Metamyther dives deep into the world of WMD’s Skorpion, revealing the intricate dance between chaos and control in the realm of Eurorack synthesis. Join us as we uncover the five-year journey of an extreme wavefolder that’s bound to shake the modular scene.
Welcome to the Punk Jungle
Kicking off with Metamyther’s vibrant intro, the scene is set for another deep dive into the wonderfully chaotic world of Eurorack synthesis. The Skorpion, a 20 HP beast, is highlighted right from the get-go as one of the most extreme modules Metamyther has encountered. This module isn’t just a piece of gear; it’s a bit of a marvel, having clawed its way into Metamyther’s top picks at Superbooth 2025. The anticipation is palpable as we learn about the five-year odyssey from concept to completion, leading to an exclusive chat with the WMD maestro, William Mathewson. The atmosphere is a mix of excitement and a touch of chaos, perfectly mirroring the energy of the modular world.
The Maverick Behind WMD
William Mathewson, the brain behind WMD, emerges as a true maverick with a story that’s part hustle, part serendipity. Starting off in 2007, his journey began rather unceremoniously as a recording engineer apprentice, dabbling with electronics as a hobby. What might have seemed like a chance venture, designing pedals for bands in his studio, quickly evolved into a full-blown business. The narrative takes us through the organic evolution from pedals to Eurorack modules, sparked by a deal with Analog Haven. It’s the classic tale of a small hobby spiraling into something much larger as demand soared, leaving William virtually sprinting to keep up. His initial brushes with Eurorack were more accident than plan, yet they unfolded into a passionate affair with modular synths. The raw edge of his early days, where it felt like a pub brawl just to keep up, transitions into a more structured but no less exciting chapter of his career.
Scorpion's Genesis – More Than Just a Module
Fast forward to the ingenious conception of the Skorpion, a project born not out of necessity but pure exploratory desire. Imagine starting not from a ‘let’s fill a market gap’ attitude but from a ‘what if?’ curiosity. This module’s roots are in the realm of electronic exploration rather than a response to consumer demand. Initially sketched as an art piece with basic ambitions, the Skorpion has been living in William’s personal performance rig since 2020. While early versions were simplistic, the final product packs more punch than a double shot espresso. It’s a testament to iterative design, passionate experimentation, and a bit of necessary stubbornness. This segment is rather akin to the steady build-up of a classic punk gig—unpredictable, exhilarating, and unapologetically loud.
Engineering an Anomaly
The transition from sketch to striking module was nothing short of a technical odyssey. William reflects on the transition from analog simplicity to a digital behemoth, where his biggest challenge was evolving the Skorpion from a straightforward concept to a complex instrument. He emphasizes a stunningly intricate internal framework: microcontrollers, DACs, and a symphony of rediscovered circuit dynamics. The arduous dance of prototyping involved significant trial and error, where mistakes danced like merry poltergeists. The result? A module gleaming with potential, yet constantly challenging its creator to polish its digital sheen. The engineering feat is both humbling and awe-inspiring, a true embodiment of artisanal mastery in the world of synthesis. It’s a tale of dedication as much as of chaotic creativity that ultimately transformed an idea into a reality.
"It's more of a sound design tool than a purely performance oriented thing."
The Artistry of Sound Design
"Engineering perfection is not the goal, it's making something cool."
As the conversation progresses, the focus shifts towards the artistic soul of the Skorpion. This isn’t just some patch-your-grandmother-could-use module; it’s a deep dive into a sonic abyss. William’s design philosophy resonates with the punk ethos, emphasising control and user challenge over spoon-fed simplicity. There’s a punk-like rebellion in the refusal to bow to traditional feedback loops, presenting the Skorpion as a bold, unique creation. It demands that users engage, experiment, and dare to extract new and bizarre sounds. This is DIY synthesis at its finest, where each knob is an invitation to chaos and discovery. The Skorpion doesn’t just fit into modular systems; it dares users to redefine them, welcoming frustration as a companion on their sonic adventures.
One-off Wonder – The Skorpion's Limited Run
In a cinematic finish, Metamyther brings us to the Skorpion’s current status—a limited one-time release. The decision, rooted in production costs and creative vision, ensures that this module will remain a rare gem in the Eurorack community. As William divulges his future plans, there’s talk of new projects like Clutch and collaborations brewing in the background. But for now, it’s all about the Skorpion and its unique place in modular history. With pre-orders closing soon, the message is clear: seize the chance to own a piece of synthesis boldness before it scuttles back into the shadows, leaving only echoes of its groundbreaking, sonic footprint.