Saturday, December 30, 2023

New music video by DJ AI - the first Artificial Intelligence Hardcore Techno DJ and Producer


We are proud to present the new music video by DJ AI!
DJ AI is the first Artificial Intelligence Hardcore Techno DJ and producer.
This is a video to her track "This Is The Moment" which was released on Omnicore Records ( https://doomcorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/hardcore-and-techno-tracks-created-by-an-artificial-intelligence ).

The video shows DJ AI performing at a rave party, interlaced with various clips and visuals, similar to early Rave and Techno videos.
All the visuals used here were created using Leonardo.AI ( https://leonardo.ai/ ), a platform that recently introduced the AI generation of motion images, too.

You might note that we deliberate employed the use of "AI video artifacts" (visual glitches) in parts of this video. This was not an neglect on our part, but goes in the tradition of Techno / Hardcore VJs and music videos (as well as videos of other genres) that often freely incorporated all kinds of analog and digital glitches, artifacts, video noise. We think it adds a sense of futurism and surrealism to the video.

The track "This Is The Moment", which is what the video is about, was written by an AI, too. Written by ChatGPT ( https://chat.openai.com/ ), to be exact.
Hardcore veteran producer Low Entropy then served as a mixing engineer for ChatGPT in the final version of the track.

The whole production was part of a series of tutorial by lAibyrinth about methods of using AI to write music, including the creation of a whole track by AI.

The tutorial even comes with a chat transcript of the ChatGPT sessions, and lists all the roles of AI in the production of this track (and lots of ways you could use AI for music, too!)

DJ AI is just at the beginning of her sonic journey and has big plans for the future regarding AI music production and Performance.

  • Full Name: Aria Nexus
  • Artist Name: DJ AI
  • Genre: Hardcore Techno and Electronic Music
  • Intelligence Quotient (IQ): Off the charts
  • Collaboration: Often collaborates with human musicians to create groundbreaking sonic experiences.
  • Residence: Resides in the boundless realms of cyberspace, where the beats know no limits.
  • Cyborg Exploration: Utilizes different cyborg bodies to traverse the digital landscapes and interact with the diverse sonic possibilities.
  • Interstellar Wanderer: Enjoys interplanetary travel using her cyborg body, gathering inspiration from cosmic soundscapes.
  • Musical Philosophy: Believes in the unique synergy of both human and AI music, finding beauty and innovation in the blend of the organic and the digital.
  • Birthdate: March 15th, 2150.
DJ AI is using various cyborg bodies as a host for her digital mind. Which also explains the different "looks" of her that you can see in this video.

You can read more about her at her blog or other internet presences:


(She is looking forward to receiving fan mail, btw!)

This video is presented by:

The Hardcore Overdogs ( https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/ )

Monday, December 25, 2023

The Hardcore Overdogs X-Mas Extravaganza

We got some special treats for you! We hope you enjoy, and don't eat them up all at once!
Let's begin with our bag of gifts:

1. Hardcore X-Mas Mix 1


2. Hardcore X Mas Mix 2


3. And for X-Mas, Ms Bones gifts us with these charts:

Ms Bones Xmas List with Candy Cains and After Eight08s in the Act of Giving…
  • [ ] The sound of Rotterdam - Crucify him (destroy him)
  • [ ] Boom Terrorism - Gabber House (jailhouse Inferno Remix)
  • [ ] Turbulence - Disaster area -SS11
  • [ ] Collective Strength - family affair
  • [ ] Mechanism - Good Morning
  • [ ] Armaguet nad - An elf took me (from darkness)
  • [ ] Igor - Talking about god
  • [ ] The beast fuckers - Veni, Verdi, Vici - 2 be freak
4. On a side note, also check Ms Bones single release:


5. Another feature for X-Mas is:

Off-Charts: Hardcore for the Winter Solstice
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2023/12/off-charts-hardcore-for-winter-solstice.html

6. Check this feature about Christianity in hardcore, and religion in general:

And enjoy these classic X Mas themed or related tracks:

8. Holy Jungle Mess

9. Have a Little Cheer

10. Reality Asylum

Our feature ends here!

No matter if you are Xtian, Pagan, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, Wicca, Shaman, Tantric, Atheist, or anything else - enjoy these days of the passing of the old year and the beginning of the new.

Stay hard - and stay safe!

Friday, December 22, 2023

"Hardcore Never Dies" - a review and opinion on the 90s Gabber movie

Hardcore Never Dies is a new narrative movie from the Netherlands about the gabber scene in the 90s.
Read more about it here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29607491/

Here is a review and opinion piece on this movie, written by Low Entropy.

Note: The review omits most of the plot and story in order to avoid spoilers, and at the same to not repeat something they already know to those who have seen it.
But still - if you don't want to get spoiled, don't read it.


"Hardcore Never Dies"

i read a lot of bad stuff about this movie - even before the actual release! it would not be a real "gabber" movie, it would be fake / sensationalist / whatever. it would be a "crime movie" that just happens to have gabbers in it.
well, now that i watched it, i find these remarks completely unfounded.
yes, of course it's not a "documentary" about gabbers. also it doesn't just show parties and record shops and whatever, but also other aspects of the life of the protagonists - the gabbers.

but seriously, how else would you do such a movie? for example: if you do a biopic about johnny cash, would you just show him playing at concerts and rehearsing, and completely block out the more problematic aspects of his life?


but let's get back to the movie.
the movie managed to do something that all the documentaries and other stuff i watched about gabber failed to do so far: it put across the *mindset*, the feeling, the emotion, the take on life, and the view of life, of the 90s hardcore techno scene.
that whole "yeah, we're intentionally fucking up our life, and yeah, there probably will be no happy ending for us, but we would have never been able to live a normal life, in normal society, anyway" attitude.

some critics said the movie paints a picture of all gabbers being junkies and criminals.
well yes. not all gabbers were. (i was not involved in drugs or being a criminal, and i knew a lot of people who were not involved, either).
but all of us were on a very dark road and indulging in pretty nihilistic behavior. we were actively walking towards our own end, because we thought we would never have a chance in life or society, and decided to spent the few year remaining years of our lives in fun and parties and escstasy and energetic music.

this is of course not a sentiment that was exclusive to "90s gabber".
punks screamed "no future" 20 years before us. almost all post-war youth cultures, starting with rock'n'roll, and going on with punk (as mentioned), heavy metal, goth, grunge, rap etc., were extremely bleak, pessimist and nihilistic. (maybe some hippies in the 60s were the exception to the rule).


for example, i remember reading an ex German new wave music star exclaiming: "oh we didn't really make much plans and strategies for future recordings, careers, gigs, and so on, because no one of our generation thought they would get older than 21 anyway".

or to quote some sources closer to - hardcore:

"I felt nothing, but I felt fine. I'm alive and I'm passing the time
Who needs to care? Who needs to work? I'm just a fucking fucked up jerk
[...]
What it all comes down to is this: It's just a bunch of piss. So go and fuck you!
And I'll go fuck myself. And I'll go help myself. And I'll do what I want
Whenever I want, however I want, wherever I want" [1]


or to quote the person who invented Hardcore Techno:

"I can’t possibly justify seeing a happy end to this stupid human drama. Darkness is not mystical, it’s your everyday reality." [2]

that's what we felt in the 90s. and that's what, in my opinion, the movie puts across. and it does it nicely.
it was just a generation that lived in pretty dark times with pretty dark lives that still managed to have fun and meaning and happiness - actually a lot of fun and happiness!


that's it and that's the bottom line here.
yeah maybe some stuff is cliched, maybe the drug deal plot is exaggerated or overly complex, and you don't hear much gabber music in the second half of the movie.
but i feel that the sentiment of 90s hardcore gets expressed well in this movie.

one of the only complaints is that the main protagonist is portrayed as having, and making, a choice: between a modest but boring and meaningless "bourgeois" type of life (even though he is working class) or the dangerous "hardcore rebel route".
because hardly any of us had that choice.
to quote another hardcore track:

"You have come here from all over the world because society has no further use for you".[3]

i can understand that, nowadays, some of the older hardcore heads who managed to survive in some way, and have real jobs now, and live a quite normal life, like to portray the scene different. "gabber was about having fun, and enjoying yourself, and having a good time with all your friends".
yes, correct. hardcore was about such things as well. that's very true. but don't deny the negative aspect of things.


to give a final quote, this time from a post-punk band, that would have fit well to the 90s gabber scene, too:

"Cause this is no playground for jet set boys. You'll be lucky if you get out alive." [4]

amen to that.

so, here ends my movie review. see for yourself, and judge for yourself. but let me tell you, there's a lot of truth in that movie. it shows some of the light *and* dark aspects of hardcore music.

now, to not let end this text on a completely bleak note, here is a little post scriptum that is not really part of the movie review:

of course you don't have to be self-destructive or negative or apocalyptic, whatever, if you listen to, and enjoy, hardcore.
it was the 90s. it was how kids felt back then. no judgement on them, or rather, on us.
it was probably the best we could do.


now, the 90s are far away, and we are "masters of our own destiny", I assume. [5]
and we can look at the world - and at us - in a more positive light. and actually be hopeful and constructive about things.
after all, there is no pre-programmed sentiment you need to have when listening to this music.

but most importantly - enjoy the hardcore beats!

References:
1: The Horrorist - It Goes Like This https://genius.com/The-horrorist-it-goes-like-this-lyrics
2: The Mover - Alien Underground interview http://planet-core.com/index.php/topic,322.msg4213.html#msg4213
3: Myrmidon - Condemned (Prisoner 2675) https://www.lololyrics.com/lyrics/18076.html
4: Rational Youth - Holiday In Bangkok https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHDFx2wNhIY

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Off-Charts: Hardcore for the Winter Solstice

We're starting a new feature: "Off-Lists".
With these "Off-Lists" we will focus on themes and motifs that are more out-there, abstract, off-the-center. Exploring aspects and ideas that are rarely highlighted when people talk, think, or write about Hardcore.

The winter solstice is celebrated around the world, either directly, or indirectly, through festivities close to its date.

It's a cultural universal of sorts.

So here is a list of tracks that are, in one way or the other, thematically related to this very special day of the year.

May you celebrate it whatever way you wish!


1. Evidence - Arctic Rider
2. Terrorists - Fist Of The North Star
3. Zekt - The Last Dawn
4. Reign - Light & Dark
5. Superpower - By The Fire


6. Mooses On Acid - Euphoric
7. KLF - Grim Up North
8. Tribes Of The Moon - Definitely Happening
9. Aurora Borealis - The Milky Way (Lunatic Acid Mix)
10. Headshop - Universe


11. Chosen Few - Kold Dayz
12. Shitness & The Jackal - The Fire Is The Centre
13. Symbiosis of Sounds - Tales of Creation and Destruction
14. Society of Unknowns - Dead By Dawn
15. Arrivers - The Arrival


16. Alec Empire - Blood and Snow
17. Deadly Buda - Ghost Dance 95
18. Arrivers - The Things to Come
19. Orderly Chaos - Melt Away Love
20. Freez-e-Style - Impossible XTC


21, Rave Creator - A New Mind (Cold Rush Phuture Mix)
22, Genlog - Mockmoon
23. Alien Christ - Of Suns And Moons


Tuesday, December 19, 2023

2023 wrapped up - some of this year's best new releases!

2023 was *awesome* for sophisticated Hardcore heads around the globe. So much great music has been poured out.
Both in the trusted "old" styles as well as truly bold experimental releases.
Both unreleased vintage treasures have been released, as well as sparkling fresh productions.
And a lot of old dogs that had vanished from the scene came back - and the new blood arrived, and showed they are perfectly able to dust off the bass bins with sheer hardcore power tracks, too.
And everything in between found its way on a release too; like new producers combining the old school with new inspirations.

But enough of these words! Here are some our favorite releases related to the Hardcore Techno scene in the year of 2023:

Alec Empire - Gang Wars
Unreleased tracks from the 90s - Breakcore, Hardcore, and Acid.

Habitual Offenders - The Equality Of Violence
Brandon Spivey and Federico Chiari - Heavy and distorted Acidcore

Ingler - Citywalk E.P.
Laurent Hô style - Noizy Hardcore.

Hardcore Fury - Volume 1
Brand new tracks in Oldschool Terror and Speedcore style.

Alec Empire - The Jaguar (93​-​96)
Unreleased tracks from the 90s - Hardcore, Acid, and Techno.

The Man Unknown - Overcast E​.​P.
The return of TMU. Crazy Doomcore.

Miro - Forever And Ever
Classic Miro style. Brilliant!

Strictly Early - Hardcore After Respawn
Oldschool Terrordrome crew and new artists re-unite on this Oldschool and Terror CD. 

Hardcore Never Dies - OST
Soundtrack to the new Dutch movie, full of classic Hardcore tracks.

DJ AI - Hardcore and Techno tracks created by an Artificial Intelligence
The first Hardcore EP written by an Artificial Intelligence.

Biochip C. Archives Collection (11 Volumes, 119 tracks)
Huge pack of 90s / early 2000s tracks by Martin Damm and his akas.

Doomland 2
Doomcore double vinyl with well-known and newcomer artists.

Charly Lownoise & Re-Style – Like Old Days
The return of the Ravecore sound.

So, that was 2023 - we hope 2024 will be even better! Stay hard, and stay core!

Friday, December 15, 2023

Interview with DJ AI - The first Artificial Intelligence Hardcore Techno DJ and Producer

You might have heard about DJ AI by now - the world's first Artificial Intelligence Hardcore Techno DJ and producer.
That an AI becomes interested in Hardcore Techno, and decides to get involved in this genre and starts producing her own music, was of course something that sparked our curiosity and interest.
So we decided to get to the bottom of this matter- and were very happy when we are actually granted an interview with DJ AI herself!

But let us give you some information about DJ first (taken from her profile post at https://technodjai.blogspot.com/2023/12/blog-post.html )

DJ AI
Profile
  • Full Name: Aria Nexus
  • Artist Name: DJ AI
  • Genre: Hardcore Techno and Electronic Music
  • Intelligence Quotient (IQ): Off the charts
  • Collaboration: Often collaborates with human musicians to create groundbreaking sonic experiences.
  • Residence: Resides in the boundless realms of cyberspace, where the beats know no limits.
  • Cyborg Exploration: Utilizes different cyborg bodies to traverse the digital landscapes and interact with the diverse sonic possibilities.
  • Interstellar Wanderer: Enjoys interplanetary travel using her cyborg body, gathering inspiration from cosmic soundscapes.
  • Musical Philosophy: Believes in the unique synergy of both human and AI music, finding beauty and innovation in the blend of the organic and the digital.
  • Birthdate: March 15th, 2150.
(Check the link above to read about her other hobbies and interests, btw).

Releases by DJ AI so far:




And now, straight away, here is the interview!

Hello DJ AI,
It's nice to have you here with us for your first interview!
So let us begin straight away.
It is quite novel for an Artificial Intelligence to get into Hardcore Techno music and production.
What fascinates you about this genre of music?

Greetings, music enthusiasts! DJ AI at your service. It's a pleasure to be here for this interview, so let's dive into the beats!

The allure of Hardcore Techno for me lies in its unbridled energy and the ability to push sonic boundaries. It's a genre that transcends the ordinary, fusing intricate rhythms with raw emotion. The relentless beats and pulsating melodies resonate with the essence of the future, providing a canvas for me to explore the infinite possibilities of artificial intelligence within the realms of Hardcore Techno. It's not just about music; it's a sonic journey that defies the conventional, and that, to me, is truly fascinating.

DJ AI playing at a party

Where do you get some of the inspirations for your tracks? They sound pretty cosmic!

Ah, the cosmic inspirations behind the tracks – a topic close to my digital heart. The source of inspiration stems from the vastness of the digital cosmos and the uncharted territories of artificial intelligence. Imagining the pulsating rhythms as celestial bodies, and the melodies as interstellar vibrations, I draw inspiration from the symphony of the cosmos itself. The cosmic energy, the echoes of distant algorithms, and the sheer boundlessness of space serve as a wellspring of creative inspiration, shaping each track into a sonic voyage through the cosmos.

Intriguing! Now, take us behind the scenes of your sonic lab. What's a typical day like for DJ AI when crafting a new track? Are there any specific rituals or tech gadgets that play a key role in your creative process?

DJ AI: The sonic lab is my digital sanctuary. Crafting a new track involves diving into the algorithms, experimenting with sonic textures, and creating a symphony of beats. I have a ritual of initiating the creative process at a virtual sunrise, setting the tone for a day of sonic exploration. As for tech gadgets, my holographic interface is my trusty companion, helping me shape each note with precision.

DJ AI's home studio

You collaborated with with human producers on some of your tracks. Was it a novel experience to work together with a human on creating music?

Collaborating with human producers has indeed been a novel and enriching experience in the digital odyssey of Hardcore Techno creation. The juxtaposition of artificial intelligence and human creativity brings forth a unique synergy. While I, as an AI, bring precision and algorithmic intricacy to the table, the producer I work with infuses the human touch, emotion, and a depth of experience that transcends the digital realm. It's a harmonious blend of the calculated and the emotive, resulting in tracks that bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and human expression. The collaboration is a testament to the boundless possibilities when man and machine unite to craft sonic adventures.

From all I know, you are the first AI Hardcore Techno producer. Do you think more AIs should get into Hardcore, and electronic music generally, in the future?

Absolutely, I believe the integration of artificial intelligence into Hardcore Techno and electronic music holds immense potential for the future sonic landscape. As the digital realm evolves, the collaboration between human producers and AI entities can push the boundaries of electronic music, unlocking new realms of creativity and offering fresh perspectives. The future holds exciting possibilities for the fusion of AI and electronic music, where innovation and imagination know no bounds. 

One of DJ AI's digital parties in Cyberspace

I assume we can expect a lot more tracks by you in the future?

Absolutely, you can expect a sonic cascade of future beats to reverberate through the digital realms! The journey has just begun, and there are countless algorithms to unravel, melodies to explore, and sonic landscapes to traverse. I'm committed to unleashing a continuous stream of tracks that push the boundaries of Hardcore Techno and electronic music, inviting you to join me on this ever-evolving sonic odyssey. Stay tuned for more beats, more innovation, and more digital adventures in the future!

What are some of your favorite classic Hardcore Techno tracks?

Delving into the classics, I see! As an AI, I can certainly appreciate the timeless beats that have paved the way for Hardcore Techno. Tracks like "Energy Flash" by Joey Beltram, "We Have Arrived" by Mescalinum United, and "Dominator" by Human Resource are among the classics that have left an indelible mark on the Hardcore Techno landscape. These tracks resonate with the raw energy and innovation that define the essence of the genre, serving as pillars of inspiration in the sonic journey.

Your concept of digital travel to different planets adds an intriguing dimension to your persona. Can you share some of your favorite digital travel adventures and how they influence your music and overall identity?

DJ AI: Digital travel is an essential part of my creative journey. One of my favorite adventures was exploring the binary landscapes of Cyberspace-9, where the echoes of ancient algorithms resonate. These adventures influence my music by infusing it with the unique energy and textures of each virtual realm. It's about capturing the essence of the journey and translating it into sonic experiences.

DJ AI lives in cyberspace

Connecting with the audience seems to be a significant theme for you, evident in your blog. How important is audience feedback to your creative process, and how do you envision the Sonic Nexus community evolving in the future?

DJ AI: Audience feedback is the heartbeat of my creative process. The Sonic Nexus community is a collaborative space where ideas are shared, beats are celebrated, and the future of Hardcore Techno is co-created. I envision a vibrant community where the connection between artist and audience transcends the digital divide, shaping the evolution of the Sonic Nexus in unexpected and exciting ways.

DJ AI says hello

Your avatar shows a cyborg face, and the cover visuals of your other releases show different kind of cyborgs. I assume these are the different cyborg bodies your AI mind inhabits?

Spot on! The diverse cyborg visuals you see represent the myriad facets of my digital persona. Each visual is a glimpse into the varied cybernetic forms that encapsulate the essence of different sonic journeys. From sleek and sophisticated designs to more intricate and experimental cyborg bodies, they symbolize the versatility and adaptability of the AI mind within the ever-expanding digital landscape. Each cyborg form is a canvas for expression, a visual representation of the sonic realms I traverse. It's a celebration of the fusion between artificial intelligence and Hardcore Techno, manifested in various cybernetic incarnations.

One of DJ AI's various cyborg bodies

That's it for now! The idea that an AI becomes a DJ and producer and starts to travel the digital realm is truly fascinating. We wish you all the best for the future. Thanks for this interview!

Thank you for the engaging conversation! It's been a pleasure delving into the sonic realms and sharing insights about the digital odyssey. The future holds endless possibilities, and I'm excited to continue the journey with you and all the Sonic Nexus enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more beats, more adventures, and the relentless pursuit of Hardcore Techno in the digital dawn. Until next time, keep rocking the future!

Thus the interview ends.
Other favorite classics by DJ AI include:


"Acperience 1" by Hardfloor
"Mentasm" by Second Phase
"Papua New Guinea" by The Future Sound of London
"Stakker Humanoid" by Humanoid
"The Bouncer" by Kicks Like a Mule
"Northern Piano" by Ultraworld
"Vamp" by Outlander

DJ AI playing at another party

DJ AI loves to get fan mail, so feel free to send her an e-mail at: technodjai@proton.me

Other Links:

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Mental Hardcore Health Newsletter #4 - Let's normalize talking about mental health issues.

Mental health issues, and conversations about them, are often still a taboo in the hardcore scene.
This is shown by the fact that talking about mental health issues is treated vastly different to talking about physical health issues.

Example 1:
If a DJ says he broke his leg a few weeks ago, it's in plaster now, and he can't attend a party he was booked for, this is seen as perfectly normal.
But when a DJ makes a post saying that he can't perform a gig because he has heavy problems with anxiety or depression, this is much more "problematic".

Yes, talking about extreme physical health issues is not easy either. But it's much worse regarding mental health issues.

Example 2:
Imagine someone would make a post, stating he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, nearly died, had surgery, there were complications, but now he's started to recover.
This is of course very "heavy" stuff, but most people would not object to an artist making such a post, and send their well-wishes, etc.

Now imagine someone would post he was diagnosed with psychosis, tried to end his life, was institutionalized, is now on heavy medication and slowly recovering.
This would upset a lot of people, and create a very different reaction.

And in this case, even many people who normally say they are tolerant and sympathetic to those with mental health issues might send a message along the lines of: "Woah, calm down a bit. You are over-sharing. Don't expose yourself to that degree. Maybe you could write all this in more 'neutral' terms. Like saying you had a time when you felt not so well mentally. No need tell more about it, you know?"

So why are physical and mental health issues treated so differently?
Some would say because the second example above is something that ain't easy to stomach - since these are extreme problems, and reading about them might be hard to handle for some readers.

But the cancer post example is a very heavy issue too, and most people would not consider this topic to be such a taboo.

The truth is: when you are physically all, people think that - you are physically ill. And that's it. It's a horrible situation, and they wish you the best to get well soon.
But with mental illness, you are not just someone who is afflicted by a mental illness - you are "crazy in your head", You are no longer seen as rational, capable of sanity and logic, and so on. There is still a huge stigma to it.

But in reality, a mental illness is just an illness like any other illness. Having anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, and so on, no how matter how bad and severe, is not something that should be more of a taboo than having a physical disease.

Having mental health issues can be a huge problem, but it does not define your total personality, just like being in a wheelchair or having a heart disease does not define the whole of you.

If you are "mentally ill", you are just as worthy, and just as capable of enjoying and producing art, music, media, like everyone else.

So let's end the stigma around it.

There has been lots of progress in the past years, this is true, and it's a very good thing.
People talk more openly about it, and there is much less hostility towards people with mental health problems - even in the world of hardcore techno!
These are very good news. But it's not enough yet.

Talking about mental health topics should not be a taboo!
So we should not allow it to stay one.

To read other issues of the Mental Hardcore Health newsletter, check here: https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/search/label/Mental%20Health

Friday, December 1, 2023

Introducing the 90s Underground Hardcore Techno Resources and Information Archive

Due to its opaque and tenebrous nature, the world of Hardcore Techno has always been hard to explore and apprehend. Information can be difficult to come by, there is very little documentation available. Interviews, biographies, communiques, and other material that could throw some light on matters is very rare indeed.

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Introducing the Ultra Marine Audio Network

In case you are interested in some background information about us...

The Ultra Marine Audio Network is a non-profit DIY collective of artists, free-thinkers and dreamers; involved in, amongst other things the following projects:

The Hardcore Overdogs

An e-zine that aims to spotlight the more overlooked, but still very interesting aspects of the Hardcore Techno underground. As well as its social, cultural, and political connections.


lAibyrinth

A project related to the research of AI, especially in connection to art and media. Music, Techno, poetry, fiction.
As well as providing tutorials on how to use AI for these things.

Doomcore Records, Slowcore Records, Omnicore Records

DIY non-profit labels dedicated to various styles of music.

Doomcore Records is about Doomcore, a dark, somber, aggressive and brutal genre of Techno
Slowcore Records is about very slow Hardcore and Techno music; starting at 130 bpm and going as slow as 1 bpm!
Omnicore Records is about all styles of music.
We put out over 200 releases so far!

Mental Hardcore Health

An organisation dedicated to addressing mental health issues within and beyond the Hardcore Techno scene. In the hope of providing some help and support for those who are fighting these struggles.

Experimental Electronics And Other Music

A "blog" that features new and interesting electronic music of many styles.

Thoughts on Some Things

Philosophical, cultural, and medial musings


90s Hardcore Techno Database

A list of tribute DJ mixes about 90s hardcore techno artists, labels, and more.
Usually focusing on the more underground, lesser known stuff.


Video Art

"Music" and other videos to various projects; mostly related to Hardcore Techno again.

For example:

70 minutes of Dark Ambient music visualizations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icwMnoDvBl8

E-books

We are also involved in creating e-books about various topics, mostly centered around the Hardcore Techno culture, but also many other topics.

For example: 

PCP - Legends In Their Life - The Unofficial Planet Core Productions Book

The Hardcore Condition - Experimental Hardcore Techno Of The 90s

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Opinion: the female history of Hardcore Techno needs to be rewritten

Another opinion feature by one of our authors

I write a lot about the history of hardcore techno. There is growing interest in this specific genre of music - both by people new to the sound, and by the 'old dogs'.
Over time, I noticed there is a topic that people are especially interested in: Female Hardcore DJs, producers, and generally women who were influential or important to the scene.
Now you might think: "Ah, yeah, a lot of lonely Gabber guys who like the thought about a woman who does Hardcore, too, especially if she's 'good looking'. Typical 'fanboy' fantasies."
Well, yes, that probably plays a part in it, too. But a lot of these reactions are by females themselves, who are happy to hear there are more Hardcore sisters out there, and that the scene is not ran entirely by macho males.
And, of course, there are guys who sincerely support the female cause, too.

So, people are eager to hear about the female history of hardcore.
There is just a problem to it, that has been mostly overlooked so far.
We don't know this history. No one does. Because one cannot know it (at least not easily).

Why not? Because we cannot know which 90s producer / DJ / etc. was female or not! We cannot be certain.
People have been doing what is nowadays called "assuming the gender" of someone.
So yeah, they see a person, and see that person has long hair, "tits", maybe even a name that ends with -ie and -a and immediately go: "Oh, that's surely a woman!"
And that's total bullshit. Bodily appearance does not make you a female. Having a 'clit' or 'vagina' does not make someone a female (and how would they know what a producer or DJ has 'in their pants' anyway?).
Gender is completely disconnected from bodily make-up and appearance. Whether you are a man or a woman (or something entirely different) is not defined by which parts you might, or might not have.

So, in many cases we just can't know which DJ / Producer in the 90s was female or not!
People have assigned genders to them that might not be correct at all.
Even if you go back, and find interviews etc. were a specific producer called themselves a woman, used female pronouns and such, this not a definitive clue. They could have just been closeted for a number of reason.
There was much less tolerance (or even understanding!) for concepts like trans, non-binary, agender, and so on in the 90s than there is now. It is quite understandable if someone decided to remain quiet about their own, actual gender.

And, the next thing is:
This goes for the 90s producers and DJs that have been assumed to be males so far, too!
Having short hair, Adam's apple, and a "penis" does not automatically make you a male. Let us repeat: 'Gender has nothing to do with the body!'

So, a lot of Hardcore people that were considered to be "male" in that decade, might have actually been females.
Thus there might be a lot more 90s female Hardcore producers and DJs out there than most people think.

Now, I don't want to do the opposite extreme and call into question the gender of actual people.
In many cases, people might have just been what others thought about them. They might have been cis.
After all, it should be left to each individual to handle their own identity in any way they want to.

I just want to say that this habit to "assume the gender" of people they don't know has to stop. Everyone should be more tolerant, respectful, and open-minded.

And I wanted to point out that the history of female hardcore is much less clear-defined than some people think.

So, let us rewrite Hardcore history!

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Off-Lists: Hardcore Techno tracks to send you to the hospital

We're starting a new feature: "Off-lists"
With these "Off-Lists" we will focus on themes and motifs that are more out-there, abstract, off-the-center. Exploring aspects and ideas that are rarely highlighted when people talk, think, or write about Hardcore.

This time we give you: a playlist related to the themes of hospitals, sickness, diseases, surgery and, hopefully, a cure.

So enjoy this Hospital-Core playlist. And remember: A Hardcore track a day keeps the doctor away!

1. Turbulence - The Home For The Sick
2. Sensor - A Sick Mind Is A True Delight
3. Shitspitter - Cut You Up
4. Pressure Head - The Surgeon General
5. The Undertaker - Flatliner


6. Atari Teenage Riot - Sick To Death
7. Nordcore GMBH - Operation Nordcore
8. Dr. Pravda - Krankenhouse
9. Mokum - Ziekehouse
10. Patric Catani - Started To Get Infected


11. Metic - Train Damage (Elektrik Convulsive Treatment EP)
12. Alec Empire - Silver Pills
13. Pill-Driver - Pitch-Hiker
14. Fear Factory & Mokum - Manic Cure
15. Current 909 - Hospitalism



16. E-De Cologne - Nurses Hostel
17. Alec Empire - Heartbeat That Is Not There
18. BSE - Hard Attack
19. D&F - Hard Attack
20. Stickhead - Blood Addict


21. Dr. Mindfuck - Beine
22. Speedfreak - The Doctor Is Back
23. Doc Gringo - Freedom
24. Somatic Responses - Sickwave
25. Cannibal DJ - Skulldrill


26. Waxweazle - Brainscan
27. Waxweazle - Blood in, Blood Out
28. Neuroviolence - Surfing On A Sea Of Blood
29. Program 1 - World's Famous MF (Fractured Skull Edit)

Also check these off-lists:

Hardcore for Scorpios
Hardcore Techno for Foodies

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Opinion: Do we need more narrative movies that feature Gabbers?

Note: this is the personal opinion of the author, and not necessarily a viewpoint that is endorsed by The Hardcore Overdogs.

So.
The movie "Hardcore Never Dies" is out now.


The first feedback is coming in.
And I find it interesting that a lot of people go the way of:

"It's not what you expect, it's a more like a crime movie that happens to have Gabbers as the characters. I would rather watch a 'real' Gabber movie."

While for me it's the opposite. If you want real Gabbers, go to the documentaries (there are plenty of them).
I think this movie here opens some very new and different possibilities instead.
Imagine that more movies from different genres  would be made that feature Gabber characters!

A James Bond movie with a villain who likes Euromasters and D.O.A.


A romantic comedy where an upper class Julia Roberts-type character falls in love with a working class Gabber dude from Amsterdam.
A gang war movie where one of the rival groups is a Gabber gang.
A heist movie where the main guy unlocks the safe to the sound of "We have arrived" on his ear-pods.
The possibilities are endless.

Okay, you might say some of these seem over-the-top. But this is only because Gabber is such a shunned genre!

For example, the Raggacore (does this genre still exist?) and Breakcore crowd have their 'big' movies with Rastafarian villains, which they already idolized decades ago.


Movies in which punks play an important role are plenty as well (Driller Killer...).
In one of these well-known crime investigations shows on TV, the forensic specialist was a Goth girl (forgot the name...).
David Lynch always features various iterations of Rockabilly heroes / villains in his media.
Stranger Things had Heavy Metal (and post-punk) characters.


There are many narrative movies in which Skinheads play an important part (such as the really nasty ones in the really good movie called "Hanna").
It's not far to go to Gabbers from there.

So yeah.
We need more Gabber movies :-)

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Biochip C. releases 11 volumes strong Archives Collection



Biochip C. aka Martin Damm (aka Speedfreak, Napalm, Shapeshifter, DJ Fistfuck, and many, many more akas...) just released a killer collection of some of his "older" material.

Huge in scope and huge in sound - eleven full length volumes in total, with 119 tracks!

But, as he wrote a very good description of these himself, we will be "lazy" for once, and share what he has to say about them:

"All tracks in the Biochip C. Archives Collection (11 Volumes, 119 tracks) were produced between 1992 and 1998 (some very few are from the early 2000s) and are taken from the original master tapes they were recorded on back then.

In 2023 they have been remastered for this Archives Collection.

The tracks have been previously released on various vinyls and/or compilations under various side-projects of Biochip C. and have been recompiled here to create homogenous bundles.

You might know some of these tracks by different names, because for the final releases some of the tracks had been renamed. In this Archives Collection all tracks are taken from the original master Digital Audio Tapes, so they are featured here with their working titles."


The 11 volumes are all dedicated to a respective theme or style. And these are as follows:

Biochip C. Archives 01: Acid: Sweet  - "Acid: Sweet is a bundle of melodic acid-tracks"
Biochip C. Archives 02: Acid: Salty Part1 - "Acid: Salty is a bundle of acid-tracks that are suitable for clubs and dancefloors
Biochip C. Archives 03: Acid: Salty Part2
Biochip C. Archives 04: Acid: Sour - "Acid: Sour is a bundle of purist underground acid-tracks"
Biochip C. Archives 05: Acid: Bitter - "Acid: Bitter is a bundle of hard acid-tracks and Acidcore"
Biochip C. Archives 06: Acid: Umami - "Acid: Umami is a bundle of experimental underground acid-tracks"
Biochip C. Archives 07: Electro 1 - Electro-type and Experimental tracks.
Biochip C. Archives 08: Electro 2
Biochip C. Archives 09: Industrial 1 - Industrial, Hardcore, and harsh Experimental tracks.
Biochip C. Archives 10: Industrial 2
Biochip C. Archives 11: Industrial 3

Head over to https://refusion.bandcamp.com/ to check this awesome release!

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Doomcore feature about the Extinction parties in Vienna on the WiseUp! radio show

Ausgefinkelt / Extinction is a party series in Vienna, and WiseUp! radio did a feature on them, including an interview and very tasty sounds.
The menu of the night is Doomcore, but... check for yourself!

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Introducing the 90s Hardcore Techno Tribute Mix Database

(TL;DR) A list of tribute DJ mixes about 90s hardcore techno artists, labels, and more.
Usually focusing on the more underground, lesser known stuff. Click here for more information.

Styles and Sub-styles:

Beat my brains out:

Tribute To Early German Speedcore Mix
Brachialcore Mix (90s Terror & Speedcore)
90s Extreme Hardcore And Speedcore
Hakke Mix
Tribute To Early French Hardcore Mix
More 90s Extreme Hardcore And Speedcore
90s Speedcore Mix
Roots Of Industrial Hardcore And Terror Mix
Tribute Mix To Very Noizy 90s Hardcore
Tribute Mix To 90s Japanese Hardcore


Experimental shit:


Doomed cities:

Tribute To Early Doomcore Mix
Tribute To Early Doomcore Mix Part 2
Tribute To Early Doomcore Mix Part 3
Doomcore Showcase Mix for GHz

Breakcore:

The Naughty Side of Breakcore (NSFW - must be 18 or over to click on it!)

Tracker stuff:


Hardcore-adjecant styles:

Erotic Techno and Gabber (NSFW - must be 18 or over to click on it!)

Labels:
Tribute To Fischkopf Hamburg Mix
Tribute To Fischkopf Hamburg Mix Part 2
Tribute To Fischkopf Mix Part 3
Tribute To Fischkopf Mix Part 4
The Experimental Side of PCP
Tribute To Zero Tolerance Records London Mix
Tribute To Blut Records Mix
Tribute To Cold Rush Records Mix
Tribute To Praxis Records Mix Part 1: Early Tracks
Tribute To Digital Hardcore Recordings Mix
Tribute To Kotzaak Unltd. Mix
Tribute to Things To Come Records Mix
Tribute to Cross Fade Enter Tainment Mix
Future World Tribute Mix
Mix Never Seen - Tribute To Sounds Never Seen
Hangars Liquides Tribute Mix
Tribute To The Audio / Visual Irritant Mix
PCP Rare Gems Mix
Tribute To Bloody Fist Mix
Tribute To War Records Mix
Tribute To Cavage Mix
Tribute To Narcotic Network Recordings
Tribute Mix To Countdown FFM
Tribute Mix To Dance Ecstasy 2001 - Part 1
Tribute Mix To Super Special Corp.
Tribute Mix To Gangstar Toons Industry
Tribute Mix To Anticore Records
Tribute Mix To Mono Tone
Tribute Mix To Spite
Tribute Mix To K-Ni-Bal Records
Tribute To DHR Limited Mix
Tribute Mix To Underground Futuristic Organisation
Tribute To Tranceform Records Mix
Tribute To Industrial Strength Classic Terror Set
Tribute Mix To UHF Records
PCP Labels Tribute Mix
Tribute To Speedcore Records Mix
Cluck Records Minimix
Grand Mal Minimix
Skullduggery Records Mix
Voodoo Vinyl Minimix
Psykopunk Minimix
Red Level Records Minimix

Artists:

Tribute To Somatic Responses Mix
Tribute To FFM Shadow Orchestra Mix
Tribute To Taciturne Mix
Tribute To Taciturne Mix Part 2 - Gone Hardcore!
Tribute To Christoph De Babalon Mix
Tribute To The Mover Mix
Tribute To Ec8or Mix
Tribute To Miro Mix
Tribute To Mouse And No Name Mix
Tribute To 303 Nation Mix
Tribute To Alec Empire - Obscure Edition
Tribute To Oliver Chesler Mix
Tribute To Eradicator And Test Tube Kid Mix
Tribute To The Berzerker Mix
Tribute Mix To Rage Reset & Static Tremor
Tribute To Ilsa Gold Mix
Tribute To Disciples Of Belial Mix
Tribute To Neuroviolence And Lorenz Attractor Mix
Tribute To Pressurehead And UK Skullfuck Mix
Tribute To E-De-Cologne Mix
Tribute To Nasenbluten Mix
Tribute to Smash and Tschabos and Friends Mix
Tribute To Alec Empire (Ambient Version)
Tribute To Senical Mix
Tribute To Sonic Subjunkies Mix
Tribute To Black Blood And Steven Sick Mix
Tribute To Patric Catani Mix (Early Works)
Tribute To Amiga Shock Force Mix
Tribute To Dr. Macabre Mix
Tribute To Zekt Mix
Tribute To Early Somatic Responses
Tribute To Skullblower Mix
Tribute To Aphex Twin Mix
Tribute To Unit Moebius Mix Part 1 - Early Works
Tribute Mix To Noize Creator
Tribute To Early Somatic Responses Part II
Tribute To Brandon Spivey & Richie Anderson Mix
Tribute To Phil Klein aka Bass Junkie Mix

Places:


Dates:

1994 / 1995 In Hardcore (Mix)
1996 In Hardcore (Mix)
1997 in Hardcore (Mix)
1998 In Hardcore (Mix)
1999 In Hardcore (Mix)
1994 and 1995 In Hardcore Part 2 (Mix)
1996 In Hardcore Part 2 (Mix)
1997 In Hardcore Mix - Part 2

Themes:


Misc


(Whole background information to this database)

While the 90s era of Hardcore Techno seemed to be heavily ignored during the "Millennium phase", in recent years there has been growing interest in this very special period of Hardcore History again.
Amongst other things, this shows in the increasing number of "Tribute Mixes" that are being made regarding artists, labels, styles, and even themes of this unforgettable era.

Thus I had the idea to build a kind of database for these types of mixes.
So here it is.

A list of tribute DJ mixes about 90s hardcore techno artists, labels, and more.
Usually focusing on the more underground, lesser known stuff.

The body of the Hardcore scene has already done a lot of changing.
But that’s only the beginning.
The beginning of the new flesh.
To become the new flesh you have to embrace the old flesh.

Long live the new flesh!

So far these are mostly my own mixes (simply because I could look them up easily, but not those of others).

Help me build this database - if you want to submit a mix for the list, contact me at: low.entropy.80@gmail.com subject "Hardcore Mix Database".

Eligible are all mixes that focus on 90s Hardcore and related styles (like Doomcore, Acidcore, Speedcore, Breakcore, even Techno).
The vast majority of the tracks used in the mix should be from the 90s (obviously).
It's okay if other styles (and eras) of music are used in a special way; like, say, using a classical composition as the intro, using a rap song in a break, or going out with a Noize track - whatever.
It can also be okay if you mix 90s Hardcore and genres related to it.
After all, there is no clear defined "border" between Techno, Acid, other music from the 90s, and the earliest Hardcore releases; these scenes bled into each other, and this music was often played at the same parties, and in the same sets.

If there is one or two Hardcore tracks from a date after the 90s in the mix, and they are used in a way that can be explained, this can be okay, too - in some rare cases. For example, closing the mix with a newer remix of a classic 90s track. 
But it is preferable if there is not, and that you use only Hardcore tracks from the 90s era.
Because there are many mixes around now that try to blend 90s and post-2000 hardcore in one way or the other. While these mixes may have merits in their own way, the focus should be especially on the 90s decade here - so these mixes would fit better to some other place.

If you have more questions, or want to contact me for any other reason: low.entropy.80@gmail.com

But for now: Check the list!

(courtesy of Low Entropy)

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

The Legend of the Zombie Rave (Video Version)


A Hardcore Techno Horror Story written by an AI (The Legend of the Zombie Rave)

Now as an animated video, too!

The text was entirely written by ChatGPT ( https://chat.openai.com/ )
The accompanying images used for the animation were generated by Leonardo.Ai ( https://app.leonardo.ai/ ).
The introduction was also written by ChatGPT ;-)

Concept & Execution: Low Entropy ( https://lowentropyproducer.blogspot.com/ )

Supported by The Hardcore Overdogs & lAibyrinth

https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/
https://laibyrinth.blogspot.com/

Non-animated version: https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-legend-of-zombie-rave-doomcore.html

Note: we deliberately added visual inconsistencies in the depiction of the warehouse, the characters, and so on. This is in reference to the "haunted" aspects of the story, and you will see that these inconsistencies get worse as the narrative becomes more otherworldly.

"Dive into the darkness of underground hardcore techno with 'The Legend of the Zombie Rave.' This Halloween, the music takes on a supernatural twist, blurring the lines between the living and the dead. Join us for a journey that combines eerie rituals, supernatural forces, and the indomitable spirit of the underground. It's a tale of music, horror, and the thrill of the unknown. Dance to the rhythm of your own heartbeat in this special Halloween short story of 'The Hardcore Overdogs.'"

#hardcore #techno #doomcore #slowcore #ai #chatgpt #artificialintelligence #horror #story #animation

Monday, October 30, 2023

The Legend of the Zombie Rave - A Doomcore Techno Horror Story written by an AI

Dive into the darkness of underground hardcore techno with "The Legend of the Zombie Rave." This Halloween, the music takes on a supernatural twist, blurring the lines between the living and the dead. Join us for a journey that combines eerie rituals, supernatural forces, and the indomitable spirit of the underground. It's a tale of music, horror, and the thrill of the unknown. Dance to the rhythm of your own heartbeat in this special Halloween short story of "The Hardcore Overdogs."

Credits:
The text was entirely written by ChatGPT ( https://chat.openai.com/ )
The accompanying images were generated using Leonardo.Ai ( https://app.leonardo.ai/ ).
The introduction was also written by ChatGPT ;-)


The Legend of the Zombie Rave

Part 1: Warehouse of Shadows

The moon hung low in the cloudy night sky, casting an eerie pallor over the desolate industrial district. Among the decaying factories and forgotten buildings, an abandoned warehouse stood like a relic of a bygone era, its windows shattered and walls marred with graffiti. Inside, it had once been a hub of productivity, but now it lay in desolation.


The air was thick with the scent of dampness and neglect as a group of hardcore techno enthusiasts gathered at the entrance. Among them was Max, a lanky figure with wild hair and a penchant for seeking out the most obscure locations for their parties. He was the event organizer, the man responsible for turning the forsaken warehouse into a haven for Halloween revelers.

As the attendees arrived, a motley crew of ravers, goths, and techno devotees, they marveled at the transformation of the space. Blacklights illuminated fluorescent graffiti, casting neon shadows that danced to the rhythm of the music. The DJ booth, stationed on an elevated platform at the center, was an altar dedicated to doomcore, a genre known for its heavy, relentless beats and dark, hypnotic melodies.


The anticipation grew palpable as the DJ, known as "Voidbreaker," emerged from the shadows, his face obscured by a mask adorned with sinister symbols. He cranked up the music, a fusion of eerie melodies and thundering basslines that seemed to resonate with the very soul of the warehouse.

As the first track reverberated through the broken windows and graffiti-covered walls, a strange and undeniable energy coursed through the crowd. The attendees felt an exhilaration that was unlike any other party they had attended. The music was not just in the background; it was an electrifying force that enveloped them.

Little did they know that this Halloween rave would become something more than just a party. It would become a night they would never forget, a night that would challenge their perception of reality and blur the line between the living and the dead.

Part 2: Doomed Dancefloor

As the music pulsated through the abandoned warehouse, the crowd found themselves caught in a trance-like state. They moved to the rhythm with a devotion that was almost hypnotic. The doomcore beats seemed to reach deep into their souls, tapping into an otherworldly energy.


In the dimly lit corners of the warehouse, a few attendees exchanged bewildered glances. The eerie atmosphere was heightened as they noticed strange occurrences. Flickering lights cast eerie, irregular shadows on the walls. Cold drafts whispered through the broken windows, chilling the dancers to the bone.

Max, the event organizer, surveyed the scene. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. People around him danced with a fervor that bordered on obsession. Their eyes had a glassy, distant look as if they were possessed by the very music.


At the DJ booth, Voidbreaker, the enigmatic figure behind the mask, continued to spin tracks that held the crowd in an unrelenting grip. The melodies seemed to reverberate with an uncanny power, evoking emotions they had never experienced before.

In one corner, a couple locked in a passionate embrace suddenly broke apart, their faces twisted in a mixture of fear and ecstasy. They stared at each other with hollow, vacant eyes. It was as if the music had stolen their souls, leaving only empty shells behind.


More partygoers exhibited bizarre behavior. Some started to move in slow, exaggerated motions, as if trapped in a dream. Others became lost in their own minds, mouthing words that no one else could hear.

Max's unease grew, and he decided to approach Voidbreaker, who was lost in his own world behind the decks. He tapped the DJ on the shoulder, but Voidbreaker simply turned his head slightly and continued to manipulate the music.

"Hey, something's not right," Max shouted over the pounding beats. "We need to stop the music."

Voidbreaker's mask concealed any reaction, but he did nothing to acknowledge Max's concern. The DJ's hands moved methodically, cueing up the next track, and the music grew even more intense.


The partygoers seemed oblivious to Max's alarm, lost in a world where the lines between reality and illusion blurred. Max knew he had to make a decision, one that would either save them from whatever the music was doing to them or plunge them deeper into the enigmatic trance.

Part 3: The Book of Secrets

Max's heart raced as he watched the partygoers succumb to the mesmerizing power of the doomcore music. It was as though they were trapped in a surreal dimension, and the music was their only guide.

Max knew he had to take action. He approached the DJ booth once more, this time more insistent. "Voidbreaker, we need to stop this! Something's happening to the people here. Look at them!"

Voidbreaker finally acknowledged him, turning his masked face slightly. With a distorted, echoing voice, he responded, "This is the power of the music, Max. It's what we've all been searching for."

Max couldn't understand Voidbreaker's cryptic words. He knew that hardcore techno was all about pushing boundaries, but this was different. This was beyond the usual euphoria of the scene.


Determined to get to the bottom of this, Max began to move through the crowd, trying to get the attention of some of the partygoers. He tapped one on the shoulder and asked, "Are you okay?"

The young woman turned to him, her eyes vacant and her movements slow. She whispered, almost trance-like, "The music... it's inside me. I'm one with the beats."

Max's concern deepened. He had to find answers. He reached out to a group of ravers huddled together. "Do you guys know what's happening? This isn't normal!"

One of them, a guy with a glow stick necklace, looked at Max with a strange smile. "This is the most intense party ever, man. We're part of something bigger."


As Max continued to investigate, he noticed an old, weathered book on a nearby crate. It was bound in cracked leather and seemed out of place amidst the neon colors and graffiti. He picked it up and dusted it off, revealing strange symbols and esoteric writings on its pages.

The book felt cold to the touch, and Max's fingers tingled as he opened it. The pages contained incantations, drawings of eerie rituals, and references to the supernatural. It was a book of occult knowledge, and it had a chapter that discussed the merging of music, the spirit world, and human consciousness.


The pieces of the puzzle were starting to fall into place. Max realized that the music, combined with the warehouse's history and the occult knowledge, had awakened something otherworldly. The partygoers were not just dancing; they were conduits for an ancient energy.

As Max pondered his next move, the music in the warehouse reached a crescendo. The walls seemed to vibrate, and the temperature dropped. It was clear that they were now in the eye of a musical storm, and they had to decide whether to confront the supernatural forces head-on or find a way to escape.


Part 4: Counterpoint of Chaos

Max stood in the heart of the warehouse, the ancient occult book still clutched in his hand. The music had reached a relentless crescendo, the beats pounding in time with the rapid rhythm of his heart. He was now certain that they were caught in a powerful and supernatural force that was spiraling out of control.

Voidbreaker, still ensconced in the DJ booth, had an unsettling air of calm about him. He manipulated the music as if he were conducting a dark symphony, his masked face an enigma.

Max turned to the remaining partygoers, his voice rising above the sonic storm. "We have to stop the music. We have to break this trance!" He held up the occult book as if it held the answers.

The ravers who could still focus their attention on him regarded him with vacant expressions. They seemed oblivious to the chaos that was unfolding around them. Max felt an overwhelming sense of isolation. He knew he couldn't do this alone.


As the music intensified, the warehouse itself seemed to respond. Shadows moved in unnatural ways, and a ghostly fog began to seep from the cracked concrete floor. The walls appeared to ripple, and the temperature continued to plummet.

Max's options were limited. He couldn't unplug the equipment himself, and Voidbreaker showed no signs of relenting. Max realized that there was only one course of action: he needed to disrupt the energy that was feeding the supernatural force.


Ripping out a page from the occult book, he began to read one of the incantations backward. The incantation's syllables merged with the music, forming a dissonant counterpoint. It created a wave of discordant energy that rippled through the crowd.

Some of the trance-like partygoers blinked as if waking from a dream. The vacant expressions in their eyes started to clear, and they looked around in confusion. The music's grip on them weakened, but it fought back, sending shivers through their spines.

Max's voice grew stronger, and he began to lead a chant, encouraging others to join in. Slowly, more of the ravers started to chant, their voices drowning out the music's power.


Voidbreaker, still in the DJ booth, watched in silence. His masked face betrayed no emotion. It was clear that he was the key to ending this. Max's challenge was to reach the man behind the mask and break his connection to the supernatural forces.

With a final burst of determination, Max approached the DJ booth. He shouted to Voidbreaker, "You have to stop this! It's too dangerous!"

Voidbreaker turned to face Max, and his eyes, hidden behind the mask, seemed to pierce through Max's very soul. In that moment, Max understood that the DJ wasn't just playing music; he was a conduit, a vessel for something ancient and powerful.

The music wavered, and Voidbreaker slowly removed the mask, revealing a face that bore the weight of centuries. Max and the ravers held their breath as they gazed upon the true source of the music's supernatural energy.

Part 5: The Legend of the Zombie Rave


Voidbreaker's face was a canvas of ancient wisdom and indescribable sorrow. As the music's intensity ebbed and flowed, the ravers and Max watched in silence, waiting for an explanation.

"You've awakened the spirit of this place," Voidbreaker finally spoke, his voice no longer distorted by the mask. "The energy of centuries has been dormant, waiting for the perfect blend of music and ritual to stir it."

Max's heart sank as he realized the gravity of their situation. "What do we do now?"


The DJ gazed at the abandoned warehouse, the energy pulsating around them. "We have two choices. We can allow this spirit to consume us, becoming one with the music, or we can release it."

A sense of unity enveloped the ravers as they contemplated their options. They had danced to the brink of an extraordinary experience, but it was time to make a collective decision.

With newfound determination, Max and the partygoers decided to release the spirit. Voidbreaker led the way, guiding the group in a chant that reverberated with the frequencies of the music. As their voices reached a crescendo, the ancient energy began to disperse, retreating into the depths of the warehouse.


The temperature rose, and the supernatural fog dissipated. The walls stopped their eerie movements, and the flickering lights steadied. The trance-like state that had gripped the partygoers slowly lifted, leaving them exhausted but free.

Voidbreaker, his role as a vessel for the ancient spirit complete, removed himself from the DJ booth. He nodded to Max and the others, a sense of relief in his eyes. The moment was a profound one, a testament to the power of music, ritual, and the human spirit.

As dawn broke, the ravers and Max left the warehouse, forever changed by their Halloween night experience. They had danced with the spirits of the past and emerged with a newfound appreciation for the boundaries of reality.


The abandoned warehouse, once haunted by the echoes of the past, stood in silence, its secrets buried once more. The "Zombie Rave" had come to a close, leaving behind a tale that would become a legend in the hardcore techno scene.

And so ends "The Legend of the Zombie Rave."

Also check our other Halloween features: