The Hardcore Overdogs: October 2024

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Howling At The Moon: The Hardcore Overdogs Halloween Specials - Part 2

It's that time of the year again... spooki scary skeltons come out of their coffins and join vampires and frankensteins for a hakke session in the raveyard... but they and all other monsters need music and sound for their dance party!

And like last year, we did a series of spooky Halloween features again.
And this time, it was quite a lot of features! Articles, releases, videos, mixes... everything!

Check them out here:

Halloween Playlist - Witchy Hardcore Tracks
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/halloween-playlist-witchy-hardcore.html

Release: The Magician - The Death Card
https://doomcorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-death-card

Hardsoundradio airs first Doomcore Records Radio Show
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/hardsoundradio-airs-first-doomcore.html

Tropes of Madness and Insanity within Hardcore Techno music
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/tropes-of-madness-and-insanity-within.html

Release: Soundtrack album - A Slowcore walk through the Doomed Forests of Hamburg
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/soundtrack-album-slowcore-walk-through.html

Release: 1 Million Slowcore Members - Gabber At Half Speed
https://doomcorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/gabber-at-half-speed

On the Symbolism of Death, Doom and Decay in Hardcore
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/on-symbolism-of-death-doom-and-decay-in.html

The Early Doomcore Techno And Dark Hardcore Canon
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-early-doomcore-techno-and-dark.html

Sonic Itinerancy: A Doomcore Techno Walk Through the Dark Deep Forests of Hamburg
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/sonic-itinerancy-doomcore-techno-walk.html

All Kotzaak Unltd. releases listed, rated, and short-reviewed
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/all-kotzaak-unltd-releases-listed-rated.html

Taylor Swift gets "Honorary Doom" award by Doomcore Records!
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/sonic-itinerancy-doomcore-techno-walk.html

New Mix-Set - Αναρχία Αραχνοειδείς - LightIntoDarkness (Ambient to Gabber)
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/09/new-mix-set-lightintodarkness-ambient.html

From Industrial Goths to Doomcore Techno: Tracing a Dark Bloodline - Part 1+2
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/09/from-industrial-goths-to-doomcore_16.html
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/09/from-industrial-goths-to-doomcore_26.html

And also check last year's features:

The Legend of the Zombie Rave
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-legend-of-zombie-rave-doomcore.html

The Legend of the Zombie Rave (Video Version)
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-legend-of-zombie-rave-video-version.html

Off-Lists: Hardcore for Scorpios
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2023/10/off-lists-hardcore-for-scorpios.html

Unleashing Hell: The impact of the Hellraiser franchise on the Hardcore Techno scene
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2023/09/unleashing-hell-impact-of-hellraiser.html

A Video Feature: The Art of Planet Core Productions
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2023/09/a-video-feature-art-of-planet-core.html

Halloween Playlist - Witchy Hardcore Tracks

Halloween is here! And what better way to celebrate this than with an Off-Charts playlist - one that is purely about witchy Hardcore tracks?

So get ready for a fun playlist suitable for gabber witches, darkcore sorceresses and hakke dancing warlocks!

Reign - Skeletons March https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMSoMCBHDp0
The Mover - Nightflight (Nonstop to Kaos) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYpW8ioOrY4
The Undertaker - Flatliner (Graveyard Shift) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cSSRNu1LJI
Freez-E-Style - Doom Dancer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_MgMr67jc
Knightvision - Knight Of Visions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-g4VnePIfo
Superpower - In The Midnight Hour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axYZk5MAZTk
Alien Factory - All Night Until Daynight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_SZvu4Yz_E
Mindviper - The Necromancy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0qNrRRACxU
Eradicator - Brujeria https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlfl4gXjzaU
Deadly Buda - Ghostdance 95 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXxH4tRW-aY
Noface - Master Of The Lost Souls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkjiXe-6FaY

Soundtrack album: A Slowcore walk through the Doomed Forests of Hamburg

Right in time for Halloween:

This is the accompanying soundtrack album to the new short movie "A Slowcore Techno Walk Through the Doomed Forests of Hamburg".

A conceptual movie showcasing a real life walk through a peculiar and strange spot of wild nature in the midst of this crypto-megalopolis called Hamburg, located in Northern Germany.
With some extra twists, edits, and transformations, of course.

Short info:

"The Itinerant Audio project took me to one of those patches within the city limits of Hamburg. An idyllic forest, peaceful, calm, ideal for long walks, cycling...
It also connects to a medium-sized lake that's sweet for swimming in the summer, and a few fields.
Yet if you look beyond it's beautiful trees, leaves, flowers, this place is maybe not so untouched and silent at all.
There is a lot of activity tied to this place, some euphoric, but also some very disturbing stuff."

To read the full info about the movie, go here: https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/sonic-itinerancy-doomcore-techno-walk.html

A slightly "quality reduced" version of the movie is included in the download folder (due to the size limitations of bandcamp). To watch the movie in all its quality, you can also go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwh3Ebf1vEQ or to https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1023549621

The soundtrack is made up of Slowcore, Doonmcore, Techno, Dark Ambient, and Surreal sounds.

Enjoy... if you dare!

The U.M.A.N. Group: https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/p/ultra-marine-audio-network.html

https://doomcorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-death-card

Tropes of Madness and Insanity within Hardcore Techno music

we alluded to mental health topics in the past.

and indeed, "mental illness", insanity, psychological derangement is one of the major recurring themes within hardcore music - and the hardcore community.

the relationship between art and, let's say, "mental conditions", has been documented for a long time in human history, and it is often concluded that this combination can be quite beneficial and healing - to everyone involved.

hardcore techno occupies a special location here, though:

this is not about sitting down and drinking herbal tea or doing yoga, while listen to relaxing "eastern-sounding" ambient recordings and an european-born "guru" telling you to chill the *** down with sour-sweet words.

these artists and tracks give mental health the hardcore treatment. it's an exacerbation of the highest degree and definitely should not be taken at face value, literally, or too "serious" (humor is a great form of therapy, too!).

it's like being shown a very distorted mirror (and the volume levels in these tracks are very distorted too, as i can assure you).

because many people who listen to gabber house tracks about some wicked psychopaths will probably think "hey, my own mental issues, like anxiety at the supermarket or being depressed about my body image, seem quite little compared to the issues *these* folk have".

and this can already be quite relieving to know.

so this stuff should not be taken too serious, this music should not be seen as encouraging or promoting wickedness.

there is a lot of humor involved - a healing form of humor - but yeah, mental health *is* a heavy and serious topic, so take these things with caution.

let's give a trigger warning. this is some *deep* stuff ahead that might feel traumatic or scary to some people.

go on at your own will, at your own cost, and treat this thing with care and in a responsible way.

So let's look at some example tracks now:

Critical Mass - Psychotic Break (Lenny Dee & Strychnine Remix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc_u-nIw3XA "...having a serious psychotic break"
Delta 9 - Phreaked - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvEw7T9-iDY "I'm freaking out man... I need medication..."
Asylum - Mescalum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZbmhWRXXHU One of the earliest Hardcore tracks... and it's already about an asylum.
Turbulence - The Home Of The Sick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOukQpTKU2E A home for the sick could be a hospital... or a mental hospital.
Collective Strength - Family Affair https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv6Vn7nUkGA Highly disturbing!
Disciples Annihilation - You're Dead https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDDqd9i4oEo evokes sentiments of the overlook hotel...
Violent Agression - Shizoid Fukd Soul - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYhRwvNsxn0 german language, sorry... but... "i am not insane! you must listen to me before it's too late!"
Mescalinum United - Light Bringer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItEQBcOzr84 "the first sign of psychosis is a christ complex"
FFM Shadow Orchestra - Killing Zoo (Cleaner Edit) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFxC8KLbi6I "you feel as though the rest of the world is in a bubble of glass and that you're rubbing up against it like a bad windshield wiper."
Ralphie Dee - Mad As Hell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeY3OWLdEH0 "this is mass madness, you maniacs!"
The Kotzaak Klan - Sikk! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cX0ltdbPSQ "a sick man... mentally sick".

Further Examples:

Mind Candy - Mind Destroyer
The Berzerker - Forever
Terrorists - Paranoia
Dr. Macabre - Alone In The Dark
Noisegate - Goddamn' Mind
Ectomorph - Blow Your Mind
Noface - Hallucinate
Random Rampage - Psycho
DJ Promo - Psychostyle

Read more about Hardcore Techno and Mental Health here: https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/p/the-mental-hardcore-health-newsletter.html

Hardsoundradio airs first Doomcore Records Radio Show

We are proud to announce that the one and only Hardsoundradio just broadcasted the first Doomcore Records Radio Show - right in time for Halloween!

And for this special occasion, we invited a variety of talented DJ destined to showcase the quite diverse sounds of Doomcore - and its adjacent styles and subgenres, like Doomtechno, Oldschool, Industrial Hardcore, Hard Acid, Gabber Body Music, Dark Ambient, Slowcore... and much more...

Some widely known names are amongst the roosters, and they literally span the globe - with Gabbergirl from the USA, Plinn 1518 from France, and DJ AI who lives in cyberspace!... to name some examples.

Soo... prepare yourself, your mind, your ears, for multiple hours of unrelenting Doomcore!

You can listen to the whole show here:

https://soundcloud.com/hardsoundradio-1/sets/doomcore-records-show-on-hardroundradio-hsr

The artists and their respective sets:

Murmuur
Spain
https://soundcloud.com/murmuurofficial

https://soundcloud.com/hardsoundradio-1/murmuur-doomcore-records-show

Schirin
Germany
https://soundcloud.com/schirin-schirin

https://soundcloud.com/hardsoundradio-1/schirin-doomcore-records-show

Rites
Austria
https://soundcloud.com/rrrites

https://soundcloud.com/hardsoundradio-1/rites-doomcore-records-show-on

Gabbergirl
USA
https://soundcloud.com/user-948838612

https://soundcloud.com/hardsoundradio-1/gabbergirl-mix-doomcore-de

Curze
USA
https://soundcloud.com/curzecurze

https://soundcloud.com/hardsoundradio-1/curze-doomcore-records-show-on

Plinn 1518
France
https://soundcloud.com/plinn-1518

https://soundcloud.com/hardsoundradio-1/plinn-doomcore-records-show-on

Low Entropy
Germany
https://soundcloud.com/low-entropy

https://soundcloud.com/hardsoundradio-1/low-entropy-doomcore-records

DJ AI
Cyberspace
https://soundcloud.com/technodjai

https://soundcloud.com/hardsoundradio-1/dj-ai-doomcore-records-show-on

Doomcore Records: https://doomcorerecords.bandcamp.com/

Hardsoundradio: https://soundcloud.com/hardsoundradio-1

Friday, October 25, 2024

Hardcore Techno Anger Management - Release your rage in a social way

Anger, frustration, rage, hatred, scorn, are not emotions that should be locked up and kept inside - your agony will only grow and become unbearable.
But, acting these out in non-social ways is not recommendable either, to say the least.
So how about... blasting some angry music... kicking, screaming, shouting, banging, throwing a tantrum... releasing this pent up energy... let it all out?

Hardcore Techno can lead to an experience of catharsis, after all! ( https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/05/from-moments-of-terror-to-states-of.html )

Note: This is a follow-up to "Hardcore Emotions: Anger" ( https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/hardcore-emotions-anger.html )

So here are 11 tracks that just let you do this very thing.

1. Lockjaw - Reactor
"You gotta take all of your emotions
All your anger, all your love, all your hate
And push it way down here in the pit of your stomach
And then let it explode like a reactor!"

2. Atari Teenage Riot - Into The Death
This one is so angry... you feel the power to destroy.

3. Lenny Dee - * Hostile
Very hostile, indeed!

4. DJ Skinhead - Extreme Terror (N.Y. Hardcore Mix)
the epitome of ultra-aggressive hardcore.

5. Scarface - Blow Your Head Off
Yell at the top of your lungs!

6. Patric Catani - Still Wanna Win (I Can't Lose)
yes yes yes.... furious breakcore chaos.

7. Noize Creator - World Wide
Ooof! This one is *rough*.

8. DJ Tron - * that happy sh*t
Don't worry, don't be happy - be angry!

9. Pressurehead - 16 Clips

Tough as nails!

10. Kotzaak Klan - Bang your * head
yup - bang it, mosh around, let your rage flow!

11. Atari Teenage Riot - 1995
The most unusual entry on this list!
Do you find it easy to confront your emotions... or do you run away? Always living in depression is not the answer.

Looking back at the 90s: Sounds Never Seen

"Looking back at the 90s" is a new series of features that we're doing.

Revisiting important, outstanding and possibly underrated Hardcore Techno related labels, artists and projects from the 90s era.
We're using information from the Hardcore Primer ( https://hardcoretechnoprimer.blogspot.com/ ) and our other publications, and we will provide listening examples for you as well.

These features will be more like short introductions / overviews, less like "in-depth reports". To give you a quick taste of the specific project and let you dive right in.
If you want to learn more and "dig deeper" - then the resources are out there!

Sounds Never Seen

Sounds Never Seen. What can be said about this label? The name is aptly chosen - you really won't find this kind of music elsewhere. Existing in the 90s, it stood out from all its peers - even in the Hardcore or Experimental Techno field.

Totally abrasive and hectic rhythms, but even more importantly, movie-like sounds, close to Dark Ambient - and all the tracks give off that crazy vibe of being recorded during live improvisation.

The sounds are a bit like a bastard child of Aphex Twin and PCP - if it is allowed to compare it this.

The label faltered too soon, but maybe one day we will hear sounds we have never seen again?

And it is a trip.

You can also find the label on discogs: https://www.discogs.com/label/9619-Sounds-Never-Seen

Listening examples:

Lory D - Coldbringer

Skull - Judgement Day

Lory D - Effeto M

Lory D - Lochnar

Skull - Buried Alive

Additional visuals:

5 Years Acardipane Records (With Lory D)

"Party/Never/Seen!"

Lory D performing live

Lory D

Skull

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Feral Sounds go Ferocious Again: The Hardcore Techno Revival Outside of "Early Gabber"

This has been alluded to in several features on here:
The Hardcore revival is "in like Flynn" again; yet even though there are myriads of producers pouring out track and releases, most seem to focus on a very limited range of styles, or style, rather: that typical mid 90s Thunderdome / Ruffneck sound. I.e. distorted 909s ("Deng kicks"), very fast hoover riffs, samples from Horror and SciFi movies, or rap vocals. You know what I mean.
But the 90s had a way more vast array of styles and genres; and it would be nice to see a revival of those, too!

And, indeed, things seem to be changing: there is definitely an "Early Terror" revival (dumb name - maybe call it 90s Speedcore or something like that) in full swing now. Carried by labels like Aneurysm and No New Style, and artists like Pardonax or James F.

Now the question: What else is out there?

Here are some things that I am aware of:

-"Happy" is making a comeback, and I noticed some Pengo, "Happy Rave" etc. type tracks being released lately.

-Probably related to this, 90s "novelty" Gabber is being produced again.
With "Novelty Hardcore" i mean tracks based on odd, silly, bizarre samples and sounds, often with low production values and quite simple in structure. "Joke tracks" - but unlike Happy Hardcore!
In the 90s, Euromasters or Ilsa Gold was known for that style.
I was always very fond of this genre so it's nice to see it getting revived.

For both of the above, Rotjecore and Gabbaret are some labels to check out. But it's "hidden" in between tracks in a variety of other styles. So there might be some digging required.

-90s Acidcore seems to make a comeback. There are people doing stuff in direction of Lasse Steen, Drop Bass Network etc. again.

-90s Doomcore is coming back (yay!)

-I think Industrial type Hardcore from that era is slowly coming back again, too. Often in cross-over with that dreaded "Industrial Techno" trend.

-There seems to be more interest amongst producers in that Fischkopf / Anticore-style again, as I heard some new tracks going in that very direction.

So, what else? Who knows more? Questions, questions, questions.

And here are also some examples of stuff that The Hardcore Overdogs themselves are involved in through some corners (via the U.M.A.N. Group, to be exact):

Hardcore Fury Volume 1
https://doomcorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/hardcore-fury-volume-1
Terror & Speedcore stuff like in the old days.

Omnicore Records - Best Of 2023
https://doomcorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/best-of-2023
Many different styles, but the center is on terror all the way.

Doom Terror
https://doomcorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/doom-terror
Some "early terror" tracks of the darker variety

Shatterdoom
https://doomcorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/shatterdoom-oldschool-style-doomcore-compilation
Oldschool Style Doomcore Compilation

Vive Le Doom - This Is Doomcore From France
https://doomcorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/vive-le-doom-this-is-doomcore-from-france
Doomcore-centered, but with plenty of heavy "France Style" Industrial Hardcore influences like in the past days.

Experiments Of Doom
https://doomcorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/experiments-of-doom
A bunch of tracks in the style of early somatic responses or pcp electro (amongst others).

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

DJ Mix: An Introduction To 90s Underground Hardcore - The Hardcore Legends

A message from the mixing DJ:

This mix is based on two ideas.

It's hard to say what makes a track a good "introductory Hardcore track". One thing is the brutality of course, but other factors are also the dark mood, the outer space feel of Hardcore's Techno heritage, and the sheer experimentation and noize.
But also the use and mixture of elements, such as the use of Thrash guitars and explicit rapping.
And many other things.
So I eventually had the idea to make a mix of all those tracks with these qualities.

The second idea was this: in the past I made tribute mixes to some of the legendary Hardcore producers. But why not make a mix with many of them, and for each one using a track that I consider to be among their best, but just one, so a large number of producers get featured?

Tracklisting:

01. Pressure Head - The Effects Of Pressure Pt. 2
02. Brandon Spivey - Reality Asylum
03. Zekt - The Last Dawn
04. DJ Skinhead - Take It Outside
05. The Speed Freak - We Shoot To Kill
06. The Kotzaak Klan - Powerstation Kotzaak
07. Disciples Of Annihilation - Brooklyn Mob
08. Nasenbluten - Machete
09. FFM Shadow Orchestra - Killing Zoo (Distortion Edit)
10. Somatic Responses - Freezing Point
11. Mouse - Oxyde
12. Nordcore GMBH - Robocop
13. Leathernecks - At War (Remix)
14. Delta 9 - Mortified
15. Ingler - Trek
16. DJ Freak - On The Edge
17. Rage Reset - Unknown Structure
18. E-De Cologne - No Dolphins Allowed
19. Burning Lazy Persons - If The Truth Be Known

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o79q1QFj_5I

https://hearthis.at/lowentropy/low-entropy-the-hardcore-legends-an-introduction-to-90s-underground-hardcore-mix/

https://www.mixcloud.com/low_entropy/the-hardcore-legends-an-introduction-to-90s-underground-hardcore-mix/

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Spooki Scary Hardcore Techno - The Hardcore Overdog Halloween Specials

Dear Readers, Zombies, Skeletons, Vampires, Spectres,
Just like last year, we will run a variety of Halloween specials during this haunted season.

These will focus on the more dark, disturbing, and twisted qualities of the Hardcore World.

The following features have already been published:

On the Symbolism of Death, Doom and Decay in Hardcore
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/on-symbolism-of-death-doom-and-decay-in.html

The Early Doomcore Techno And Dark Hardcore Canon
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-early-doomcore-techno-and-dark.html

Sonic Itinerancy: A Doomcore Techno Walk Through the Dark Deep Forests of Hamburg
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/sonic-itinerancy-doomcore-techno-walk.html

All Kotzaak Unltd. releases listed, rated, and short-reviewed
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/all-kotzaak-unltd-releases-listed-rated.html

Taylor Swift gets "Honorary Doom" award by Doomcore Records!
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/sonic-itinerancy-doomcore-techno-walk.html

New Mix-Set - Αναρχία Αραχνοειδείς - LightIntoDarkness (Ambient to Gabber)
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/09/new-mix-set-lightintodarkness-ambient.html

From Industrial Goths to Doomcore Techno: Tracing a Dark Bloodline - Part 1+2
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/09/from-industrial-goths-to-doomcore_16.html
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/09/from-industrial-goths-to-doomcore_26.html

Stay tuned... if you dare.

And in the meantime, you might also be interested to check out last year's features.

The Legend of the Zombie Rave
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-legend-of-zombie-rave-doomcore.html

The Legend of the Zombie Rave (Video Version)
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-legend-of-zombie-rave-video-version.html

Off-Lists: Hardcore for Scorpios
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2023/10/off-lists-hardcore-for-scorpios.html

Unleashing Hell: The impact of the Hellraiser franchise on the Hardcore Techno scene
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2023/09/unleashing-hell-impact-of-hellraiser.html

A Video Feature: The Art of Planet Core Productions
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2023/09/a-video-feature-art-of-planet-core.html

Monday, October 14, 2024

Body 2 Ecstasy - The Strange and Surreal Experience of Hardcore Techno

There's growing interest in things like mindfulness, meditation, mantras, yoga, micro-dosing psychotropics, and similar practices in the west.
Because it's becoming obvious there is more to experience and more to know than the ordinary state of things and ordinary state of mind have to offer - and there is no actual belief in the supernatural or magic needed for this realization.

E-De-Cologne - Dance Now

What is interesting, though, is that both the secular western meditative practices and the non-western, deeply spiritual techniques almost entirely center on the mind; on mental approaches.
Mystic pondering, setting the mind to states of trance, "shutting off" the body; or all of these combined and more.
Yet, human beings are not merely a head, brain, mind.
They have bodies.

Rage Reset - Relax

And this is interesting, too, when you think about Hardcore Techno.
We mentioned before that it is easy to get to states of ecstasy, euphoria, trance, serenity when dancing to Hardcore Techno beats.
This is often associated with gaining deeper insights about life and the world as well (not necessarily on a religious level, mind you).

Alien Factory - All Night Until Daylight

So we have methods, practices, techniques here that run counter to almost all "mindful, meditative" traditions known to mankind.

Getting entranced and enlightened - by purely bodily means. Physical inspirations.
Serenity and tranquility is not attained by your mind this time - but by the complicated, chaotic, intricate, energetic and powerful movements of your legs, arms, hands, feet, neck, butt; and the pumping and rhythm of your heart, lungs, and veins.
To put it in poetry: the unfathomable mysteries of the flesh - become revealed to you.

Apple Juice - Raving Together

And this is also a good reason to not use drugs; because in my opinion they would diminish this experience.

Thus, we have discovered an interesting passageway there; a more interesting way to spend one's time than merely doing meditation & mindfulness.
Who knows where this will lead us to?

Agro - Undisputed Truth

On the Symbolism of Death, Doom and Decay in Hardcore

Terror Arnold - Dead

Judging by track titles, album cover artworks, and similar content, there are some themes that Hardcoreheads are visibly fond of.
One is activities associated with "banging your head" or "stomping your feet". Another is reaching for a state of euphoria / ecstasy.
And a most definite one is Death. Including death on a (much) wider scale, like the end of civilization or the apocalypse.

Rage Reset - Endzeit

Now, I don't think it would do the Hardcore Community justice to take these things at face value. These are not depressive maniacs haunted by morbid fascinations (well, at least not all of them).

I think this focus on Death should be understood on a symbolic level - and not a literal one.

Syndicate - Grim Reaper

In art, culture, society, Death is often a metaphor and analogy for endings, finishing a matter, but also change, transformation, metamorphosis.
We might say that Galileo "killed" the geocentric worldview, just like the research of einstein, darwin, freud, brought "death" to the ruling worldviews of their times. Yet no human or animal was harmed in the process.

The Mover - World Downfall

People might talk about the "death" of values, knowledge, culture... but again, this ain't literal death.
These are just some examples of "death" symbolism.
But when things end (including those we consider to be 'good things'), other things can start anew. So this symbolism can also illustrate the ever-changing nature of the world, the constant flow of things - or even sudden turn-arounds.

Society of Unknowns: Dead by Dawn (The Endless Mix)

Most people are deeply afraid of endings - and change, on any level.
So it turned to the bold strongheads of the hardcore scene to take up and to embrace the powerful but scary symbolism of death.
After all, if you are on the wild side of life (and music) you are generally less afraid of things.

The Undertaker - Flatliner (Graveyard Shift)

I think the whole apocalyptic messages and imagery of hardcore - death on a cosmic scale - can be understood in the same way.
It's not literal death of society, civilization, mankind - but the desire for a strong and powerful transformation of the world. (Without any focus on physical harm).

Scarface - Death Is The Future

Saturday, October 12, 2024

The Early Doomcore Techno And Dark Hardcore Canon

This canon covers the first generation of Doomcore Techno (i.e. Planet Core Production) and the second generation (the tenebrous contemporaries of PCP). It does not cover the later generations, i.e. those who were directly inspired by PCP and actively tried to build on their doomed legacy in one way or the other.

Or, in other words. It tries to cover the very beginnings of dark and shadowy Hardcore Techno emissions; that created a movement that is, to this day, as legendary as it is invisible. "Members only", so to say.

It contains both the more introverted, technoid sounds - and the all out twisted hardcore. The slower stuff - and the faster. The minimalist, and the monumental.

It also includes general dark hardcore tracks and those that are more "doomcore-adjacent", on the cusp, than pure breed doom sounds; but that we felt are important, too.

Of course such a list can only be incomplete and highly subjective.
Each Doomhead might have different tracks that they consider to be their very personal favorites.

You can read more about the doomcore genre here:

https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/p/the-90s-gabberpedia-underground.html#Doomcore
https://pcplegendsintheirlife.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-beginning-of-doomcore.html

P.S.
The interested person might also check the Early Hardcore Techno canon:

https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/09/the-early-hardcore-techno-canon-kickin_24.html

But for now... here we go again.

The Early Doomcore Canon

This canon is also accessible as a Youtube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvgSYgoYaFC_eL2pXuidlNKeQUCGk3rdf

Freez-E-Style - Enter The Gates Of Darkness (Stay Strong, Raise The Flag And Spread The Spheres Of Light) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdLhYfjWyJk
Aftermath - The Aftermath https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8Cvj3t7mOU
Arrivers - Dark Invader https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ6qSKNNwoo
Arrivers - The Arrival https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD8P0_7m76k
Arrivers - The Things To Come https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yly91eMxY84
Superpower - Innocent Minds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD5n2OlbYhQ
Superpower - By The Fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF01F41lAYM
Superpower - In The Midnight Hour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzzS4zrkNss
Miro - Purple Moon (Remix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l54irfablXg
E-Man - XTC Express (Higher Level Mix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjmGLB7YMcY
Renegade Legion - Torsion
Renegade Legion - Dark Forces
Miro - Blue Sun https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yanWyEYyklA
Disintegrator - In The Sun https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AyvjLrw1uc
Miro - Purple Moon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMKbCf8gXmk
Pascal II - The Future Is Ours https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP04JHjpl9s
Frozen - Soul Saver https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKtmTT3rTAM
Reign - Hall (Maximum Mix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfEHhHoKUjo
Neuroviolence - Surfing On A Sea Of Blood https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC5eh2FXggk
Reign - The Final https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WJOWKmnGMg
Evidence - Inspirit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMScljzpbvw
The Overlord - Master Of The Universe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q54KkVhE0tc
? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCzroN2ZzHk
DrMacabre - Dance Macabre https://hauntedhouserecords.bandcamp.com/track/danse-macabre
Lunatic Asylum - Seven https://hauntedhouserecords.bandcamp.com/track/seven
Cybermouse - My Dorectives https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LAQpjPLdTE
Sonic Subjunkies - Confusion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxRQWxdWQ0Y
Miro - Understand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T5VX9fT7vk
Taciturne - Phenylphrin-Hydrochlorid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7mx7KEa0B0
Neuroviolence - Baal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2dmeTl5U9M
Neuroviolence - Das Boot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geIDYy_KItI
Neuroviolence - ETA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jrxy7iZXbGo
Frozen - Into The Light https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPioPBCsWTA
I-F - Shadow Of The Clown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUBFAkBbwhU
Taciturne - Haematopan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J-TGMJ2yuc
Robert Armani - Hit Hard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUoHrGDFcqg
Lorenz Attractor - Shadow Fax https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkdHFP0nXEk
Lorenz Attractor - Complexity Crisis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pqUqp_P6ks
The Mover - Track 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dna578Br2cE
I-F - Envy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPoEKSxY-5M
X-101 - Rave New World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoKARg1efEw
Dr Macabre - Macabre https://www.hardtunes.com/tunes/dr.-macabre-meets-rotterdam-terror-corps-macabre-remastered/49145
The Horrorist - Mission Ecstasy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRoA8O5m6_Q
Manga Corps - The Hunter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qer_ygpcnZE
T-Bone Castro - Return 2 Planet E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNq300IPGpU
Manga Corps - First Wave https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcjUHbPmEWA
Manga Corps - War Dancer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJUfjXQyECM
Superpower - Molecule Man https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2SnAvyeCew
The Horrorist - Flesh Is The Fever https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK-i-O-REPA
Superpower - Dark Germany https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptHGg_pxr88
Rat Of Doom - Untitled (A1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7csOBKpqdY
Taciturne - Der Toten https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXYVBKo63ZE
Rat Of Doom - Before The Breakdown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QgjAxf_bVk
Rat Of Doom - Untitled (B2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QgjAxf_bVk
Current 909 - The Lockdown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zttXZgPLe2Q
Manu Le Malin & The Horrorist - The Storm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFNymDEzWi8
Tanochinjaii - Fallen Angel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmn9TST5cAw
Evidence - Arctic Rider https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gqwe4QqpVs
Evidence - Black Ice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf3T52qCuBo
French Connection - French Connection https://hauntedhouserecords.bandcamp.com/track/french-connection
Arrivers - I Declare https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-1i7Lhe_Fs
Arrivers - Baptism of Fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkK6q7obsv0
Negative Burn - Gates of Hell https://hauntedhouserecords.bandcamp.com/track/gates-of-hell
Negative Burn - Gates of Heaven https://hauntedhouserecords.bandcamp.com/track/gates-of-heaven
Dr. Macabre - Night of the Living Dead https://hauntedhouserecords.bandcamp.com/track/night-of-the-living-dead
Arrivers - The Sky Is Falling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIGaf_nSGFk
Marc Acardipane ft. The Horrorist - Human Machine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IY-rt9tt5k
Acrosome - Akros Soma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHGQE7ThKAA
The Horrorist - Into the Moonbeam - Arena Mix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B5bpsr_1jk
The Horrorist - The Real World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMYBBcfGDZo
The Horrorist - We Are All Live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDzn2iqFaxs
The Horrorist - Ice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG_YYav1-Nc
8 A.M. - The Fog Track https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a_ctvNWiik
Miro - Rizing High https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuYna6gmo9Q
Miro - Shining https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEB0o_pvDX0
Dr Macabre - You Must Die
Superpower - Move: Don't Stop! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4Ud0m9HUf8
The Horrorist - Can You Hear The Sound https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdSY6gaEhzk
Current 909 - Hospitalism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ifn-ObDCz6A
Reign - Light and Dark (The Next Dimension) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JxZ_qc5O7Q
Reign - Skeletons March https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMSoMCBHDp0
Taciturne - Den Toten (97 Hammel Remix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN0A7xB9WLM
Current 909 - Information War https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFNRs-Ybg8A
Current 909 - Golden Dawn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIpvd7XQEmc
The Horrorist - Run For Your Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZnXnVE-yyU
The Horrorist - It Goes Like This https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fx1b_V8ItU
Corrosion Of Conformity - King Of The Rotten (Kotzaak Remix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4H78JuizFM
Somatic Responses - Axon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsMILhciNas
Reign - Start Level 99 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K6bu6KYNHs
Cypher - Marchin' into Madness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7U3wa4_Iuc
Rave Creator - Thru Eternal Fog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neyGgKMqa8g
Temper Tantrum - Africa 4010 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A2MYc_n1xg
Reign - Hall (Huge Mix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De4sHmNO3eU
Program 1 - Betrayer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfhzlAKfLTM
Taciturne - Mourning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8oQYVpWpDg
Zekt - Explorers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-lMcdwoS90
Zekt - Exp. Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGKRlwiignQ
Zekt - Phantom In The Hall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwfs96sfNrI
Reincarnated Regulator - The Hiding (Reanimated Chicago Dub) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwfs96sfNrI
FFM Shadow Orchestra - D.N. Acid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs7YFn9M93c
FFM Shadow Orchestra - A Second Split https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx_e6-eyhEY
FFM Shadow Orchestra - French B*tch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSRqekH_Yds
FFM Shadow Orchestra - Dead Man Walking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkWeX-mdxmc
The Mover - Gatecrusher https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5LDbKDUwhY
The Mover - Nightflight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otMIaSNgpQg
DJ Jappo & Lancinhouse - Sacrifice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqtrA14IwlA
The Horrorist - Symphony #9 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2--8ymMEM0
DJ Silence - I Got The Beat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1zZoCG3oVc
DJ Silence - Terra Firma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5z24C3D4PI
DJ Silence - Immortal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUN6KM7r7kI
Planet Phuture - 2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8_POK8Zb1A
Cold Blooded Split - Untitled https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDeAGkM-_Vo
Cold Blooded Split - Invaders https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8arS-6NQoA
Program 1 - MF Skulls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7NJ_Oq3Bdw
Dusty Angel - Acid Bitch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlUTXCGfzFA
The Mover - At The Abyss Of Deception https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njAy9a9g-pE
PCP - The Phuture (Live 28.1.94 FFM Festhalle) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQUvqT5vKkY
Planet Phuture - Suburban Survival System https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKXORonR6ZM
Darius G - Dead Zone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMVyUcaZqdg
Darius G - Final Cut https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUJI3tP_9TQ
Darius G - Industrial Blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lCVGBHhbmw
Program 1 - World's Hardest MF (Leathernecks Remix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMs40jhWBcI
Epoch 90 - Last Night of the World (War Zone) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6mEWPOGsiE
Mask ‎– Behind The Line A1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPHSgcWpSy8
Reincarnated Regulator - Untitled A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt8o9jjJemA
Reincarnated Regulator - Untitled B https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA4l14xQlV8
Zekt - True Hard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC9HPrK7Ap8
Zekt - The Outside World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryJpTaS7peU
Terrorists - America https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvMsvNu4HrY
303 Nation - Dos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDwGeBzDRVk
303 Nation - A World Noire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltgybSBCQBc
The Overlord - Countdown 2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBhyeOsnj68
The Overlord - Kill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM35nYUhVJ0
Noface - Master Of The Lost Souls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkjiXe-6FaY
Noface - Torment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-2bd_Jm_Mo
Lorenz Attractor - Dissonance And Disorder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l2Rr67vs6U
George Sabellicus - B1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAzmL8Mcigc
George Sabellicus - B2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8Ux-sH2wJg
Spurious - Morpheus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-mpt_oZgPY
Evidence - Resist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSNBmba_Itw
Miro - Understand (Remix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKdOhHl-oc4
Miro - Arize https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFOUFFWXWus
Miro - Destroy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhNoywmHfRE
The Mover - Astral Demons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSMT2KdQt5Q
The Mover & Rave Creator - Astral Demons 94 (Cold Planet Remix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSz84WbjfkQ
The Mover - Into Wasteland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ofpZbYp72U
The Mover - Reconstructin' Instructions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZXDqKhSmBU
Alien Christ - Of Suns & Moons Phase II https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRu4Mezxsjw
Alien Christ - Interracial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_HYDNpaVww
Barracuda - Braineaters (Craig Tayaffo Mix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiOK0pf-SK0
Barracuda - Braineaters (Bellini Uno Mix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXfuuHZJigg
The Mover - World Downfall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJXSZmrELRs
The Mover - The Emperor Takes Place https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpTMIdTHcZc
The Mover - Over Land & Sea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb3mAoaPjz4
The Mover - Changing Platforms https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFakkMXHfiM
Ultra Spaceman - Electric (Cross) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FwbxoIOkhU
Frozen & Dr Macabre - Dimension Of The Doomed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qry87sLIhMw&t=2984

When it comes to the 90s era, another important factor was Fifth Era Records.
But due to the unique nature of their releases, we felt it would not do them justice to try to catalogue and list them in any way; thus, feel very free to explore these highly recommendable sounds on your own!

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Hardcore Emotions: Anger

Hardcore Techno tracks deal with a variety of emotions; many of these are considered to be "dark" or "disturbing" by western culture.
Today we look at tracks that portray feelings of anger, aggression, fury, and frustration.

When combined with the sounds of Hardcore, these emotions can lead to a very beneficial experience of catharsis:
"From moments of terror to states of serenity: Hardcore Techno as a catharsis"
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/05/from-moments-of-terror-to-states-of.html

1. Nasenbluten - C**T Face

"I'm f**cking angry!". The prime example of an angry Gabber track. Violent shouting, profanities - add a bassdrum and some percussion, and that's basically all its components.

2. Napalm 02 - Scream

Scream it out, if you are full of rage! It's debatable whether this is a scream out of rage or out of agony. Still, this early Industrial Hardcore track is aggro as hell.

3. Agro - Bullen Raus

Let's keep the aggro theme flowing. "bullen raus!" is a german expression, equivalent to A.C.A.B., so we have some righteous rage against the system here.

4. D.O.A. - Unleash The Brutality

yes, yes, unleash it, let it flow, pour it all out.
new york's hardest.

5. Somatic Responses - Fury's Theme

somatic responses are known for their beautiful, intricate idm/breaks compositions of later years. but this early outing is just a dirty kick to the teeth.

6. Rules Of Anger - Emotional Violence

Nomen est omen for this dark speed/acidcore track.

7. Deadly Buda - Housewrecker

"vengeance... revenge..." we hear you. we hear you well.

8. Rage Reset - Feel This

and yes, we are definitely feeling it.
competently-produced Australian Amiga Hardcore classic.

9. ATR - Fuck All

ATR were always full of aggro. But this track shows them at their most enraged.

10. Temper Tantrum - Destroy The World

so yeah we already have a tantrum here, and these emotions are amended by the intent of world destruction. it does not get more belligerent.
brought to you by techno hero Oliver Chesler aka The Horrorist.

11. The Berzerker - Reality

Let's go berzerk! To this death metal / speedcore anthem by Australia's Luke Kenny and his band

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Sonic Itinerancy: A Doomcore Techno Walk Through the Dark Deep Forests of Hamburg

Hamburg has elements of a megalopolis, but also elements of green, untouched nature.
The Itinerant Audio project ( https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/01/itinerant-audio-music-for-sonic.html ) took me to one of those patches within the city limits of Hamburg. An idyllic forest, peaceful, calm, ideal for long walks, cycling...
It also connects to a medium-sized lake that's sweet for swimming in the summer, and a few fields.

Yet if you look beyond it's beautiful trees, leaves, flowers, this place is maybe not so untouched and silent at all.

There is a lot of activity tied to this place, some euphoric, but also some very disturbing stuff.

At one time, hikers stumbled upon a bunch of discarded plastic bags. It turned out they contained human remains.

A well known explicit movie actress posted an invitation on the internet for a "fan ****"; quite a lot of people volunteered. The video shooting, which was done on an open place next to the forest, and during daylight, caused a quite scandal in Germany.
Public nudity is semi-legal in Germany, but this happening was a bit "too much", even for the Germans.

The lake is also surrounded by a nude beach, which is designated as an LGBTQIA+ "cruising" area, and a very popular one at that.

Underground raves and parties are held within the forest area; especially related to psytrance.

So there is *indeed* a lot of stuff going on at that location.

Now to our own little project:

It's a video illustrating a walk through this very forest; with some edits and twists and some surreal peculiarities.
All of this is underscored by Doomcore, Dark Ambient and Slowcore Techno sounds.

Trying to portray some of the strange sensations of this special spot.

You can watch the video as a whole, or its various parts that align to its respective tracks.

The Whole Video:

Part 1: Cosmic Anarchists - Drifting In A Timeless Void

Part 2: Αναρχία Αραχνοειδείς - The Bite Of The Spider (Chapter 5)

Part 3: Hamburg Penumbral Orchestra - The Sun

Part 4: Time Kanzler Green - Slowly Visiting Another Planet

Part 5: Metalove - Ich Will Sehen (Maia)

Part 6: 1 Million Slowcore Members - Thy Will Be Done

And now we have only one thing left to say:

Bon Voyage!

Sunday, October 6, 2024

All Kotzaak Unltd. releases listed, rated, and short-reviewed

Originally published as a chapter in the The unofficial Planet Core Productions guidebook:

https://pcplegendsintheirlife.blogspot.com/2024/07/planet-core-productions-guidebook.html

Note: the rating means "compared to other PCP releases".

Thus, if a record has "only" 49 or 31 percent here, this does not mean it's bad; compared with other Hardcore or Techno EPs they would be 88 or 94 or higher; the percentage just "seems lower" for the sake of rating these PCP records in a way that seems sensible, and to have a bit of comparison with the other releases.

Kotz 0 - Leathernecks - Test Attack

"Zero" is an odd catalogue number, so i guess it somehow predates the creation of the label (maybe a "test" release, as the name says)?
The classic "at war" is on here, a diss track against a huge german 90s label.
Rough gabber-terror-stuff.

71 / 100

Kotz 1 - Stickhead - Slaughterhouse E.P.

The later kotzaak by miro releases usually get much more love, but I think these early one's have their merits, too.
Proto-Speedcore-Terror, still very much tied to the gabber sound.

41 / 100

Kotz 2 - Stickhead - World's Hardest Kotzaak

Things are building up now. With tracks like "check dis mutha down" or the eponymous "kotzaak", miro is arriving at his trademark death metal inspired ultra-violent, ultra-somber sound.

72 / 100

Kotz 3 - Dogge Team - We Came To Hool

Apart from the test attack, this is the only release by marc on kotzaak.
A very unusual "terror" release; it's a bit as if his earlier pcp music got the ultra-speed, ultra-distortion treatment.

38 / 100

Kotz 4 - Jack Lucifer - I Am Living Death

This is essentially the starting point at which miro began introducing icy, tenebrous, "gothic" synth sounds to his tracks.
A track to look out for is "95 knights", one of his best works, that led to quite a few remixes later.

70 / 100

Kotz 5 - Stickhead - Gimme Death E.P.

Stickhead is at work again. More dutch-Gabber-influenced "terror" this time, yet fierce as hell.

52 / 100

Kotz 666 - Jack Lucifer - 96 Knights

The big one's coming! 96 knights is probably the epitome of the "hardcore terror" sound and scene.
One of the most beloved pcp outputs ever.
While the majority would go for the "into the death" mix, i actually think the flip side is even one tiny notch better.

666 / 100

Kotz 7 - Stickhead & Don Demon - Once Upon A Time In Frankfurt

Another legendary release.
Some of the most intricate, serpentine, monumental compositions in hardcore - with very high "production values".
Should be the right thing for any terror-head's frightened heart.

100 / 100 (a perfect release!)

Kotz 8 - The Kotzaak Klan - Powerstation Kotzaak

After the complex kotz 7, this is slightly more reduced, direct, a "straight rush to the brain". It could even be that these tracks were "live produced".
Adrenaline- inducing hardcore overdose.

88 / 100

Kotz 9 - Bold Bob - Dive Into Steel

Bolb bob is at it now. More monotonous, more hypnotic, but still quite grand.

69 / 100

Kotz 10 - Jack Lucifer - Console From Hell

I think this was released *after* the end of pcp?
A very out-of-the-ordinary combination of death metal and hardcore - with "synthesized" guitars, growling vocals, and devoid of "gabber" drums.