On the topic of movies, samples, and hardcore techno

One of the distinctive features of hardcore techno is its use of samples from various sources, including movies.

Some of the movies that have been sampled in hardcore techno include:

Hellraiser (1987) has been sampled in several hardcore techno tracks. The film's atmospheric soundscapes, chilling sound effects, and memorable dialogues have made it a popular source of inspiration for hardcore techno producers.

High Energy - The Box

"Full Metal Jacket" (1987): War film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film's lines, particularly the drill sergeant's insults and 'motivational speeches', has been a common source of samples.

Nasenbluten - Cock Sucker

"Taxi Driver" (1976): A psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese The film's haunting soundtrack, composed by Bernard Herrmann, have been a popular among hardcore techno producers. In addition, the film's iconic quotes and dialogue, such as Travis Bickle's "You talkin' to me?" monologue, have also been used in hardcore techno tracks. 

Syndicate - Badman

Blade Runner (1982): The dystopian sci-fi classic has been sampled in several hardcore techno tracks, with its atmospheric soundscapes and dialogue snippets providing a haunting backdrop to the music.

Hardcore Fiends - Oldschool

RoboCop (1987): The futuristic action movie has been sampled, with its robotic sound effects and famous catchphrases being popular choices.

DJ Rob - Rob's 20 Seconds

The Matrix (1999): The Wachowski sisters' groundbreaking sci-fi film has been sampled in several hardcore techno tracks as well, with its high-energy action sequences and distinguished one-liners supplying inspiration for the music.

Armageddon Project - Through Misery and Suffering

They Live (1988): The cult classic sci-fi horror film has been sampled in hardcore techno tracks, with its subversive themes and thrilling script delivering a unique source of samples for tracks.

Traffik - They Live

A Clockwork Orange (1971): Stanley Kubrick's dystopian masterpiece has been sampled in several tracks, with its disturbing imagery and iconic music giving a haunting backdrop to the music.

DOA - Unleash The Brutality

Natural Born Killers (1994): Oliver Stone's controversial crime film has been sampled in hardcore, with its frenetic editing and eclectic soundtrack inspiring the music.

DJ Freak & The Porridge Gun - Natural Born Killers

The Shining (1980): Stanley Kubrick's horror classic has been utilized, too, with its eerie soundscapes and remarkable dialogue contributing a chilling addition to tracks.

Hocus Pocus - Here's Johnny

Fight Club (1999): David Fincher's cult classic has been sampled, with its radical topics and unforgettable speeches inspiring the music.

Ophidian - The Middle Children

"Star Wars" (1977): the epic space opera film created by George Lucas. Sample sources include the movie's celebrated soundtrack as well.

Bazooka - Evil Empire

Movies have been a rich source of inspiration for hardcore techno artists, with a wide range of films from different genres and eras being sampled in their music. The use of samples from movies has helped to create a idiosyncratic and peculiar sound for the genre, and has allowed artists to express their creativity in new and exciting ways.

Did you like our choices? Do you know more movies like this? Let us know!

On the different Fischkopf logos

These are the 4 different Fischkopf logos that were regularly used on the label's releases (i.e. it's the record jacket artwork).

There were some exceptions: the two double vinyl releases (Agit Prop LP, and the Otaku compilation) had their own art.
The first few releases seem to have had different "art" / jackets (sometimes just a sticker with artwork / info put on the jacket, instead of full art printed jackets).
The 4th art with the "indigenous man running" seems to have been common on releases starting with Fisch 19, replacing the others.

When I was a teen and started buying Fischkopf records, I had some wild theories on the different covers, such as logo 1 is for regular releases, logo 2 for acid/acidcore, and type 3 for jungle / breakcore releases - because the p. server (acidcore) release used type 2 and the monoloop (jungle) 3 - and it also made sense to me that 2 meant to portray a fish eaten up by acid (yeah, I had a vivid imagination) - and all the others used type 1.

But I later discovered this was not the case. As at the Container Records Store (the Fischkopf homebase), there was no pattern with the covers used (except what I mentioned above about the releases from Fisch 19). Sometimes a record was sold in jacket type 1, and then a different copy of the same release in jacket 2, and so on.
My guess is they just had printed various amounts of the different jackets, and used them as they saw fit and as they were available, putting the copies of a record sometimes in this, sometimes in that jacket, even none Fisch ones.

For example, when I finally managed to find a copy of Fisch 1 at the store, years after the record was officially released, it was just put inside a plain yellow colored jacket - but that might have not been how the release looked originally.

So, that's some info on the various Fischkopf logos.
There are also some other Fischkopf logo artworks, such as the "severed head" one (above) that is often found on the internet.

Which one is your favorite? Let us know.

Hardcore Poetry

Are you ready for a poem about Hardcore? No?
Well, here we go anyway! And we tried our best!

The Hardcore Techno Rhythm

Beneath the flashing lights and pounding beats,

The rhythm of the night begins to speak.

A pulse that drives the bodies to and fro,

As the music rises, higher, higher it goes.




The hardcore techno, a force to be reckoned with,

A sonic assault on the senses, unrelenting and swift.

A melody that echoes through the halls,

As the DJ's hands work the decks, the music calls.




The bassline throbs, a heartbeat of the night,

As the crowd moves as one, in the strobe light.

The energy builds, a crescendo of sound,

As the hardcore techno takes us all around.




We lose ourselves in the music's embrace,

As the beat becomes our guide, our space.

A world of pure ecstasy, where we can be free,

To dance to the hardcore techno, endlessly.




So let the music take control,

As we surrender to its rhythmic hold.

The hardcore techno, a force to be reckoned with,

A sonic journey that will never quit.





The machines hum and whir,

As the techno beats begin to stir.

A symphony of electronic sound,

That echoes through the underground.




The bassline kicks in, deep and strong,

As the crowd moves to its pulsing throng.

The music builds, layer upon layer,

As the DJ takes us higher and higher.




The synths come alive, like sparks of light,

As the techno grips us, with all its might.

A world of pure energy, where we can be free,

To lose ourselves in the ecstasy.




The beats never falter, never slow,

As we surrender to the techno's flow.

A rhythm that ignites the night,

As we dance until the morning light.




So let the techno take you away,

To a place where nothing else can stay.

The machines hum and whir,

As the techno beats begin to stir.




The bassline throbs, a heartbeat of the night,

As we enter the room, bathed in neon light.

The energy in the air, electric and wild,

As the hardcore techno takes control of our minds.




The beats are unrelenting, pounding and strong,

As we move to the rhythm, all night long.

The crowd is a sea of bodies, swaying as one,

As the DJ takes us on a journey, never done.




The lights flicker and flash, like lightning in the dark,

As the hardcore techno ignites a fire in our hearts.

The music builds, the tension grows,

As the drops hit, our souls explode.




We lose ourselves in the music's embrace,

As the techno takes us to another place.

A world of pure ecstasy, where we can be free,

To dance to the hardcore techno, endlessly.




The hours blur together, time no longer exists,

As we surrender to the music's hypnotic twists.

The hardcore techno, a force to be reckoned with,

A sonic journey that will never quit.




And when the party ends, we're left feeling alive,

As the hardcore techno, through us, continues to thrive.

The bassline still throbs, a reminder of the night,

As we exit the room, bathed in neon light.




In the heart of the city, there's a world unseen,

Where the hardcore techno scene comes alive and gleams.

A pulsing beat that's heard from miles away,

As the music takes us on a journey, night and day.




The DJs are masters of their craft,

As they work the decks, their hands a dance.

The crowd moves as one, in a hypnotic trance,

As the hardcore techno, takes us in a trance.




The bassline thunders, a force to be reckoned with,

As the music builds, the energy never quits.

The synths come alive, like sparks in the dark,

As the techno grips us, with all its heart.




The scene is a place of pure energy,

Where we can be free, where we can be we.

A world of pulsing beats and flashing lights,

Where the hardcore techno, takes us to new heights.




It's a culture that's misunderstood, by some,

But for us, it's a way of life, never done.

A place where we come together, as a family,

Bound by the music's power, in harmony.




So here's to the hardcore techno scene,

Where the beat goes on, never serene.

A place where we can lose ourselves,

In the music's embrace, on the dance floor, never elsewhere.




As I plug in my headphones, the world fades away,

And the hardcore techno takes over, without delay.

The bassline thunders, deep and strong,

As the beats carry me along.




The synths come alive, like a symphony of sound,

As the music takes me to another world, profound.

A world of pure energy, where I can be free,

To lose myself in the ecstasy.




The hardcore techno, a force to be reckoned with,

A sonic journey, that will never quit.

The beats are unrelenting, pounding and fast,

As the music takes me on a journey, that will last.




I feel the music, deep in my soul,

As I surrender to its hypnotic hold.

A rhythm that ignites my mind,

As I dance, to the music's bind.




The hours fly by, like sparks in the dark,

As I lose myself, in the music's spark.

The hardcore techno, a way of life,

A force that fuels my heart, never to be deprived.




And when the music ends, and the world comes back,

I'm left feeling alive, with no time to lack.

The hardcore techno, a passion that never fades,

A sonic journey, that will always be my aid.




In the darkness, they come alive,

The hardcore techno ravers, ready to thrive.

A world of pulsing beats and flashing lights,

Where the music takes them to new heights.




They come from all walks of life,

Bound together, by the music's might.

A community of passion, and of sound,

Where the hardcore techno, can always be found.




They move as one, in a hypnotic trance,

As the DJ works the decks, with a masterful dance.

The bassline thunders, like a heartbeat in the night,

As the music ignites their souls, with all its might.




The ravers are a force to be reckoned with,

As they surrender to the music's hypnotic grip.

A place where they can lose themselves,

In the hardcore techno, and all that it delves.




They dance until the morning light,

With no end in sight, no need for respite.

The hardcore techno, a passion never to be denied,

A sonic journey, that will always be their guide.




So here's to the hardcore techno ravers,

The ones who dance, with all their fervor.

A community of passion, and of sound,

Where the music never stops, and the beats abound.

1997 in hardcore

A survey showed that out of the period of the 1990s, a lot of people agreed that 1997 was the best year of Hardcore. Why was this that way? I think one of the main reasons was that it was one of the last years where there was still a coherent single Hardcore scene - people who listened to Digital Hardcore just as Speedcore, Acidcore and Gabber and so on, and these "varied" sounds were still played on one floor or at one party night. Later Hardcore broke up in so many small scenes of its own. But apart of that, 1997 was defined by the many outstanding and classic releases of that year - from Doomtechno to Breakcore and faster stuff. Were you there in 1997?

Here are 10 examples of hardcore tracks from the year 1997

Erase Head - Dome

Reign - Hall (Huge Mix)

Somatic Responses - Sickwave

Kotzaak Klan - Thrashed

Auto-Psy - Go Out

Frozen - Soul Saver

Taciturne - Praxis Dr. Fischer

Fields of Defacement - Bang Bang

Amiga Shock Force - 24h connection

E-man - XTC Express (Higher Level Mix)

Political aspects of hardcore techno

Introduction

Hardcore techno is a subgenre of electronic music that originated in Europe in the late 1980s. The genre is characterized by its fast, aggressive beats, distorted basslines, and frenzied synth melodies. Hardcore techno has a large following in many parts of the world and has been the subject of numerous discussions regarding its political aspects. This post aims to explore the political dimensions of hardcore techno by examining its history, cultural context, and the ways in which it has been used as a tool for resistance and social commentary.

Ingler - Riot

History of Hardcore Techno

Hardcore techno emerged in Europe in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was a reaction to the more mainstream forms of electronic music that were popular at the time, such as house and techno. Hardcore techno was characterized by its faster tempo, harder beats, and distorted soundscapes. The genre was heavily influenced by the industrial and punk scenes, and many of its early practitioners were former punks or industrial musicians.

Ec8or - We Are Pissed

In the early days of hardcore techno, the music was often associated with rave culture. Raves were large, all-night dance parties that were held in warehouses, fields, and other unconventional spaces. Raves were often seen as a form of rebellion against mainstream culture, and the music played at these events reflected this. Hardcore techno was often played at raves, and its fast, aggressive sound became synonymous with the rave scene.

As hardcore techno grew in popularity, it began to develop its own subgenres. One of the most notable of these subgenres was gabber, which emerged in the Netherlands in the early 1990s. Gabber was characterized by its extremely fast beats and aggressive sound, and it became one of the most popular forms of hardcore techno in Europe.

Party Animals - Die Nazi Scum

Cultural Context

The cultural context in which hardcore techno emerged was one of social and political upheaval. The late 1980s and early 1990s were a time of economic recession, rising unemployment, and social unrest in many parts of Europe. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War also had a profound impact on European society, leading to a sense of uncertainty and upheaval.

Against this backdrop of social and political upheaval, hardcore techno emerged as a form of resistance. The music was often associated with a rejection of mainstream culture and a desire for individual freedom. Hardcore techno was also associated with anti-authoritarianism and a rejection of traditional power structures.

Many of the early practitioners of hardcore techno were politically active and involved in anarchist, socialist, or other left-wing movements. The music was often used as a tool for political activism, with many DJs using their platforms to promote political causes and social justice issues.

Metatron - Men Who Hate The Law

Resistance and Social Commentary

Hardcore techno has been used as a tool for resistance and social commentary in many different contexts. In Europe, the genre has often been associated with anti-fascist activism. Many hardcore techno DJs and fans have been involved in anti-fascist movements, and the music has been used as a way to promote anti-racism, anti-fascism, and other progressive causes.

Chosen Few - Chosen Anthem (Against Racism)

Hardcore techno has also been used as a tool for resistance in other parts of the world. In the United States, for example, the genre has been associated with the underground dance scene and with countercultural movements such as Burning Man. The music has been used as a way to express resistance to mainstream culture and to promote individual freedom.

Hardcore techno has also been used as a way to comment on social and political issues. Many hardcore techno songs contain political lyrics, and the music has been used as a way to express frustration with political systems and to call for change.

In addition to political activism and social commentary, hardcore techno has also been used as a form of catharsis. The music's fast, aggressive sound and intense rhythms can be cathartic for listeners, allowing them to release pent-up emotions and frustrations. This can be seen as a form of resistance to the stresses and pressures of everyday life.

Static Tremor - Resistance

Summary

To summarize, hardcore techno has a rich and complex history that is deeply intertwined with social and political issues. The genre emerged as a reaction to mainstream culture and was heavily influenced by the industrial and punk scenes. Hardcore techno has been associated with resistance, social commentary, and political activism, and it has been used as a tool for promoting progressive causes such as anti-fascism and anti-racism.

Agro - Bullen Raus

Despite its often aggressive and confrontational sound, hardcore techno has a passionate and dedicated following around the world. The genre continues to evolve and develop, and it remains a powerful force for resistance and social commentary. As society continues to grapple with issues such as inequality, political unrest, and environmental degradation, hardcore techno is likely to remain an important tool for those seeking to promote social justice and political change.

S37 - Streetfight

Proto / Early Doomcore rarities

Doomcore as a style came into existence in the 1990s decade. Proto / Early Doomcore is still an interesting field to explore.

While everyone knows the output of The Mover, Miro, Dr. Macabre, The Horrorist, etc., here is a look at some tracks on the rarer and more obscure side of things. These tracks helped to shape the Doomcore genre in the 90s and / or were simply magnificent.

Some of our picks are still deeply rooted in the Techno / Rave era and just bubbling over into darker territories a bit, while others take an experimental and / or very unusual approach to the Doomcore sound (or Dark Hardcore in general). But, either way, they are not to be missed.

These are tracks that you could drop in a modern Doomcore set and it would sound fresh all the same.

But for now, go ahead and gaze into the dark abyss that is the history of Doomcore, and don't be shocked when this abyss gazes back at you.

Aftermath - The Aftermath

Very fine track by US Hardcore pioneer DJ Repete. Has all elements of the Doomcore formula already, distorted, nasty 909 drums, frantic percussion and dark, brooding, sweeping saw-tooth pads.
This track was cained a lot by PCP's Miro at Hardcore parties (and other DJs, of course!)

Current 909 - The Lockdown

The classic "Ghosts of the civil dead" sample. Don't we love it?
A very unique sound. Reverberated drums, graveyard melody, weird and disturbing noises.
Most people know this track from being the into to Manu Le Malin's second chapter of the "Biomechanik" series".
The Central Industrial prison is now under permanent lock-down!

Sonic Subjunkies - Confusion

Yes, Early Breakcore heroes Sonic Subjunkies actually made a Doomcore smasher, too!
Great use of the two-tone choir pad melody concept. Effective drums, and a nice addition of Acid squealing, as well as the Subjunkies' affection for anime samples.
But... "this chapter is finished".

Radioactive Goldfish - Pink Potassium

A track to die for. Yes, this is very Techno, almost House-y, but the pads that come in are just scary, disturbing. A true Horror Techno exposition.
In his acid house at R'lyeh, dead Cthulhu waits dreaming.

Robert Armani - Hit Hard

This early track by Robert Armani hits hard, indeed. 909 pounding, rave signals - and a dark, mystic, almost oriental melody, adding a Doom touch to this classic track.

Fuse - Substance abuse

Could've be mistaken for a "regular" early techno, acid affair... but then some dark, strange chanting comes in, almost like a bunch of nuns trying to summon the devil... so this is a very somber affair here, indeed.

X-101 - Rave new world

X-101 is the master of harder Detroit Techno productions (remember Sonic Destroyer?), and this track incorporates very dark synths, as well.

Pascal - The Future Is Ours

Zombie Rave at its best. Ecstatic, dark, punishing, relentless. Definitely from the huge space rave arena period. Definitely twisted. Something to fuel the doomed dancefloor, indeed.

Lorenz Attractor - Complexity Crisis

Very PCP-influenced. But also reminiscent of Aphex Twin in a way.
Great Techno-Doomcore track. Wait until the melody truly unfolds in the second act.
Lorenz Attractor also gained notoriety for his Disciples of Belial project.

Cybermouse - My Dorectives

Droney Dark Techno. I just love this track. Very unusual sounds, and the brooding bass line really adds to it.

Proto / Early Doomcore is still on!

Do you know more examples of tracks like this? Let us know!

Review: Nkisi - Initiation

Nkisi started releasing music in 2014 and quickly became known for her tracks which combined hard-hitting, dancefloor pumping beats with dark and introspective moods, sounds, feelings.
Later output by her was more following along lines of experimental Techno, Ambient, and generally obscure and twisted rhythms - which was very interesting and inspiring, too.
But with this 12" on the new label Initiation Records she definitely digs up her own "Hardcore / Doomcore" roots again.
Frantic, crazy, wicked structures, an advance of distorted drums, sounds and FX, and general sonic brutality.

Not in the sense of "mindless" Gabber / Speedcore, of course! This is infinitely deep, soulful music at its core. Just that is a carried by an extra serving of noise and belligerence this time.

On a special note, fans of tracks in the vein of Fischkopf, Anticore or Sans Pitie might especially enjoy this release.

Available as a 12" vinyl and digital EP.

https://nkisi.bandcamp.com/album/int001
https://initiationrecords.bandcamp.com/

https://soundcloud.com/nkisi

https://www.discogs.com/artist/3924920-Nkisi

An introduction to Acidcore

In the mid-1990s, acidcore originated as a subgenre of hardcore techno. It is a type of techno music that is characterized by its liberal use of the Roland TB-303 synthesizer, which produces a distinctive squelching or squealing sound. Acidcore is notorious for its intense, fast-paced drumming and its usage of highly repetitive and hypnotic melodies.

The name "acidcore" comes from the fact that the 303 synthesizer was originally used to create the distinctive acid sound that was popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Acidcore builds on this sound, but with a faster speed and more aggressive drums, often featuring distorted or overdriven sounds.

Acidcore has a small but dedicated fan base, and is often associated with the underground techno amd rave scene.

Here are 10 examples of Acidcore tracks:

Somatic Responses - Sound of Disturbance

Speed Nova - Acid Instinct

Disintegrator - In the sun

Unit Moebius - Zipper

Machines - Acid Storm

Gringo - Executed by the FBI

Spy - Pathogen

Zekt - Exp Part 2

Agro - Undisputed Truth

Choose - Slowgan

Noteworthy Hardcore and related genre releases of February 2023

Various - Terror Worldwide (Mokum)
A varied bag of oldschool and newschool hardcore, gabber, and terror
https://mokumrecords.bandcamp.com/album/mok274-mokum-terror-worldwide

Xerxes The Dark - Swarm of the Dead (Self-Released)
Ultra grim, dark and mystic ambient out of Iran!
https://xerxesthedark.bandcamp.com/album/swarm-of-the-dead

HellaSicker & Moddex & Usamov - The Unity EP (Dark Shark Industries)
Early Hardcore revival, Neo-Artcore style, around 200 bpm.
https://darksharkindustriesigl.bandcamp.com/album/the-unity-ep

Various - The Masters (Nightclubrecords)
Very rough and underground Hardcore and Speedcore by various artists on this label from Brazil.
https://nightclubrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-masters

Rodox Trading - I'm A Ruffneck (Mokum)
More Neo-Oldschool by Mokum.
https://mokumrecords.bandcamp.com/album/mok275-rodox-trading-im-a-ruffneck

James F - The Tributes Of Terror (Omnicore)
Tribute tracks to legendary Hardcore and Speedcore producers of the 90s by James F.
https://doomcorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-tributes-of-terror

Various - The True Definition of Gabbaret Records The Final Chapter (Gabbaret)
Very varied EP with tracks in very different Hardcore styles that often take themselves not very seriously on Gabbaret Records.
https://gabbaretrecords.bandcamp.com/album/gbbr060-the-true-definition-of-gabbaret-records-the-final-chapter

Sonic influences on the Hardcore Techno genre

Hardcore techno is a subgenre of electronic music that materialized in the early 1990s, employing fast, aggressive beats, heavy use of distortion, and high energy levels. The genre was heavily influenced by various musical genres that came before it, and its evolution was shaped by the changing trends in electronic music. Here we will explore some of the different genres that influenced hardcore techno.

Acid House

A subgenre of house music from the mid-1980s. Acid house is characterized by its distinctive squelchy and acidic sound, which was created using the Roland TB-303 synthesizer. Acid house was a significant influence on the development of hardcore techno, especially in its use of the TB-303 and other acid-like sounds.

Example of an acid hardcore track:

Brandon Spivey - Acid 1998  

Techno

Techno is a genre of music that was originally formed in Detroit. Defined by its repetitive beats, synthesized melodies, and futuristic sound, techno was a key factor in the evolution of hardcore, with its specific use of synthesizers and its emphasis on rhythm. Hardcore techno took the techno sound to a new level, adding speed, hostility, and distortion to create a sound that was faster, harder, and more intense than the original techno.

Example of a techno influenced track:

Temper Tantrum - Africa 4010

Industrial

Industrial is a style of music first appearing in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Industrial helped shape hardcore techno, especially in its utilization of noise, overdrive, and unconventional sounds.
With its faster speed and extra brutality, hardcore techno fused with industrial to give us a very hard-hitting sound.

Example of an industrial influenced track:

DJ Freak - Test Plate

Punk

With its high tempo, aggressive sound, rebellious lyrics, and DIY ethos, punk was another important influence on the development of hardcore techno; also in its state of mind and energy. Hardcore techno took the aggression, intensity, and rebellion of punk to come up with something that was even more confrontational and challenging.

Example of a track influenced by punk:

Ec8or - I Don't Wanna Be A Part Of This

Breakbeat

Breakbeat is a genre of the early 1990s. Among other things, Breakbeat influenced hardcore in its use of breakbeats and other sampled sounds, and with its generally energetic vibe.

Exsmple:   

Wedlock - Ruffneck (Sound Of The Drum & The Bass)

Hip-Hop

Hip-hop came out of Bronx in the late 1970s. Hardcore often sampled the rapping, scratching, beats, and other parts of hip hop tracks.
And the whole attitude and feel of hip hop played a part in shaping hardcore techno, too.

Example:

Nasenbluten - Intellectual Killer

Metal

The distorted guitars, and aggressive lyrics of Metal were very important in the evolution of hardcore techno. not just by the use of samples from metal songs, but also with the anger, darkness, and aggression of metal, that spilled over to hardcore in many ways.

Example:

Disciples Of Annihilation - Chemical Warfare

Reggae

Reggae emerged in Jamaica in the late 1960s. Reggae was significant for hardcore techno in its use of bass and rhythm. As well as using many samples out of reggae songs.

Example: Tony Salmonelli - Hey!

Classical

Yes, this is a factor, too. Classical music's emphasis on structure, melody, and harmony has influenced the way that electronic music is composed and arranged. Hardcore techno has taken elements of classical music and incorporated them into its sound, particularly in its use of melodic synths and arpeggios.

Example:

Human Resource - In The Hall Of The Mountain King

So, in the end, hardcore techno is a style of electronic music that has been influenced by a wide range of musical genres. These genres include acid house, techno, gabber, industrial, punk, breakbeat, hip-hop, metal, reggae, classical music, and many others. Each of these genres has contributed to the development of the hardcore techno sound. The influence of these genres on hardcore techno has created a unique and exciting sound that continues to evolve and push the boundaries of electronic music.

Do you know more influential genres, or more examples of tracks in these genres? Let us know!

Our Top 5 Favorite Tracks from Kotzaak Unltd.

Kotzaak is a legendary label, was part of PCP, and we don't think much words are needed to describe the label, as you probably know it very well already.

So, instead, here are our top 5 favorite picks from this label.
For these charts, we focused on releases from the "classic era" of the label only (i.e. from the 1990s). It would be interesting to do a top 5 with tracks from the later era as well, though. Perhaps an idea for the future.

5. Leathernecks - At War (Rmx)



Our pick from the very first Kotzaak vinyl - actually called "kotz 0" so it's maybe a premonition of the later releases on the label.
The story behind the track is well-known, there was hostility between PCP and Low Spirit (which was the German label with Westbam, Marusha, etc. that played a large role in bringing Techno to the mass-markets and mainstream attention), and PCP felt Low Spirit massively tried to get in their way by unfair means, so PCP retaliated with this diss track that has the words (or shouts) "Low Spirit... suck my cock!". The rest is history: ultra-brutal drums, distortion and gain to the maximum, a carnage of sounds and of sheer volume.
On the time of its release, this track was one of the hardest and fastest and blew the competition out of the water, more or less (and, let's face it, it's still one of the hardest!)
A good track to begin these charts with.

4. The Kotzaak Klan - Powerstation Kotzaak



Kotzaak Klan was a bit of a band / collective that made live appearances with the Kotzaak sound on parties and events. "Appearances" is a bit of an understatement here, as the Kotzaak Klan live act was a much more massive experience than the usual "Hardcore live acts" of that era.
This track is from the only 12" release by the Kotzaak Klan in 90s. The tracks on there definitely have a very "live" feel to it, a very straight forward approach, raw and unfiltered in a positive sense.
The eponymous Powerstation Kotzaak is our favorite pick amongst these. Fierce tough-as-steel drums, a general right-into-your-face feel, some nice speed changes, and very alien, inexplicable sounds and FX throughout the track.

3. Program 1 - World's Hardest MF (Leathernecks Remix)



We heard the story that this was the track that started it all, predating the label, and setting the things (or ideas?) in motion that led to the creation the label. Could be true, at least, the release of this track seems to have been earlier than the release of "kotz 0", but we are not sure, so we can neither deny nor confirm this rumor.
But even if this track is the "patient zero" of Kotzaak, it is far from being a meager or still-rudimentary effort. To the contrary, it one of the grittiest Hardcore tracks of the 90s era. In this way it already signaled the sonic violence of the Kotzaak catalogue to come - for which the label is loved and respected to this day.
A total onslaught of distortion and sounds that turn the "vocals" (more like screams), melody and drums into a grim wall of sound where each element bleeds into the others - and will probably make your ears bleed, too, on a loud PA.
Not for the faint of heart!

2. Jack Lucifer - 96 Knights



Well, yes, 96 Knights has to be on this list, doesn't it?
Likely the track most people would consider to be the best Kotzaak track, and probably also the best known track by the label.
And deservedly so! The track comes in 2 mixes that are not just different mix-downs, but essentially wholly different takes on the track.

To The Death - Mix: What is not to love about this track? A super-brutal bass drum, a synth-hook that would make zombies stand up in their graveyards, the iconic "Fist of the North Star" vocals, the speed of the track - that even gets doubled in some parts of the track. It's a pure Hardcore eruption that will fry your brain on the dance floor. And don't forget the almost perfect production qualities of the track.

Burn My Brain - Mix:



Talking about fried brains. While the A-side is most people's pick, the B-side is very interesting as well (some even would say: "flip side is better").
An unusual structure for a Hardcore track that is closer to a Death Metal production, with a sudden change of speed that turns the synths and beats around.
We dearly love the melody used here, which, apart from all the darkness, has almost a bittersweet, melancholic feel it to. Like reminiscing about a long ago affair you had with an undead girl once. Very intense indeed.
We also like the inclusion of different, broken rhythms in this track which add a bit of a change from the usual 4/4 909 productions other labels did all the time.

The "To The Death" mix also had some interesting "unofficial" remixes over time that each put this 90s track into seemingly different time periods.

1. Stickhead & Don Demon - Conquer The World



You might wonder: If 96 Knights is on #2, would could be on #1? Is there a track you could like even better than 96 Knights?
Well, yes, 96 Knights is everything one could wish for, but we think this one even packs a bit of extra power, excellence, awesomeness.
We're of course talking about Conquer The World! This collaboration between Stickhead and Don Demon (who only rarely appeared in the PCP catalogue as a producer) is more than merely a Hardcore track; it's similar to a symphony. This is so much more complex and well-crafted than the majority of Hardcore productions of its era. Prolonged intro, speed changes throughout the track, various sub-parts, surprises, twists, new ideas. Definitely not your standard "Speedcore / Terror" track.
Add to this one of the best melodies ever used in Hardcore, and the twisted, nasty, ultra-bleak atmosphere of the track. And also add its sheer brutality. This is further enhanced by the multiple breakdowns and beat-less parts that give you a false sense of calm before the 909s hammer on.
Well done, Miro and Thorsten!
A track to conquer the world, indeed.

This was, of course, a very subjective list of our Kotzaak favorites (but we hope you enjoyed it nevertheless). In fact, there were many tracks that we dearly love but that we had to omit in order to make this top 5.

What are your favorite Kotzaak tracks? Let us know.

Additional links:

Kotzaak on Bandcamp: https://kotzaakunltd.bandcamp.com/

Kotzaak on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/label/4048-Kotzaak-Unltd