Hardcore Techno musicians dabbled with almost every other music genre in the 90s; and musicians from almost every genre dabbled with Hardcore, even if only for a short moment.
This means that a lot of hybrids, hydras, and chimeras were created.
One that always piqued my interest was "electro-core"; i.e. music that is somewhat related to the "electro-funk" style of the 80s, but is also somewhat Hardcore. (Electro-Funk in the sense of sounds that were made by artists like Hashim, Egyptian Lover, or The Jonzun Crew.)
The main player (or breaker) here is definitely Phil Klein aka Bass Junkie, who, I'd assume, made 90% of tracks that could be fit into this very niche of a genre.
BTW: He also did a lot of "regular" Electro and other styles, too!
But there is also Biochip C, DMX, and... well, let's just go on.
(All of the above mentioned did their tracks under various akas).
Here are 11 tracks that fit somewhere in the gap in between Oldschool Electro and Hardcore Techno.
1. Computor Rockers – Computor Interface (USB 2.0)
2. Battle Systems - Atomics
3. Legowelt - Electro Race
4. Minimum Syndicat - The mantis-priests have gathered
5. I Borg - Engage the Borg
6. Umwelt - Beyond Celestial Limits
7. Cyborg Unknown - Year 2001 (In the Beginning)
8. I-F - I Do Because I Couldn't Care Less
9. Umwelt - Undercurrent
10. Final Dream - Pain Amplifier
11. Umwelt - Undercurrent
Some further suggestions:
Final Dream - The Unknown
The Mover - Stars Collapse
Bass Junkie - Comply
Biochip C - Steal It And Deal It (DMX Krew Remix)
Battle System - The Killing System
The Mover - Track Three (Countdown Trax)
Temper Tantrum vs. Unexist - Everybody Gets Laid
Mat 101 - Goblins 101
Egyptian Lover - Soiree at the shindig
LFO - Tied Up
Somatic Responses - Purple BMX
Monday, April 7, 2025
Shouting Hardcore Part 2 - Scream it out for the Tingler
In my music and cultural research, I just stumbled upon this little info.
It was found embedded within a plot summary about the movie "The Tingler" featuring Vincent Price.
'He discovers that there is a creature living in the spine of every human being that feeds on the fear of its host. If the host does not start screaming in a state of fear, the creature, known as the "Tingler", grows to full life size, which leads to the death of the human.'
I don't know the movie, probably some kinda kitschi-scari 50s affair.
But all irony aside.
I think there's some truth in the above statement.
If you chuck up all your emotions and swallow them, well that's not healthy at all. Even "dark" emotions like fear or panic...
So scream it out my friend!
Scream it out, until The Tingler itself gets scared and runs away, back to its own hellish dimension!
And what better way to scream out all your anger, pain, agony, fear, anxiety - than some good ol' hardcore techno and gabber house?
So here is a list of 10 more screaming hardcore tracks.
These tracks are about literal screams - i.e. not just loud vocalizing, but actual, deep, fried, human (or non-human) SCREAMS!
It was found embedded within a plot summary about the movie "The Tingler" featuring Vincent Price.
'He discovers that there is a creature living in the spine of every human being that feeds on the fear of its host. If the host does not start screaming in a state of fear, the creature, known as the "Tingler", grows to full life size, which leads to the death of the human.'
I don't know the movie, probably some kinda kitschi-scari 50s affair.
But all irony aside.
I think there's some truth in the above statement.
If you chuck up all your emotions and swallow them, well that's not healthy at all. Even "dark" emotions like fear or panic...
So scream it out my friend!
Scream it out, until The Tingler itself gets scared and runs away, back to its own hellish dimension!
And what better way to scream out all your anger, pain, agony, fear, anxiety - than some good ol' hardcore techno and gabber house?
So here is a list of 10 more screaming hardcore tracks.
These tracks are about literal screams - i.e. not just loud vocalizing, but actual, deep, fried, human (or non-human) SCREAMS!
1. Napalm - Scream
2. Bakalla - True Force
3. Scarface - Blow Your Head Off
4. Sauerkraut - I Don't Believe In You
5. Marc Acardipane The Horrorist - Metal Man
6. U.V.C. DJ Narotic - Industrial Strength
7. DJ Tron - F*ck That Happy Shit
8. Napalm - Shit01
9. The Horrorist - Can You Hear the Sound?
10. Ec8or - Raving Hypospadie
11. DJ Jappo DJ Lancinhouse - F*kem Outro
Also check our earlier feature: "Hardcore Techno Anger Management - Release your rage in a social way"
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/hardcore-techno-anger-management.html
2. Bakalla - True Force
3. Scarface - Blow Your Head Off
4. Sauerkraut - I Don't Believe In You
5. Marc Acardipane The Horrorist - Metal Man
6. U.V.C. DJ Narotic - Industrial Strength
7. DJ Tron - F*ck That Happy Shit
8. Napalm - Shit01
9. The Horrorist - Can You Hear the Sound?
10. Ec8or - Raving Hypospadie
11. DJ Jappo DJ Lancinhouse - F*kem Outro
Also check our earlier feature: "Hardcore Techno Anger Management - Release your rage in a social way"
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/hardcore-techno-anger-management.html
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Our Inspiration: Other Overdogs in Fact or Fiction
At T.H.C.O.D. we are all about the underdogs - and a play of words turned this into "the overdogs".
So, let's put the music, the hardcore, the beats - away for a while.
Let's look at other characters from fact or fiction that inspire us, you, and me.
Dogs or doglikes that embody both the underdog and "overdog" spirit; And their artists / creators very specific, often surreal and sometimes sweet take on these canine creatures.
And then we howl at the moon together.
Arrooo!
1. Karvanista
Appears in several episodes of Doctor Who. Spoilers ahead!
When earth is destined to be destroyed by a power wave, Karvanista is a member of a sentient alien dog species that comes to the rescue in order to evacuate every single human; off of planet earth, to a safe destination. And each "dog" is assigned to a specific individual to save them - since an ancient time, actually.
And why? Because dogs are mankind's best friend, of course. Isn't that sweet (and adorable?)
2. Wolfman Jack
Illegal Pirate Radio stations played a very important role in broadcasting the rock'n'roll spirit and music to a young generation whose parents were scared of this type of rebellion.
Unlike the UK and mainland Europe, in the US of A this job was taken up by so-called "Border Blasters" - semi-legal Mexican radio station that cranked the transmission voltage up so high that the signals reached as far as the southern tips of Canada - or, if weather conditions were right, all of the globe.
One key player in this rock rebellion was radio host Wolfman Jack.
Because of this, he embodies the canine spirit of rebellion, tenacity, finding the ways through a fence set up by authority, and a massive, massive charge of power.
3. Hecuba
According to the Greek Myths:
Hecuba was the mother of 19 children, including Cassandra, Hector, and Paris. She was the wife of King Priam and Queen of Troy, and thus stood against the invading army, led by Achilles and such, in the Trojan war.
Some time after the war, she was unfairly turned into a dog, but eventually got rescued and moved to a safe place.
There is (much!) more to her; look it up if interested.
To us, she represents the spirit of being a bad bitch, female rebellion, fighting for truth, protecting the helpless, and the dog inside us all.
4. Underdog
I haven't seen this movie, but this seems to run closely to our concepts, too.
A super hero dog that fights for those in need of protection.
As such, he represents the helping spirit of dogs, and the super-powers that dogs have in fiction.
5. Kill Wolfhead
Ah yes, Wolfhead. If there is someone representing the power, grittiness, virility, and lunacy of a true wolf, it's probably him.
Plays an important role in the "John DiFool" world of comics.
6. Ren
Beloved comrade of Stimpy the cat in the eponymous cartoon show.
As such, he seems to represent the only voice of reason, sanity, logic and intellect in a (comic) world gone mad and stupid. Also known to throw a temper from time to time.
You eeeediots!
7. Cerberus
Another dog that runs closely to our own aspirations, too.
Associated with doom and demise, guarding the underworld and hell.
He represents the guarding spirit of dogs, and the more infernal / vicious / devilish side of a dog's or wolf's peculiar personality.
This also shows that dogs do not have one, but *three* minds (heads) of their own.
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8. Dog
Hey, Dog, you are working for the cops, for the man! Not cool. Not cool at all.
But Dog also tracks down some very shady humans, and helps protect the vulnerable and innocent from these monsters.
As such, he represents the protective spirit of dogs. and most importantly, the ability of dogs to sniff, track, search, hunt down, chase and capture anything they want.
9. Alucard's Dog
Talking about hounds of hell! This is not a nice or good boy at all.
A creature that is spittin' vitriol in more than one forms.
Known to deal ferocious justice on those deserving of it.
10. Barfolomew
Another unlikely superhero. Famously he is a mawg, half man and half dog ("I'm my own best friend.")
As such, he represents the doglike features in our own, human personality (as well as the more human-like traits of dogs).
And, let's face it, he is wayyy cooler than the other dog-like creature in the more well-known movie franchise by George Lucas.
Right?
11. Sabreman
Protagonist of "Knight Lore", an earliest action-adventure game which sparked a whole generation of video games that already were three-dimensional more than a decade before 3D Games really took over.
He is an archaeologist who was afflicted by a curse that turned him into a lycanthrope, i.e. a man that transforms into a werewolf now and then.
As such he represents the canine spirit of adventure, exploration, and dogs' innate ability to solve even the trickiest of puzzles.
So, let's put the music, the hardcore, the beats - away for a while.
Let's look at other characters from fact or fiction that inspire us, you, and me.
Dogs or doglikes that embody both the underdog and "overdog" spirit; And their artists / creators very specific, often surreal and sometimes sweet take on these canine creatures.
And then we howl at the moon together.
Arrooo!
Appears in several episodes of Doctor Who. Spoilers ahead!
When earth is destined to be destroyed by a power wave, Karvanista is a member of a sentient alien dog species that comes to the rescue in order to evacuate every single human; off of planet earth, to a safe destination. And each "dog" is assigned to a specific individual to save them - since an ancient time, actually.
And why? Because dogs are mankind's best friend, of course. Isn't that sweet (and adorable?)
Illegal Pirate Radio stations played a very important role in broadcasting the rock'n'roll spirit and music to a young generation whose parents were scared of this type of rebellion.
Unlike the UK and mainland Europe, in the US of A this job was taken up by so-called "Border Blasters" - semi-legal Mexican radio station that cranked the transmission voltage up so high that the signals reached as far as the southern tips of Canada - or, if weather conditions were right, all of the globe.
One key player in this rock rebellion was radio host Wolfman Jack.
Because of this, he embodies the canine spirit of rebellion, tenacity, finding the ways through a fence set up by authority, and a massive, massive charge of power.
According to the Greek Myths:
Hecuba was the mother of 19 children, including Cassandra, Hector, and Paris. She was the wife of King Priam and Queen of Troy, and thus stood against the invading army, led by Achilles and such, in the Trojan war.
Some time after the war, she was unfairly turned into a dog, but eventually got rescued and moved to a safe place.
There is (much!) more to her; look it up if interested.
To us, she represents the spirit of being a bad bitch, female rebellion, fighting for truth, protecting the helpless, and the dog inside us all.
I haven't seen this movie, but this seems to run closely to our concepts, too.
A super hero dog that fights for those in need of protection.
As such, he represents the helping spirit of dogs, and the super-powers that dogs have in fiction.
Ah yes, Wolfhead. If there is someone representing the power, grittiness, virility, and lunacy of a true wolf, it's probably him.
Plays an important role in the "John DiFool" world of comics.
Beloved comrade of Stimpy the cat in the eponymous cartoon show.
As such, he seems to represent the only voice of reason, sanity, logic and intellect in a (comic) world gone mad and stupid. Also known to throw a temper from time to time.
You eeeediots!
Another dog that runs closely to our own aspirations, too.
Associated with doom and demise, guarding the underworld and hell.
He represents the guarding spirit of dogs, and the more infernal / vicious / devilish side of a dog's or wolf's peculiar personality.
This also shows that dogs do not have one, but *three* minds (heads) of their own.
.jpg)
Hey, Dog, you are working for the cops, for the man! Not cool. Not cool at all.
But Dog also tracks down some very shady humans, and helps protect the vulnerable and innocent from these monsters.
As such, he represents the protective spirit of dogs. and most importantly, the ability of dogs to sniff, track, search, hunt down, chase and capture anything they want.
Talking about hounds of hell! This is not a nice or good boy at all.
A creature that is spittin' vitriol in more than one forms.
Known to deal ferocious justice on those deserving of it.
Another unlikely superhero. Famously he is a mawg, half man and half dog ("I'm my own best friend.")
As such, he represents the doglike features in our own, human personality (as well as the more human-like traits of dogs).
And, let's face it, he is wayyy cooler than the other dog-like creature in the more well-known movie franchise by George Lucas.
Right?
Protagonist of "Knight Lore", an earliest action-adventure game which sparked a whole generation of video games that already were three-dimensional more than a decade before 3D Games really took over.
He is an archaeologist who was afflicted by a curse that turned him into a lycanthrope, i.e. a man that transforms into a werewolf now and then.
As such he represents the canine spirit of adventure, exploration, and dogs' innate ability to solve even the trickiest of puzzles.
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Dancing into Trance: The Very Bodily Sensations of Hardcore and Techno
One of the most peculiar experiences when being subjected to hardcore and techno at an actual, physical event (party, festival, discotheque...) is to become "possessed" by the sounds, to start "dancing on your own", and your mind getting into a kind of meditative state.
This strange occurrence is known to, and has been experienced by many a raver, the same as ordinary music enjoyers.
Let's face it, even at a rock concert or normal discotheque, you can begin to feel "high on sound" after a while.
But there are certain specifics around hardcore and techno that make this experience more intense and ideal.
- Listening suggestion: #1. Ultra Sonic - Annihilating Rhythm
First, let's state this: "Kids, just say No! to drugs". Drugs will ruin the experience, drugs will mess up your life.
Yeah, maybe some folk get "whacked out" on drugs and have a "psychedelic" experience to rave music, too; but that's nothing compared to what you can experience when your body reaches the psychedelic state by sheer music and party action.
- 2 Unlimited - Let The Beat Control Your Body
Now, back on the track.
2. Techno music often has hypnotic / repetitive / mesmerizing beats, basslines, loops, melodies, sounds... and these help achieving a state of trance much faster.
3. The setting of a techno event - pitch black basements, high powered strobes, artificial fog, flashes, lights, sounds, action! makes it ideal for a little bit of a psychedelic ritual.
4. Being surrounded by a crowd makes it better than getting out of your mind on your own.
5. If you have been at a party and dancing for 10 hours straight, it's 8 am in the morning, sunlight is slowly coming out... then it's easier to get into trance (than when being in a well-rested, sound, ordinary state of mind at home).
6. If you've been active for so long, you likely lost a lot of fluids and your stomach is empty, which is also a nice condition for mind entertainment (don't take this too far, though!)
7. And, maybe most importantly: the volume is so high, that it bleeds out everything else, and you can feel the soundwaves on your skin and in your bones, which is an almost surreal thing by its own.
- 3. Q-Tex - Get On The Floor
Now, let's get to the facts, and the experience itself.
When the beat is good, when the track is good, when the party is good... you will notice how your arms, legs, feet... your whole body... begins to move on its own. your mind slowly lodges itself into the "back seat" and everything feels like you watch it from a 3rd person perspective. your body, the party, the whole world... it's coming through like a movie.
You don't need to move one muscle anymore - your body does everything and every move by itself now.
- 4. Josh Wink - Higher State Of Consciousness
The "weird" 60s gurus like Timothy Leary or John C. Lilly dedicated their lives (and their sanity) to mapping out "psychedelic levels of consciousness"... this is somewhat related to this, too, but, to be exact, it's not about alternative states of mind - it's about alternative states of the body.
Because your mind might actually stay quite sober, collected, and intellectual throughout this whole euphoric "ordeal"... yet it's your body that's "possessed", that starts to squirm, kick, punch, jump, move around by itself.
- 5. DJ Freak - Party Trance
8. How to safely exit this state and give control of the body back to your mind
The thing is - you can't. This "trance" might last shorter or longer, but you surrender control once you enter into it.
Still, I don't think it's scary and your body will return to its normal functions after a while.
- 6. Freez-E-Style - Doom Dancer
9. What is it like?
Well, the experience itself is very pleasant, euphoric, ecstatic... I don't think you could ever get as "high" with any physical substance as you can get by dancing into trance...
Bliss, serenity, everything!
But in the end, words fail me to truly describe it! You better experience it on your own.
- 7. Dance 2 Trance - Power Of American Natives
Part 2
Let's add some more words on what makes the hardcore experience a bit different from the regular trance / techno / acid one.
With techno, you enter a state of steady trance, 'dance by yourself', and stay in there for a few minutes, or an hour... and drift out of it again.
This is partly because techno music itself has a "steady flow", most of the time.
- 8. E-De-Cologne - Dance Now!
But with hardcore techno and gabber it's much different, oh my!
Because hardcore and gabber tracks often add a level of adrenaline and intensity one after another.
There's a high-charged acid-line, then the bass drum hits, and then screams come in, and disturbed hoovers, and heavy metal riffs, and and and and...
So you are already in a state of trance and you get pushed even further, and further, and further...
And that can really feel like "the rug is pulled underneath your feet" and you are spiraling into hell... or heaven?
- 9. Lord of Hardcore - Go Berzerk
Then the physical / bodily effect is the same.
When hardcore DJs talk about how "the crowd lost control" and everyone started to jump and twirl around and "the whole place turned into mayhem" as they dropped certain tracks; then that is nothing that those rave-dancers decided to do on a conscious, mindful level. They really lost control of their bodies and turned into berzerkers.
Yet this is not an unpleasant experience at all. it's just another case of high-adrenaline charged sonic-powered trance.
Because, now and then, such an event of "audio possession" feels mighty fine, right?
- 10. The Possessed - Human Kick Machine
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