrial and rhythmic noise group from Ottawa, Canada, formed in 1999 by CHUO 89.1 FM DJs Yann Faussurier and François Bénard. The project is based in Montreal and remains active. Its core sound combines heavily processed ambience, noisy beats and a broad mix of industrial, electro-acoustic, ambient, rhythmic noise, psy-trance and breakcore elements.

Formation and early development

The project begins as a collaboration between Faussurier and Bénard after they meet through CHUO, the University of Ottawa radio station. They start composing together in 1999 and gain early momentum through weekly radio broadcasts and performances at local alternative electronic music events. Bénard later leaves the project, after which Faussurier continues Iszoloscope as its central figure.

Sound and approach

Iszoloscope develops a dark, immersive style built around isolation and altered states of consciousness. Faussurier works with field-recorded samples, applying effects so extensively that the source material becomes unrecognisable. The project’s music is described through jagged, elusive textures rather than polished or shimmering electronic production. Faussurier also draws on videogames and multimedia with moody action and eerie soundtracks, and he identifies with a range of industrial, ambient and noise artists including The Future Sound of London, Coil, Deutsch Nepal, Numb, Morgenstern, Goblin, Yuzo Koshiro, Converter, Ah Cama-Sotz, Xorcist, Haujobb, DJ Producer, Gridlock, Merzbow, Black Lung and Scorn.

Releases and labels

Iszoloscope’s debut album, Coagulating Wreckage, appears on Belgium’s Spectre and follows attention from the project’s performance at Maschinenfest in Germany in 2001. Further albums include Aquifère and Au Seuil du Néant on Ant-Zen in 2002 and 2003, followed by Les Gorges Des Limbes, The Audient Void and The Edge of Certainty on Ant-Zen and Spectre. The project also releases several EPs and collaborations on YB-70, Ad Noiseam and Spectre.

Performances and collaborations

Iszoloscope attracts wider attention after performing at Maschinenfest in 2001. It also undertakes eight European and American tours and appears at international events in Australia, Japan, Europe and North America. Over time, the live and studio lineup includes Shane Whitbread, Guillaume Nadon and Frédéric Scarfone, alongside Faussurier; the group is currently associated with Yann Faussurier and Guillaume Nadon.

Other activity

The project remixes numerous other artists and appears on many compilations, building a substantial presence within industrial and powernoise-related scenes.