Feature: Proto-Hardcore Tracks from before 1990

Hardcore Techno is a genre that fully emerged in the 90s decade of the 20th century.
But here is a look at some pioneering tracks / songs that already had elements of Hardcore Techno in one way or the other at an earlier date.



Dead Tech - Catalavox (1984)

If there is one true proto-Hardcore track, it's this one! Released in 1984, it has all the components of Hardcore: distorted, hammering drums in a 4 / 4 rhythm, full-on noise, weird sampled / looped vocals, electronic FX, and more. It has a "French" sound to it, alike to some well-known artists from that region in the 90s.
And, let's face it, it could have well been released on a label like Fischkopf (or, as I implied, one of the French labels) and it would have fit right there.
It's still a bit slower than most later Hardcore tracks - but since the 90s there's always been slower Hardcore around, too. So this doesn't invalidate the track either.
Also check Dead Tech's track "Where's God? " for similar attributes! 



Suicide - Frankie Teardrop (Live at the Palladium 1978)

Suicide was a pioneer band in more than one regard. Part of the original New York City punk scene around the CBGB's, they were also very influential in the evolution of Industrial, Electronic music, Indie Rock, and remain a favorite band to be covered by other artists and bands (even including the likes of Bruce Springsteen).
And here they bring us a sheer proto-Speedcore / Hardcore gem! Blasting distorted 4/4 beats at several hundred BPMs, aggressive shouting, synthesized noise, what else do you want? Speedcore in 1978, done at least 15 years before the genre really emerged!
Also very reminiscent of later Digital Hardcore tascks, too, in my opinion.
Some have complained that the beats here lack a bit of bass, compared to 90s Speedcore tracks, but I'm sure this is just because it has been live recorded at a venue, with maybe not the best mics / tech. Those who were originally there in the 70s probably experienced a lot of bass during that gig.



Der Eiserne Vorhang - Hassen (1982)

Released in 1982. A song / track by a project from Austria that was part of the German-language experimental Electronic / Punk scene of the early 80s (a movement later dubiously dubbed "Neue Deutsche Welle" - German New Wave).
This is less similar to 90s Hardcore than the tracks above, but still - hard, reverberated drums, bleeps / basslines, shouts, brutality...
It already shows some core elements, and I sometimes think of it as a "proto-Acidcore" track.



Einstürzende Neubaten - Tanz Debil (1981)

Ah, yeah, Neubauten had to be here, wouldn't they? Probably the first band people think of when "Hardcore music before the 90s" is mentioned, as they had plenty of tracks with parts that fit the genre.
This is one of them. Features very gritty and rough beats in an usual rhythm, that could be considered "proto-Breakcore" maybe, and would still fit in a modern DJ set of that style.



Kraftwerk - Metal On Metal Live (ca. 1981)

Kraftwerk were true Techno pioneers. Metal On Metal is somewhat of an instrumental add-on to their very famous "Trans Europa Express" track, and often played together with the former during live gigs.
It's arguable if this is really "Hardcore", but in my opinion, some proto-Industrial Hardcore sounds can be found here. (And Kraftwerk just has to be included in any text that is somewhat related to the history of Techno).



Suicide - Long Talk (1981)

Suicide again (they were so influential!).
If you question the validity of this entry - I woke up to this song playing on my speakers and thought "What Doomcore set did I put on before going to bed, and what Doomcore track is this?" i.e. I confused it for a real Doomcore track. Turned out it was not a DJ set but the New Wave radio station that I had turned on before falling asleep.
But yeah, somber atmosphere, electronic / sampled 4/4 drums, creepy sounds. It's all here. Proto-Doomcore.
(And don't complain the drum is "too weak"; there are many "newer" Doomcore tracks with thin drums).

Honorable mentions:
Skinny Puppy - Fascist Jock Itch (1989) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1YaP_LNjcs
Gelatinous Citizens - Rhythm of Industry (1987) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU7V30RmESQ
Stephan Eicher - Noise Boys Song (1980) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GbQGlBOBso

Not really "Hardcore" tracks - but they have pretty distorted and aggressive intros that go a bit in that direction.

So that's it for now. Maybe you enjoyed these tracks (I for sure did). I hope these examples show some of the pioneer work that was already done a long time before the sudden eruption of "Hardcore Techno" in the 90s.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you know more proto-Hardcore tracks from before 1990? Let us know!