For the love of Hardcore: How the theme of "love" is expressed in different tracks in Hardcore and related genres

In the grim, evil, merciless world of Hardcore, Gabber, Speedcore, and so on, it is no surprise at all that "love" rarely makes a visit, neither in lyrics, track title, or concept.
Yet, there are indeed some tracks with the theme of love; both in the positive and negative incarnations of it.
That's what we will look at here. 10 tracks full of "Hardcore love". Or rather, not only Hardcore love, since we will also look at other tracks, that are connected to the Hardcore scene via the artists or in other ways.

Whether you are a perpetually fiery love-head, or part of the cold shoulder brigade, we hope you enjoy our selection.

Note: While this feature addresses the topic of love in general, for a similar article, that deals with the more physical aspects of love, you might take a look here:
Beyond the penis: An alternative look at sexuality expressed in Hardcore and Gabber tracks of the 90s

1. Superpower - By The Fire

Yes here it is. The one bonafide "underground" Hardcore track that deals with love, sweet sweet love, in a positive way, that I can think of off the top of my head.
Doomcore styled, it features the voice of Oliver Chesler, almost crooning an ode to an unknown special one that is on his mind. The track itself is actually a collaboration between Chesler and Miro - two early Doomcore masters.
So, if you ever meet a mean and twisted Doomcore fanperson and fall for them, maybe sending them this track might melt their heart for you!

2. Hypnotizer - Into Nowhere

Miro again, and this is borderline Doomcore, because it already ventures into Gothtronic or Futurepop territory.
Thematically, it is almost the polar opposite of the first track, as it deals with disintegrated love and the lamenting and the pleas that follow. Heart-break-core.
But still, or rather because of this, it is one of the most beautiful and haunting tracks coming from a Hardcore producer ever.

3. Hanin - There is no love in Tekkno

No love in tekkno? Well, there is very few love in Hardcore, that's for sure. And another thing is sure: that this is a great early track by Hanin.
The theme of love ended up being an ongoing theme in Hanin's oeuvre btw, and with magnificent results.

4. Rmb - There Is Love

Obviously, the best way to look for love in Hardcore tracks is to go for those that are on the cusp between 90s Hardcore and 90s Hardtrance, as love was (and is) a prominent theme in Hardtrance (opposed to Hardcore).
While such tracks are rare, this is one of them, with a powerful love message, hammered into your skull by breakneck Gabber drums, sirens (how fitting!) and shrill noises.
"There is love - in every heart!"

5. The Dam - Letters (I Can't forget you)

Another track of this "Ravecore" thing that I mentioned. The producer "The Dam" is probably more known for his track "Miss Rave" which was played by Marusha on the Germany Mayday 1995 TV Broadcast (something I can't forget either!), but here, in this bittersweet Hardcore track, he is moping about lost love against the backdrop of beautiful melodies.

6. Sons Of Aliens - In love with you

In spite of the title, a very harsh early Hardcore / Terror track. with the frantic cuts of the female "love" vocals actually adding to the brashness. But, we love it either way!

7. Suspicious - Love Waves

More Ravecore love. "I need to spread love all over the world" over the foundation of sampled Aphex Twin hardcore drums. We get the message now.

8. Alec Empire - Addicted To You

Nasty Industrial Metal Digital Hardcore love by Alec Empire - actually with quite spiffy production values! The lyrics are kinda ambiguous and could either be about a girl or a drug that someone craves; but, honestly, this could be said about most love songs.
Regardless, we love this track!

9. Orderly Chaos - Melt away love

Not Hardcore, but by legendary crazy Hardcore Speedcore Terror producer Nawoto Suzuki.
Very introverted, reversed Dark Ambient tune, that sets in mind early electronic experiments of the 60s and 70s - seemingly fueled by a broken heart.

10. The Horrorist - Fire In The Sky

And we end the list with Chesler once more. How on earth did this track / song not become a worldwide hit played on all the radios? It definitely sounds like it would have had this potential.
Not Hardcore once again, but an Electro/Techno/New wave crossover, with heart-wrenching lyrics about difficult love.

So it seems we ended this list with a downer, but if you don't like this, you can play some tracks with a more positive note that we mentioned above.

We end this feature right here, right now, but never forget that if you feel sad and lonely: there is someone special in the world waiting for you, too, and all will be good!
Because we are believers in love, aren't we?

Honorable mentions:

DJ Hooligan & DJ Rob - Love time
Raver's Nature - I Can't Find You
Sunbeam - Arms Of Heaven
Superpower - In The Midnight Hour
Tony Salmonelli - L.O.V.E.
RMB - Ocean of Love
Superpower - Continuous Beginnings
Hanin Elias - Falling (Deep)
Low Entropy - It's Time For You To Love
Hypnotizer - Your World
Noface - Love or kill
Marc Acardipane - One Love, Hardcore

Do you know more love tracks? let us know in the comments!