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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:



Saturday, October 28, 2023

Off-Lists: Hardcore for Scorpios



We're starting a new feature: "Off-lists"

Paper fanzines were filled with charts; some DJs turned there charts into lists such "10 favorite Dutch Gabber tracks".

Features in zines often also have additional lists such as "9 anime related Hardcore tracks".

We wanna build on both these currents; but, 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.

[Note: generally, some of these lists - and tracks - should be taken with a grain of salt, a sense of irony, and a bit of humor ;-]

So here is a list of Hardcore for (and sometimes even producey by!) Scorpios.

1. Stickhead & Don Demon - Conquer The World
2. Jack Lucifer - Sick Smut Fuck
3. DJ Freak - World Domination
4. Somatic Responses - Hellbound
5. The Mover - Astral Demons


6. DJ Skinhead - Darkness Eternal
7. Steve Shit - Having Sex
8. Bakalla - True Force
9. Phoenix - Dominate
10. Scorpion - First Bite


11. Ec8or - Sex
12. Technohead - No. 1 Contender
13. Influid - Mastermind
14. Zekt - Explorers
15. The Berzerker - Evil Worlds Beyond


16. Symbiosis of Sounds - Tales of Creation and Destruction
17. The Overlord - Master of the Universe
18. Metatron - Seduction Pt. I (The Moment of Seduction)
19. O.G.'s - The Kings Are Coming
20. DJ Producer - Orchestrations for the end of the world


Thursday, October 26, 2023

Review: Alec Empire - Gang War (Self-Released)



After Alec Empire released his Jaguar EP earlier this year, this is already the second album release of previously unreleased material by him in a short amount of time, and we sure won't complain about this!
According to the info, this is an unreleased album from 1994, planned to be released on DHR and a step onwards from his Force Inc and Riot Beats releases. Also it was not intended to made up of "rehashed" older material and features tracks that were on dub plates he employed in live appearances at that time.

And it's not rehashed indeed!
The first two tracks sound familar, as they have their roots in tracks that have already been released on Force Inc, but it's quite clear we are going in a very different direction now; as they have a truly harsh and vicious sound aesthetic to them.

As if this wasn't stunning enough already, we get another treat as we go past these tracks:
Alec Empiere does (or did!) 4/4 Hardcore.

We know him for his 90s Breakcore activities,
but this here is real percussion-driven, sequencer-hectic, acid-bleepy, "Gabber bassdrum" Hardcore Techno!
The experimental underground side of it, mind you, we're not talking about Happy Dance music here.

These are the four pillars of this album then - distorted Breakbeats, Hardcore, Acid, and Techno; but on top of these pillars, a lot of experimentation is going on, and much more.
For example, tracks that predate certain "Doomcore Techno" tendencies by more than one decade.

At 20 tracks, there is plenty of material here (is this really purely the original unreleased album - or is it with added bonus tracks?), and surely something that will entice most people who are into hard or experimental music.

This album stands out for me due to at least 3 reasons:

1. It is really some of the most ferocious output of its era - or any era. While later "Speedcore", "Noizecore" or similar artists might have had more BPMs, screams, or 'white noise' in their releases, these tracks have a super hard and abrasive production, and are much more bloodthirsty because of this.
This is music as brutal as it can get, essentially.

2. Most of the tracks have a lot of atmosphere and emotion to them, something cosmic, melancholic, dreamy, bittersweet... (a feeling I somehow connect to looking at the nightsky while walking in Berlin at night... don't ask me why...) and which can't be found in other "hard" releases of that period.

3. And this brings us to point three: this is truly a unique release. It is singular, no one else did something like this, maybe not even Alec Empire himself.

Thus it's one of the great (re-) releases of 2023, and please make sure to check it out!


We wrote: "At 20 tracks, there is plenty of material here (is this really purely the original unreleased album - or is it with added bonus tracks?)"

Alec Empire provided us with some clarification on this.
All tracks were indeed considered for the "Gang War" release; the majority of tracks would've gone on a vinyl LP version with a runtime of approximately 80 minutes; and the remaining ones would have been put on an accompanying EP release with a chosen lead track.

Also, if you wondered where to put this album "chronologically"; it would've been released in 1994, when DHR just had started and the label's first EPs were being released; and therefore predates Alec Empire's "The Destroyer" album.

Friday, October 20, 2023

10 Scary Hardcore tracks for Spooky Season!

Halloween is 'round the corner, and we're knee-deep in Spooky Season already.
While all the other mags will recycle their lists about the "best" "scary" movies, comics, pop and rock songs now, we do things differently. Instead, we present you 10 bona fide Hardcore tracks to get spooked during this time of the year!

Thematically connected to horror movies, monsters, cenobites, pure cosmic evil, or other things that are "dark" and "forbidden" (regarding mainstream society) for the rest of year, these are some tracks that are sure to blow the cobwebs out of your crypt by their sheer bassdrum power!

Enjoy this list. And who will dress up as a Hardcore DJ for Halloween this year?

Mouse - Halloween
This frantic and noizy composition from French producer Mouse surely is Halloween's Hardcore spirit track!


Disciples Of Belial - Sell Your Soul To The Devil
Don't do it... or maybe...? Anyways, brutal Satanic Gabber from the UK right here.


Eradicator - Brujeria
Hardcore witchraft by Eradicator... one of our favorite tracks by him using this alias.


Frozen - Out of the light
Not related to Disney (or Madonna)... but Miro!
Darkness extreme, mingled with Hardcore Electro beats.


Tanochinjaii - Fallen Angel
The true doomcore sound from Cold Rush records and its mastermind Marc Acardipane.


Nordcore G.M.B.H. - Dead Man
Nordcore party anthem, and nice ' n ' dark disturbing Gabber from Hamburg.


Neuroviolence - Baal
Pagan Hardcore beats in this very experimental track.


Christoph De Babalon - Babylon 90210
Babylon's calling... but are you listening? Ice cold Hamburg Breakcore.


The Invisible S.P. & The Jackal - Pirate Base
Harrr... pirate themed Hardcore tracks are rare, and this is a good and classic one.


Do you know more Halloween Hardcore tracks? Let us know!

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Rave Rhapsody Part II: The Hardcore Techno Odyssey of Love


Remember "Rave Rhapsody"?
It was an AI-controlled "game" that we released earlier this year. You can play it by copying a prompt into ChatGPT - and ChatGPT will generate the game for you!
It was a decide-your-own-destiny type interactive novel (text only) that allowed you to experience the thrilling, and sometimes surreal, life of being a Hardcore Techno DJ.
Omnicore Records included it as the bonus gimmick to their "double album" Rave Hardcore compiliaton release on bandcamp ( https://doomcorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/rave-rhapsody-the-hardcore-techno-odyssey )
If you enjoyed this game, or are curious in general, then we got something for you!
A sequel has been created, and it adds a new, romantic spin to, as it is the first Hardcore Techno Dating Sim.
You still play the role of a Hardcore Techno DJ, but this time it's (almost) all about love, love, love (and that's all you need!).

Rave Rhapsody Part II: The Hardcore Techno Odyssey of Love
Presented by lAibyrinth and The Hardcore Overdogs

So, all you Hardcore Techno Lovebirds, get ready to go into overdrive!

Just like the first game, it can be played by simply copying a prompt into ChatGPT, and then you are set!

Here is the prompt:

Start of prompt

Dear ChatGPT, I politely ask you to simulate a choose-your-own adventure style book. You will create the story, content, happenings of this book. You will output the pages, and, like a real gamebook, you will offer choices that branch of the story, and i will type in which choice i take. This digital gamebook book is called "Rave Rhapsody part II: The Hardcore Techno Odyssey of Love". The book should be about being a hardcore techno dj. The book should about romance and love, as well as depicting the life of a hardcore techno DJ and the hardcore techno scene in general.

End of prompt

Go ahead (cuz 'Here We Go Again'), and remember: it's better to have love and lost than to have never loved at all.

And here is a transcript of a sample play-through:

Begin of transcript

ChatGPT

Page 1: The Beginning

Welcome to "Rave Rhapsody part II: The Hardcore Techno Odyssey of Love." You are Alex, a talented hardcore techno DJ known for your electrifying mixes and unmatched energy on the dance floor. After the success of your first Rave Rhapsody, you're ready to embark on a new journey. The adrenaline of the crowd and the pulsating beats of the music fuel your passion.

Choice 1: You decide to start the book with a bang and plan an epic all-night rave. Turn to Page 4. 
Choice 2: You feel the need to explore a more intimate and personal side of your DJ life. Turn to Page 7.

(Type the number of your choice.)


User

1

ChatGPT

Page 4: Rave Extravaganza

The all-night rave is set to take place in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. As the sun sets, you feel a surge of excitement. The venue is transformed into a neon wonderland, complete with laser lights and mind-bending visuals. The crowd begins to gather, their anticipation palpable.

You take your place behind the decks, feeling the energy of the crowd wash over you. The bassline drops, and the music takes control. People dance with abandon, lost in the rhythms you create. Your heart races as you mix track after track, building an electric atmosphere.

Choice 1: You decide to drop a classic hardcore anthem that you know will ignite the crowd even more. Turn to Page 8. 
Choice 2: You opt for a more experimental track, pushing the boundaries of hardcore techno. Turn to Page 11.

(Type the number of your choice.)


User

2

ChatGPT

Page 11: Pushing Boundaries

The experimental track you've chosen takes the crowd on a journey they've never experienced before. The intricate layers of sound and unexpected twists push their senses to new heights. The dance floor becomes a frenzy of movement as people try to keep up with the ever-evolving beats.

As the music evolves, you notice a mysterious figure in the crowd. Their eyes seem to be fixed on you, and you're drawn to their energy. You can't help but feel a connection, as if your music is resonating with them on a deeper level.

Choice 1: You decide to approach the mysterious figure during a break in the music to learn more about them. Turn to Page 14. 
Choice 2: You continue to focus on your music, intrigued but not ready to break the rhythm just yet. Turn to Page 17.

(Type the number of your choice.)


User

1

ChatGPT

Page 14: Enigmatic Connection

During a brief break in the music, you make your way through the pulsating crowd to reach the mysterious figure. As you approach, the person turns to you with a smile that seems to light up the room. They introduce themselves as Maya, a fellow artist who creates mesmerizing visual projections for raves.

Maya tells you that your music resonates with her deeply, and she's been captivated by your sets for a while. She invites you to collaborate on an immersive audio-visual experience for your next rave. You're intrigued by the idea and can't deny the spark between you.

Choice 1: You agree to collaborate with Maya and begin planning the immersive experience together. Turn to Page 19.
Choice 2: You thank Maya for the offer but decide to focus solely on your music for now. Turn to Page 22.

(Type the number of your choice.)


User

1

ChatGPT

Page 19: Creative Fusion

Collaborating with Maya opens up a world of creative possibilities. Together, you brainstorm ideas that combine your electrifying music with her mesmerizing visual projections. The synergy between your artistic visions ignites a fire within both of you.

As the days turn into weeks, you spend countless hours perfecting every detail of the immersive experience. The anticipation builds, and the excitement among your fans reaches a fever pitch. The night of the rave arrives, and the warehouse is transformed into a realm of light, color, and sound.

As you take your place behind the decks, Maya's projections dance across the walls, synchronizing with your beats. The crowd's reactions are beyond what you could have imagined—awe, wonder, and pure euphoria.

Choice 1: You feel a strong connection with Maya and wonder if this could be the start of something more than just a collaboration. Turn to Page 25. 
Choice 2: You revel in the success of the immersive experience but are focused on your career for now. Turn to Page 28.

(Type the number of your choice.)


User

1

ChatGPT

Page 25: Love's Rhythm

As the night progresses, you find yourself drawn to Maya's side more and more. The connection you share deepens with every smile exchanged and every heartbeat synced to the music. After the rave, you both decide to take a walk outside to catch your breath.

Under the starlit sky, you confess your feelings for Maya, and she reciprocates. The music that once connected you to the crowd now connects the two of you, intertwining your lives in a beautiful melody of love.

Together, you continue to create breathtaking audio-visual experiences that captivate audiences around the world. Your love story becomes as legendary as your music, and you find that the hardcore techno scene not only fuels your passion for music but also your journey of love.

The End

Thank you for playing "Rave Rhapsody part II: The Hardcore Techno Odyssey of Love." Your choices shaped the destiny of Alex and Maya, merging the worlds of music, art, and love into an unforgettable adventure.

End of transcript

Monday, October 2, 2023

Off-Lists: Hardcore Techno for Foodies

We're starting a new feature: "Off-lists"

Paper fanzines were filled with charts; some DJs turned there charts into lists such "10 favorite Dutch Gabber tracks".

Features in zines often also have additional lists such as "9 anime related Hardcore tracks".

We wanna build on both these currents; but, 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.

We start this series of feature with this list for foodies: Hardcore tracks that are related to the subject of "food and beverages" in one way or another.

[Note: as indicated by the subject matter, some of the tracks in this list should be taken with a bit of humor ;-]

Hardcore for Foodies

01. Rob Gee - Big Mac Daddy 
02. E-De Cologne - We're Going To Eat You 
03. Barbaque - Anal Snax 
04. Burning Lazy Persons - Fish Tempuraaaaa
05. S 37 - Cannibalistic Practices


06. 6-Pack -  Only when i'm drunk
07. 3 Steps Ahead - It's delicious
08. DJ Mowgly  - Cook cook
09. Cannibal DJ - Dog Will Hunt
10. Cookiemunsta - Cook and curry


11. Salami brothers - Eat Zat Pizza (Veggie Mix)
12. Chicks with Dicks - Brot
13. Slut Burger - This Is Worst
14. Alec Empire - Sweet
15. Technohead - Banana-na


16. Speedfreak - No More Cheese
17. Unit Moebius - Nutrasweet
18. Alec Empire - Acid biscuits
19. Vitamin - Muffin in Mokum