Wednesday, June 18, 2025
What is Doomcore Techno?
There is something I always considered highly fascinating about the various Hardcore sub-genres that began in the 90s.
A lot of these genres are virtually unknown to almost everyone. Yet the people involved in these miniature scenes are often willing to dedicate their lives, their free time, their desire, their creativity, their well-being and sanity for their favorite passion. Be it as fans, producers, DJs, promoters, writers...
There is no prospect of fame, their is no inclination to become rich, no respect to be earned by mainstream society, and "groupies" (of any gender) are nowhere to be seen as well - yet these people go on, for years and years, decade and decade.
To use a quote from a British TV show here: "Without hope. Without witness. Without reward".
There are pocket scenes that have a whole history, genealogy, evolution, ecosphere - yet are totally unknown to the outside eye.
And, amongst these, one of the most extreme cases is the genre known as "Doomcore Techno"
The genre existed in "four decades" now. Hundred of producers added their creations to its gene pool. Entire labels and parties committed themselves to the Doomcore sound.
Yet, outside all of this... rarely anyone knows this genre exists, or how it sounds.
It's neither just a "weird categorization" of a style. In music, media, or art, sometimes terms and names are invented to describe a trend or trope, even though the general population could not care less (i.e. who, outside the sphere of journalists and film buffs, can tell "Neon Noir" movies apart from "Neo Noir" movies?).
But that isn't the case here.
Doomcore is an extant and distinct genre, that has many characteristics that sets it apart from other styles like "Industrial Hardcore" or "Dark Techno".
So, to shed some light into this dark corner of the music scene - this book was created!
A lot of these genres are virtually unknown to almost everyone. Yet the people involved in these miniature scenes are often willing to dedicate their lives, their free time, their desire, their creativity, their well-being and sanity for their favorite passion. Be it as fans, producers, DJs, promoters, writers...
There is no prospect of fame, their is no inclination to become rich, no respect to be earned by mainstream society, and "groupies" (of any gender) are nowhere to be seen as well - yet these people go on, for years and years, decade and decade.
To use a quote from a British TV show here: "Without hope. Without witness. Without reward".
There are pocket scenes that have a whole history, genealogy, evolution, ecosphere - yet are totally unknown to the outside eye.
And, amongst these, one of the most extreme cases is the genre known as "Doomcore Techno"
The genre existed in "four decades" now. Hundred of producers added their creations to its gene pool. Entire labels and parties committed themselves to the Doomcore sound.
Yet, outside all of this... rarely anyone knows this genre exists, or how it sounds.
It's neither just a "weird categorization" of a style. In music, media, or art, sometimes terms and names are invented to describe a trend or trope, even though the general population could not care less (i.e. who, outside the sphere of journalists and film buffs, can tell "Neon Noir" movies apart from "Neo Noir" movies?).
But that isn't the case here.
Doomcore is an extant and distinct genre, that has many characteristics that sets it apart from other styles like "Industrial Hardcore" or "Dark Techno".
So, to shed some light into this dark corner of the music scene - this book was created!
History of Doomcore Techno - The 1st Generation: PCP
History of Doomcore - The 1st Generation: PCP
The history of Hardcore is quite opaque. For example, there is still some debate on what were the first Hardcore tracks (see here or here).
Luckily for us, things are much more clear when it comes to Doomcore.
The subgenre of Doomcore was created by PCP aka Planet Core Productions. For the first few years, PCP was more or less the only label that released Doomcore.
They might have even coined the term.
By the mid 90s, the PCP mail-order service already classifies and advertises a few of its vinyl releases as being "Doomcore".
And the "doom" motif is recurring in the world of PCP. Doomed bunker loops, doom dancers, doom supporters (take care!).
The label made it clear that they produced doomed techno, doomed hardcore... doom-core!
Now that we're through with the linguistics, let us listen to the sounds (like the giant would have said).
"Frontal Sickness" by the Mover (aka Acardipane) was released on PCP in 1991. Yet it already had the full blueprint for the Doomcore genre mechanics.
Minimalist, dark synth melodies that barely have more than 3-4 chords (or notes). Slow, deep drums. Technoid percussion.
An overload of reverberation that sounds as if haunted spectres are talking (or reaching) to you.
A stripped-down, raw aesthetic - no complicated FX setup, no epic singing, no guitar riffs or "big" elements (i.e. things that happened in a few other Techno / Hardcore Genres).
The sound is almost as reduced as in lo-fi Black Metal.
But, of course, this doomed minimalism is extremely effective - and even suitable for huge space arenas.
The next one's a bomb.
"Louder than a Bomb" was planted and timed by Program 1 in 1992.
This release adds "Hardcore" beats to the doom template.
Especially noteworthy is "Betrayer". Checks all the ingredients for a rumbling Doomcore track: disharmonic "three chord" synths, hard kicks, horror samples. Pow!
1993 then sees the release of "World's Hardest MF" by The Leathernecks (actually a remix of a "Louder Than a Bomb" track).
And this shows the ultra-distorted industrial edge of our Doom genre.
And then we "Enter the Gates of Darkness" with Freez-E-Style in 1994 - this will even convince those aficionados for whom "Frontal Sickness" was still too close to Techno (do such people exist?)
These were all "aka Acardipane" productions - but there were other shakers on PCP as well.
The double-sided hammer "Purple Moon" / "Understand" by Miro became another template for the Doomcore genre (deservingly!)
And Doctor Macabre unleashed a Poltergeist that even haunted the big Gabber festivals in the 90s (and today).
These were just some examples - the PCP catalogue is full of dark, sick, twisted sounds.
So better take care, doom supporter!
The history of Hardcore is quite opaque. For example, there is still some debate on what were the first Hardcore tracks (see here or here).
Luckily for us, things are much more clear when it comes to Doomcore.
The Mover - In Deep Rage (1991)
They might have even coined the term.
By the mid 90s, the PCP mail-order service already classifies and advertises a few of its vinyl releases as being "Doomcore".
And the "doom" motif is recurring in the world of PCP. Doomed bunker loops, doom dancers, doom supporters (take care!).
The label made it clear that they produced doomed techno, doomed hardcore... doom-core!
Now that we're through with the linguistics, let us listen to the sounds (like the giant would have said).
The Mover - Gatecrusher (1991)
"Frontal Sickness" by the Mover (aka Acardipane) was released on PCP in 1991. Yet it already had the full blueprint for the Doomcore genre mechanics.
Minimalist, dark synth melodies that barely have more than 3-4 chords (or notes). Slow, deep drums. Technoid percussion.
An overload of reverberation that sounds as if haunted spectres are talking (or reaching) to you.
A stripped-down, raw aesthetic - no complicated FX setup, no epic singing, no guitar riffs or "big" elements (i.e. things that happened in a few other Techno / Hardcore Genres).
The sound is almost as reduced as in lo-fi Black Metal.
But, of course, this doomed minimalism is extremely effective - and even suitable for huge space arenas.
Program 1 - Betrayer (Pow!) (1992)
The next one's a bomb.
"Louder than a Bomb" was planted and timed by Program 1 in 1992.
This release adds "Hardcore" beats to the doom template.
Especially noteworthy is "Betrayer". Checks all the ingredients for a rumbling Doomcore track: disharmonic "three chord" synths, hard kicks, horror samples. Pow!
1993 then sees the release of "World's Hardest MF" by The Leathernecks (actually a remix of a "Louder Than a Bomb" track).
And this shows the ultra-distorted industrial edge of our Doom genre.
Freez-E-Style - Enter The Gates Of Darkness (1994)
And then we "Enter the Gates of Darkness" with Freez-E-Style in 1994 - this will even convince those aficionados for whom "Frontal Sickness" was still too close to Techno (do such people exist?)
These were all "aka Acardipane" productions - but there were other shakers on PCP as well.
The double-sided hammer "Purple Moon" / "Understand" by Miro became another template for the Doomcore genre (deservingly!)
Miro - Purple Moon (1997)
And Doctor Macabre unleashed a Poltergeist that even haunted the big Gabber festivals in the 90s (and today).
These were just some examples - the PCP catalogue is full of dark, sick, twisted sounds.
So better take care, doom supporter!
The Mover - Changing Platforms (1993)
Program 1 - World's Hardest MF (Leathernecks Remix) (1993)
Rat Of Doom - Before The Breakdown (1995)
Reign - Light and Dark (The Next Dimension) (1996)
Dr. Macabre - Poltergeist (1996)
Reign - Hall (Huge Mix) (1997)
History of Doomcore Techno - The 2nd Generation: Labels & Artists
We talked About the 1st generation of Doomcore here.
Now let's look at the 2nd wave of producers and labels.
With other sub-genres of Hardcore, like Speedcore or Breakcore, there were often instances of coevolution.
Artists who retrospectively said "I thought *I* invented this sound - I was not aware that other producers around the globe were already doing a similar thing".
This ain't the case with Doomcore. We mentioned that PCP was the first generation. And the second direction was directly inspired by PCP and tried to build on their sound. This was openly acknowledged and communicated.
So, the Doomcore bloodline can be traced straight back to PCP, in all cases.
Now let's dive into this "New Wave of Global Doom".
Things To Come Records
TTC was set up by Oliver Chesler, who had made himself a name in the Techno and extreme Hardcore scene already, using monikers such as Disintegrator, Temper Tantrum or DJ Skinhead (Yikes! A scary name).
Rumor says he set up the label because his music became too "slow and doomy" for Industrial Strength Records.
Either way, the first releases saw him teaming up with his brother, later to be followed by Miro from PCP itself. He already did some stuff on PCP at an earlier date, TTC was distributed by PCD in Europe (the PCP distribution service), so the transatlantic bridge had been set up.
The second release spawned 3 (!) world-wide underground hits: "Mission Ecstasy", "Flesh is the Fever" (which turned the Dutch Gabber scene around - in terms of speed) and "One Night in NYC" (which hit #1 in the German Dance charts).
At the turn of the Millenium, the label changed its direction more towards Techno music and Electro-Clash.
Chesler aka The Horrorist is still a successful producer today.
Black Monolith
Apart from Chesler, Robert Skinner was another huge PCP addict located in the East Coast area of the US of A.
He set up his own label, too.
There is a lot of variety here, and you will also find Oldschool, Gabber, even Acidcore releases.
But the Doom is strong with this one. And quite some "early Doomcore" classics were put out by this record label.
Atmosfear
Set up by DJ Pure, who was / is one half of Ilsa Gold.
Also connected to the London Hardcore underground scene around Dead by Dawn and the Praxis label.
DJ Pure's aim was, and I quote: "the idea of combining sounds from 80s underground movies, new wave, and industrial culture with techno and electro" and to establish a "combination of the sobriety, melancholy and darkness of the 80s with the ecstasy of the 90s [...] that operates between dark electronic listening and dance music."
Most Hardcore-Heads might know this label for "The Lockdown", which was used as an intro to the second edition of Manu Le Malin's "Biomechanik" series of mixed compilations.
Now let's look at the 2nd wave of producers and labels.
With other sub-genres of Hardcore, like Speedcore or Breakcore, there were often instances of coevolution.
Artists who retrospectively said "I thought *I* invented this sound - I was not aware that other producers around the globe were already doing a similar thing".
This ain't the case with Doomcore. We mentioned that PCP was the first generation. And the second direction was directly inspired by PCP and tried to build on their sound. This was openly acknowledged and communicated.
So, the Doomcore bloodline can be traced straight back to PCP, in all cases.
Now let's dive into this "New Wave of Global Doom".
Things To Come Records
TTC was set up by Oliver Chesler, who had made himself a name in the Techno and extreme Hardcore scene already, using monikers such as Disintegrator, Temper Tantrum or DJ Skinhead (Yikes! A scary name).
Rumor says he set up the label because his music became too "slow and doomy" for Industrial Strength Records.
Either way, the first releases saw him teaming up with his brother, later to be followed by Miro from PCP itself. He already did some stuff on PCP at an earlier date, TTC was distributed by PCD in Europe (the PCP distribution service), so the transatlantic bridge had been set up.
The second release spawned 3 (!) world-wide underground hits: "Mission Ecstasy", "Flesh is the Fever" (which turned the Dutch Gabber scene around - in terms of speed) and "One Night in NYC" (which hit #1 in the German Dance charts).
At the turn of the Millenium, the label changed its direction more towards Techno music and Electro-Clash.
Chesler aka The Horrorist is still a successful producer today.
Arrivers - The Things To Come
Black Monolith
Apart from Chesler, Robert Skinner was another huge PCP addict located in the East Coast area of the US of A.
He set up his own label, too.
There is a lot of variety here, and you will also find Oldschool, Gabber, even Acidcore releases.
But the Doom is strong with this one. And quite some "early Doomcore" classics were put out by this record label.
The Outside Agency - Metal Slug
Atmosfear
Set up by DJ Pure, who was / is one half of Ilsa Gold.
Also connected to the London Hardcore underground scene around Dead by Dawn and the Praxis label.
DJ Pure's aim was, and I quote: "the idea of combining sounds from 80s underground movies, new wave, and industrial culture with techno and electro" and to establish a "combination of the sobriety, melancholy and darkness of the 80s with the ecstasy of the 90s [...] that operates between dark electronic listening and dance music."
Most Hardcore-Heads might know this label for "The Lockdown", which was used as an intro to the second edition of Manu Le Malin's "Biomechanik" series of mixed compilations.
Current 909 - The Lockdown
Crossbones
Crossbones was part of the free party / teknival scene in the UK. They were keen supporters of the PCP / Doomcore sound, and set up their own labels, and even a distribution service.
The first label was "Last Tomorrow Recordings", which was followed by a string of others.
Definitely one of the biggest projects in this 2nd generation; and the sound system + label family was host to many legendary producers and DJs such as Face Hoover, Kenny Kramp, or Ms. Bones.
Face Hoover - The Beginning Of The End
Fifth Era
Fifth Era values its secrecy and likes to tell its own story, and we respect that, so we won't say too much here.
Neuroviolence / Zero Tolerance
Jason Mendonca gained his share of fame with the satanic Black Metal band Akercocke.
In an earlier life, he was a Techno and Hardcore producer.
And there is some PCP-influenced Doom sound to be found, too, both on his own "Zero Tolerance" label or with his akas, such as Lorenz Attractor and Neuroviolence.
It requires some digging, as there is a lot of "regular" Techno and Core in the same spaces as well.
Actually, the most "doomy" release - the final one on Zero Tolerance - never saw the light of day.
It combined PCP-like sounds with howling wolves and opera singing (yes, really!)
Guess it was doomed from the start.
Lorenz Attractor - Shadow Fax
Dark Invaders / SGC
A Doomcore project out of Frankfurt, the former home of PCP itself!
Various artists and producers were involved here. SGC was the main label, but there were also releases on outside channels, and there was a strong live presence. The Dark Invaders were known for their performances at underground parties, which were more elaborate than most of their peers.
One of the few projects that kept the Doomcore torch burning in Dark Germany itself during these days of the second generation.
Dark Invaders - Troops Of Doom
Black Blood / Frontline of Sound
Definitely the most obscure one in this early Doomcore listing.
Black Blood (whose artist name was taken from an earliest PCP release) did tracks on labels like Brutal Chud or Exitus, and also had his own Frontline of Sound label.
Very visible attribution to the PCP influence (is "Steven Sick" a nod towards Dance Ecstasy's "Steve Shit"?).
He did few pure-bred Doomcore sounds, though, most of it is hybrid tracks with Gabber, Industrial Hardcore, or even Speedcore. Still, I think this concept was worth mentioning.
.
Black Blood - Hinter Dem Vorhang Der Dunkelheit
This was our look back into a doomed past.
There were also other 2nd generation projects, and we make no pretense that the above listing would be complete.
But it's all worth checking out!
The Horrorist - Into the Moonbeam (Arena Mix)
Current 909 - Golden Dawn
Lorenz Attractor - Complexity Crisis
The History of Doomcore Techno: The 3rd Generation and Beyond
After the 1st and 2nd generation, the "genie was out of the bottle" and couldn't be put back in (or maybe it was a dark djinn?).
The ghost of Doomcore spread like wildfire around the world. A myriad of labels, projects, even parties were set up - solely dedicated to the doomed souls of the Hardcore Techno scene.
Most or these faltered quite quickly and disappeared again.
Hence we will cast our (evil) eye on those that lasted a bit longer, preferably to this day.
As mentioned, there are *a lot* of Doomcore labels.
So this is just a tiny selection out of these.
Hellfire
Hellfire was set up DJ Darkside, who has been around the Hardcore and Doomcore scene for a long time.
This label stands out as it almost exclusively dedicated to vinyl releases, in a time when most others have gone digital.
Hellfire is a home to some very high profile names, like Dr Macabre, FFM Shadow Orchestra or The Horrorist.
▲NGST
Technically this isn't about a label;
Angst is a project by FFF, who was one of most successful 2nd generation Breakcore artist.
No breakin' here, but darkness through and through.
This ain't some poser-aggressive big bassdrum shit; the sound is more introverted, there is influence by ebm, 80s industrial, black ambient and even shoegaze.
Angst classified their music as "doomgaze" accordingly.
Doomcore Records
Doomcore Records was set up in the cold, dark harbor city of Hamburg, and had over 200 releases since its inception.
Famous artists and newcomers have released side 2 side on this label, and the musical styles are all over the map, too; as long as its rhythmic, repetitive, and wakes up the dead.
System Shutdown
Another Hamburg project (the doom must be strong in this city).
There are few releases, but they keep coming steadily at a timed pace, and they are all the better because of this.
These aren't just tracks, the releases are often tied into multi-media experiences with videos and spoken word(s), and extensive myths and lore are drawn around each object.
Doomcore Initiative
A quite young label with some very strong releases.
Not much is known, but the people involved in this project are scattered around the globe. Maybe bound by a vow silence?
The releases themselves are esoteric and dark.
Dead Zone Communications / Future Dust Division
The DarkCreator was a player in the original Dutch Gabber scene, so he is a true veteran of hard sounds.
The labels are not about Gabber though, it's Doom- and Industrial Hardcore all the way.
Almost every release hosts some quality music, so it's definitely worth checking out.
Nethercords
Nethercords is run out of "down under" by Tyrant X who, according to his bio, is "a disciple of Lilith and Hecate".
And that's exactly what you get here; haunted and occult sounds that make you feel as if you have stepped into the nether worlds already.
Most releases center more on Industrial Hardcore and Techno; but Doom will be met, too.
Noisj
Noisj was *the* label of the 2010s Industrial Hardcore scene, with releases popping out almost every other day.
The schedule is more paced now, but it's still surfing the tide.
In total, there are lots and lots of styles on this label; Gabber, Hardcore, Oldschool... and Doomcore too!
Dark Impact
Sublabel of an Italian label dedicated to more contemporary Hardcore sounds.
But as the name implied, this ain't mainstream, but all about the dark side of the core.
Industrial Hardcore, Dark Techno, Doomcore...
There is steady output, the music has high production values, and the releases are strong in general.
Dark.Descent
Host to a family of labels and sublabels; most are about hardcore-techno-acid sounds, but there are some pure doom releases too.
Again, this is an already veteran label which is still quite vital.
Worth checking if you are willing to do some digging.
The ghost of Doomcore spread like wildfire around the world. A myriad of labels, projects, even parties were set up - solely dedicated to the doomed souls of the Hardcore Techno scene.
Most or these faltered quite quickly and disappeared again.
Hence we will cast our (evil) eye on those that lasted a bit longer, preferably to this day.
As mentioned, there are *a lot* of Doomcore labels.
So this is just a tiny selection out of these.
Hellfire
Hellfire was set up DJ Darkside, who has been around the Hardcore and Doomcore scene for a long time.
This label stands out as it almost exclusively dedicated to vinyl releases, in a time when most others have gone digital.
Hellfire is a home to some very high profile names, like Dr Macabre, FFM Shadow Orchestra or The Horrorist.
▲NGST
Technically this isn't about a label;
Angst is a project by FFF, who was one of most successful 2nd generation Breakcore artist.
No breakin' here, but darkness through and through.
This ain't some poser-aggressive big bassdrum shit; the sound is more introverted, there is influence by ebm, 80s industrial, black ambient and even shoegaze.
Angst classified their music as "doomgaze" accordingly.
Doomcore Records
Doomcore Records was set up in the cold, dark harbor city of Hamburg, and had over 200 releases since its inception.
Famous artists and newcomers have released side 2 side on this label, and the musical styles are all over the map, too; as long as its rhythmic, repetitive, and wakes up the dead.
System Shutdown
Another Hamburg project (the doom must be strong in this city).
There are few releases, but they keep coming steadily at a timed pace, and they are all the better because of this.
These aren't just tracks, the releases are often tied into multi-media experiences with videos and spoken word(s), and extensive myths and lore are drawn around each object.
Doomcore Initiative
A quite young label with some very strong releases.
Not much is known, but the people involved in this project are scattered around the globe. Maybe bound by a vow silence?
The releases themselves are esoteric and dark.
Dead Zone Communications / Future Dust Division
The DarkCreator was a player in the original Dutch Gabber scene, so he is a true veteran of hard sounds.
The labels are not about Gabber though, it's Doom- and Industrial Hardcore all the way.
Almost every release hosts some quality music, so it's definitely worth checking out.
Nethercords
Nethercords is run out of "down under" by Tyrant X who, according to his bio, is "a disciple of Lilith and Hecate".
And that's exactly what you get here; haunted and occult sounds that make you feel as if you have stepped into the nether worlds already.
Most releases center more on Industrial Hardcore and Techno; but Doom will be met, too.
Noisj
Noisj was *the* label of the 2010s Industrial Hardcore scene, with releases popping out almost every other day.
The schedule is more paced now, but it's still surfing the tide.
In total, there are lots and lots of styles on this label; Gabber, Hardcore, Oldschool... and Doomcore too!
Dark Impact
Sublabel of an Italian label dedicated to more contemporary Hardcore sounds.
But as the name implied, this ain't mainstream, but all about the dark side of the core.
Industrial Hardcore, Dark Techno, Doomcore...
There is steady output, the music has high production values, and the releases are strong in general.
Dark.Descent
Host to a family of labels and sublabels; most are about hardcore-techno-acid sounds, but there are some pure doom releases too.
Again, this is an already veteran label which is still quite vital.
Worth checking if you are willing to do some digging.
Pre-History: From Industrial Goths to Doomcore Techno: Tracing a Dark Bloodline
I always like to say that Doomcore actually predates the advent of Hardcore, even that of Techno. A tongue-in-cheek statement, of course, but with more than one grain of truth.
The reality is that the types of synths, sounds, melodies, chords, arpeggios that are used in Doomcore tracks had been around in the 80s already.
Electronic music and electronic experiments where vast in that decade; and while you had euphoric poppy Cindy Laupers and Limahls on one side, darkness ruled in the valleys that led into the underground.
There were "scenes" such as post-punk, goths, industrial, ebm, minimal-wave that often bled into each (yeah and a lot of these "terms" came only in major use after the 80s had long ended). It is astonishing to me how similar some of these synth-tracks were to what we call Doomcore now. All they would have needed was a straight 909 and some percussion.
Was this a case of "parallel evolution" (if somewhat time-shifted) or is this really the root and origin of Doomcore?
Well, there are at least a lot of artists that claim this earlier sound as a source of inspiration - including The Horrorist, Marc Acardipane, Current 909 (many non-doom producers as well - such as The Speed Freak, Xol Dog 400, Taciturne)... so there definitely is a thread there... a dark and blood-stained thread.
But regardless. The "Electronic Doom Music" of the 80s is able to stand on its own as well, with its powerful, punishing beats and haunting, tenebrous sentiments.
So let's look at 10 tracks from this occulted realm now:
#2. Nightmoves - Transdance (Uk Club Mix)
#3. The Actor - Le Champ D'Honneur
#4. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - I Betray My Friends
#5. John Foxx - The Garden
#6. Nocturnal Emissions - In Our Time
#7. The Cure - One Hundred Years (Studio Demo)
#9. Oppenheimer Analysis - Scorpions
The reality is that the types of synths, sounds, melodies, chords, arpeggios that are used in Doomcore tracks had been around in the 80s already.
Electronic music and electronic experiments where vast in that decade; and while you had euphoric poppy Cindy Laupers and Limahls on one side, darkness ruled in the valleys that led into the underground.
There were "scenes" such as post-punk, goths, industrial, ebm, minimal-wave that often bled into each (yeah and a lot of these "terms" came only in major use after the 80s had long ended). It is astonishing to me how similar some of these synth-tracks were to what we call Doomcore now. All they would have needed was a straight 909 and some percussion.
Was this a case of "parallel evolution" (if somewhat time-shifted) or is this really the root and origin of Doomcore?
Well, there are at least a lot of artists that claim this earlier sound as a source of inspiration - including The Horrorist, Marc Acardipane, Current 909 (many non-doom producers as well - such as The Speed Freak, Xol Dog 400, Taciturne)... so there definitely is a thread there... a dark and blood-stained thread.
But regardless. The "Electronic Doom Music" of the 80s is able to stand on its own as well, with its powerful, punishing beats and haunting, tenebrous sentiments.
So let's look at 10 tracks from this occulted realm now:
#1. Anne Clark - Contact
#2. Nightmoves - Transdance (Uk Club Mix)
#3. The Actor - Le Champ D'Honneur
#4. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - I Betray My Friends
#5. John Foxx - The Garden
#6. Nocturnal Emissions - In Our Time
#7. The Cure - One Hundred Years (Studio Demo)
#8. New Order - Doubts Even Here
#9. Oppenheimer Analysis - Scorpions
#10. The Vyllies - Whispers In The Shadow
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
The forgotten genre of Techno
Doomcore is often considered to be the most opaque and obscure branch on the tree of Techno music.
Yet, at the same time it is the one with the most mass-appeal and appreciation.
Whenever I played to a crowd of "normal" party people (i.e. not a gig for total Gabber maniacs), Doomcore was always the Hardcore-adjacent style that would send the dancefloor into euphoria and ecstasy (while most other hard stuff... just made everyone leave the Dancefloor).
Producers with Doomcore ties have been admitted into the general Techno pantheon by now.
Doomcore is allowed to go through doors that virtually all other "Hardcore" genres are not able to enter.
And if you look at its roots, it totally makes sense that this is the case.
One of its founding producers once said he desired to take the Techno beats of labels like Underground resistance, and blend them with the darkness of 80s Industrial, EBM, Dark Wave.
And this, folks, is a killer mixture.
Because think about it. People love to dance. They love to come together and love to party. They love repetitive dance beats for that occasion.
Yet, since the Disco days of the 70s, "dance music" has been a total cringe-fest. With cheesy songs about unrealistic love, or worse topics. Stupid clothes, stupid dance moves, stupid party people.
So, there is the appeal of Techno and Dance music, but it often has been cut-off by the "enforced happiness" of these music scenes.
The idea to add a serious, dark, deep, brooding edge to Techno and Dance is a genius concept.
And I'm certain that the majority of people think this way, and Doomcore could've, and still could, become one of the most widely known Techno genres.
Why did it not happen yet, then?
I think for the same reason that most bands, musicians, or scenes "crash and burn".
They know that they got something very clever, very powerful on their hands.
And it's easy to get seduced by hubris then.
To act as a gatekeeper. To try to keep the vision too pure, too clean.
And Doomcore is such a scene, that is deeply looking "inwards" by design, and shuns or even fights attempts to send some signals into the outside world.
So. We could have become stars. But we also could not care less.
The eternal dilemma. Manifesting itself in a doomed subculture, too.
Yet, at the same time it is the one with the most mass-appeal and appreciation.
Whenever I played to a crowd of "normal" party people (i.e. not a gig for total Gabber maniacs), Doomcore was always the Hardcore-adjacent style that would send the dancefloor into euphoria and ecstasy (while most other hard stuff... just made everyone leave the Dancefloor).
Producers with Doomcore ties have been admitted into the general Techno pantheon by now.
Doomcore is allowed to go through doors that virtually all other "Hardcore" genres are not able to enter.
And if you look at its roots, it totally makes sense that this is the case.
One of its founding producers once said he desired to take the Techno beats of labels like Underground resistance, and blend them with the darkness of 80s Industrial, EBM, Dark Wave.
And this, folks, is a killer mixture.
Because think about it. People love to dance. They love to come together and love to party. They love repetitive dance beats for that occasion.
Yet, since the Disco days of the 70s, "dance music" has been a total cringe-fest. With cheesy songs about unrealistic love, or worse topics. Stupid clothes, stupid dance moves, stupid party people.
So, there is the appeal of Techno and Dance music, but it often has been cut-off by the "enforced happiness" of these music scenes.
The idea to add a serious, dark, deep, brooding edge to Techno and Dance is a genius concept.
And I'm certain that the majority of people think this way, and Doomcore could've, and still could, become one of the most widely known Techno genres.
Why did it not happen yet, then?
I think for the same reason that most bands, musicians, or scenes "crash and burn".
They know that they got something very clever, very powerful on their hands.
And it's easy to get seduced by hubris then.
To act as a gatekeeper. To try to keep the vision too pure, too clean.
And Doomcore is such a scene, that is deeply looking "inwards" by design, and shuns or even fights attempts to send some signals into the outside world.
So. We could have become stars. But we also could not care less.
The eternal dilemma. Manifesting itself in a doomed subculture, too.
What is the definition of the Doomcore sound?
In a sense, Doomcore is more "limited" and closer to a template than the other Hardcore and Techno genres.
When you look at Speedcore, for example, it could be a lot of things - 300 BPM mayhem with guitars and screams, or 800 bpm noize, maybe even very fast Gabber stuff with Rave stabs... very varied.
Doomcore does not have that much of a range in tempo and elements.
The tracks usually have a steady, "four to the floor" drum around 120-150 BPM (exceptions exist!).
Unlike the general rule in Gabber, the drums do not have to be overly distorted, and a lot of tracks have "plain" Techno drums, especially among the "Oldschool" Doomcore releases.
Apart from the drums, there is Techno / Rave type percussion. And this is one the defining things that sets it apart: it's groovy. It's danceable. Maybe not in an elated-raver kind of way, but it's not just stuff to mosh around and bang your head to (like Speedcore, for example).
And now the most important thing: in almost every case, there is a dark, grim, "doomy" melody, drone, or ambience.
Traditionally, this has been a few detuned / disharmonic synth sounds; often just 3-4 chords, one for every 4 or 8 beats, and then looped again.
I always felt this put Doomcore close to the non-electronic genre of punk rock, which has a similar "3 chord" scheme going on.
Nowadays, the melody can be anything, though, from wild arpeggios and dark ambient drones to movie-like scores.
And while we're at the movies: often vocals, quotes, sentences, are taken from horror and scifi movies and then added to the tracks. "Demons to some, angels to others".
And this is, essentially, the Doom formula.
A lot of tracks are really "just this". A steady drum at ~140 bpm, sparse hits of percussion, 3 synth tones and scary movie samples.
Yet, despite this "simple" template, this structure gets varied and mutated to the highest degree.
There are "miniature symphonies" using these basic elements. Or there are tracks that add further layers, until it becomes an epic production.
Some add the most distorted drums. Some add vocals by a real singer (or themselves).
Some add elements of EBM / Industrial.
Some add elements of gothic and new wave.
This is part of the dark beauty of Doomcore.
Despite its simpleness at "first glance", it is almost infinitely complex.
Oh, and before we go out completely, let us add one more thing: in 99% of cases, huge, cavernous reverberation and echoes are a must!
When you look at Speedcore, for example, it could be a lot of things - 300 BPM mayhem with guitars and screams, or 800 bpm noize, maybe even very fast Gabber stuff with Rave stabs... very varied.
Doomcore does not have that much of a range in tempo and elements.
The tracks usually have a steady, "four to the floor" drum around 120-150 BPM (exceptions exist!).
Unlike the general rule in Gabber, the drums do not have to be overly distorted, and a lot of tracks have "plain" Techno drums, especially among the "Oldschool" Doomcore releases.
Apart from the drums, there is Techno / Rave type percussion. And this is one the defining things that sets it apart: it's groovy. It's danceable. Maybe not in an elated-raver kind of way, but it's not just stuff to mosh around and bang your head to (like Speedcore, for example).
And now the most important thing: in almost every case, there is a dark, grim, "doomy" melody, drone, or ambience.
Traditionally, this has been a few detuned / disharmonic synth sounds; often just 3-4 chords, one for every 4 or 8 beats, and then looped again.
I always felt this put Doomcore close to the non-electronic genre of punk rock, which has a similar "3 chord" scheme going on.
Nowadays, the melody can be anything, though, from wild arpeggios and dark ambient drones to movie-like scores.
And while we're at the movies: often vocals, quotes, sentences, are taken from horror and scifi movies and then added to the tracks. "Demons to some, angels to others".
And this is, essentially, the Doom formula.
A lot of tracks are really "just this". A steady drum at ~140 bpm, sparse hits of percussion, 3 synth tones and scary movie samples.
Yet, despite this "simple" template, this structure gets varied and mutated to the highest degree.
There are "miniature symphonies" using these basic elements. Or there are tracks that add further layers, until it becomes an epic production.
Some add the most distorted drums. Some add vocals by a real singer (or themselves).
Some add elements of EBM / Industrial.
Some add elements of gothic and new wave.
This is part of the dark beauty of Doomcore.
Despite its simpleness at "first glance", it is almost infinitely complex.
Oh, and before we go out completely, let us add one more thing: in 99% of cases, huge, cavernous reverberation and echoes are a must!
The Aesthetics of Doom
More than any other Hardcore sub-style, Doomcore is defined by its own aesthetics, themes, mood, settings and tropes.
And these are, as expected, dark, doomed, and haunted.
There are references to horror movies, hellraiser, nightmare on elm street, the evil dead.
There are tracks about spiritism, hauntings, demonic possession, infernal vortices.
Madness is a theme; the mental asylum, derangement, the criminally insane.
Zombies, Poltergeists, Vampires, Witchcraft and Lilith - they are all here to join the party and their feet burn on their dancefloor - and maybe they'll burn your soul too, if you're not careful!
Similarly, there is an affection for science fiction tropes - of the dystopian kind.
Alien reign, future police states, meteors hitting earth... and the apocalypse is just around the corner.
Related to this, we can find tracks of resistance and political uprising - against these dystopian authorities, against present or future tyrannies.
Yeah, tracks who are outspoken in that manner are less common than those that are about summoning spirits.
But the theme of dark rebellion, an uprising of societal outcasts, the fury of the lost & forgotten (and the dead and haunted?) is a thread that runs right through the whole doomcore movement.
We can see that the general themes of Doomcore appear close to other genres, like Gothic, Industrial, Death- and Black Metal.
Yet there is of course also the dance beats, the euphoria, the ecstasy of Techno parties here.
A mid 90s entry in the PCP mail order catalogue advertised it's records as the right stuff for "future zombie ravers".
Hence it is a bit of a paradox. "The Graveyard becomes the Raveyard".
And all the grim emotions, the hauntings, the tracks about demonic possession should not be taken too seriously and with an "ironic eye", too.
Generally, Doom heads are more like horror movie nerds who are well behaved in social happenings, and not real life Hannibal Lecters.
Bridging this dichotomy - between "Doom" and "Rave", between melancholy and euphoria, dark feelings and nights of dancing, is in my opinion, the main thing that defines Doomcore.
And these are, as expected, dark, doomed, and haunted.
There are references to horror movies, hellraiser, nightmare on elm street, the evil dead.
There are tracks about spiritism, hauntings, demonic possession, infernal vortices.
Madness is a theme; the mental asylum, derangement, the criminally insane.
Zombies, Poltergeists, Vampires, Witchcraft and Lilith - they are all here to join the party and their feet burn on their dancefloor - and maybe they'll burn your soul too, if you're not careful!
Similarly, there is an affection for science fiction tropes - of the dystopian kind.
Alien reign, future police states, meteors hitting earth... and the apocalypse is just around the corner.
Related to this, we can find tracks of resistance and political uprising - against these dystopian authorities, against present or future tyrannies.
Yeah, tracks who are outspoken in that manner are less common than those that are about summoning spirits.
But the theme of dark rebellion, an uprising of societal outcasts, the fury of the lost & forgotten (and the dead and haunted?) is a thread that runs right through the whole doomcore movement.
We can see that the general themes of Doomcore appear close to other genres, like Gothic, Industrial, Death- and Black Metal.
Yet there is of course also the dance beats, the euphoria, the ecstasy of Techno parties here.
A mid 90s entry in the PCP mail order catalogue advertised it's records as the right stuff for "future zombie ravers".
Hence it is a bit of a paradox. "The Graveyard becomes the Raveyard".
And all the grim emotions, the hauntings, the tracks about demonic possession should not be taken too seriously and with an "ironic eye", too.
Generally, Doom heads are more like horror movie nerds who are well behaved in social happenings, and not real life Hannibal Lecters.
Bridging this dichotomy - between "Doom" and "Rave", between melancholy and euphoria, dark feelings and nights of dancing, is in my opinion, the main thing that defines Doomcore.
Credits and About
About the author:
I'm Sönke aka Low Entropy.
"Hardcore Raver" since 1994, music producer since 1996.
I was part of the 2nd generation of Doomcore artists, that were directly inspired by PCP (I didn't include me in that chapter of the book because, well, that wouldn't be modest, right?)
I produced in many other electronic styles too, though.
Apart from other activities, I wrote for fanzines or ran my own, and ended up documenting a lot of the things that happened in the 90s, and the decades afterwards.
Other e-books by me include:
The Hardcore Primer - An Extensive Guide To 90s Underground Hardcore Techno Labels And Artists
https://hardcoretechnoprimer.blogspot.com/
The Fischkopf Records Guidebook
https://fischkopfrecordsguidebook.blogspot.com/
PCP - Legends In Their Life - The unofficial Planet Core Productions guidebook
https://pcplegendsintheirlife.blogspot.com/
And now it was time to tackle the doom.
Links:
https://lowentropyproducer.blogspot.com/
https://lowentropy.bandcamp.com/
https://www.discogs.com/artist/22777-Low-Entropy
low.entropy.80@gmail.com
About the book:
The Doomcore Techno movement exists for several decades now, and there never was any danger it would falter.
What's new is that there is now a growing interest in this music by the outside world, too.
Infos, facts and knowledge are hard to come by, though.
The book caters to the "newcomers" of the scene who are hungry to know more - and maybe the "old dogs" can still learn a few new tricks, too!
This book includes a history of the Doomcore genre, information about some of its labels and producers, musings on sonic themes, and a look at topics that might not be "strictly doomcore", but are related to the whole thing.
For now, the book is hosted on these Blogger webpages.
PDF and other formats are planned for the future - and hopefully, even a printed edition.
Review of the Past: Reign - Time Machine (Dance Ecstasy 2001 - DE 2054)
The releases by Miro Pajic under his various akas - like E-Man, Steve Shit, Jack Lucifer, or simply Miro - are usually highly revered by Hardcore-, Doomcore-, and PCP-heads.
But this one tends to get a bit overlooked. I rarely hear people mention it, or see the tracks in DJ playlists.
And this is completely undeserved. I think this is one of the best releases the (E-) man ever did!
The A side sports "A Better Tomorrow". This is the best known track on this release, as the crew pushed it onto various compilations.
A highly interesting blend: not really "Hardcore" in the sense of Gabber primitivism. In its essence, it's a Techno track; but in a Miro way; in a highly unusual way.
It really feels as if the eponymous "Time Machine" worked and the future sounds of Techno got sucked into the present day (which, in our timeline, is actually in the past now).
4 or out of 5 stars for this one already.
But now let's turn the record around.
Surprisingly, the flip side features a mini-mix; 3 tracks that are seamlessly joined into one. And this is rare for vinyl releases.
Because of this, only one track has a "normal" length; the other two barely pass the 2 minute mark.
But the tracks are all the greater, despite this.
You know the epic tracks by Miro, like "Purple Moon" or "Hall", right?
Well, I think these have the most "epic" sound of all of them.
It makes me feel as if I'm in a huge space arena on a different planet (or a different time in the future), and there is either a major ceremony or a giant party happening. Choirs of a 1000 voices are singing, fanfares and synthetic horns are blaring, while massive, echoed kick drums blast on.
This sound is really out of this world (or out of time).
A few years after this release, Miro switched his style to more contemporary Techno.
But this "Time Machine" leaves us with a lasting glance into the future. And the future is massive!
But this one tends to get a bit overlooked. I rarely hear people mention it, or see the tracks in DJ playlists.
And this is completely undeserved. I think this is one of the best releases the (E-) man ever did!
The A side sports "A Better Tomorrow". This is the best known track on this release, as the crew pushed it onto various compilations.
A highly interesting blend: not really "Hardcore" in the sense of Gabber primitivism. In its essence, it's a Techno track; but in a Miro way; in a highly unusual way.
It really feels as if the eponymous "Time Machine" worked and the future sounds of Techno got sucked into the present day (which, in our timeline, is actually in the past now).
4 or out of 5 stars for this one already.
But now let's turn the record around.
Surprisingly, the flip side features a mini-mix; 3 tracks that are seamlessly joined into one. And this is rare for vinyl releases.
Because of this, only one track has a "normal" length; the other two barely pass the 2 minute mark.
But the tracks are all the greater, despite this.
You know the epic tracks by Miro, like "Purple Moon" or "Hall", right?
Well, I think these have the most "epic" sound of all of them.
It makes me feel as if I'm in a huge space arena on a different planet (or a different time in the future), and there is either a major ceremony or a giant party happening. Choirs of a 1000 voices are singing, fanfares and synthetic horns are blaring, while massive, echoed kick drums blast on.
This sound is really out of this world (or out of time).
A few years after this release, Miro switched his style to more contemporary Techno.
But this "Time Machine" leaves us with a lasting glance into the future. And the future is massive!
All Cold Rush Records releases listed, rated, and short-reviewed
Lost 1 - Various - The Last Judgement Part One EP
the first ep on the legendary cold rush label.
as varied as it can be.
"impossible xtc" is haunted sub-frequency techno.
"the fog track" is a true doom anthem, and surely a nice fit for any dancefloor at 8 am.
"Slo Motion" is a sub-bass powerhouse.
and "Maniac" is certain to twist your mind.
Rating: 81 / 100
Lost 2 - Various - Doom Supporters EP
take care, doom supporters!
one of the first "doomcore" genre releases; heavy techno and austere atmospheres come in plenty now.
my pick is "Fallen Angel", a track reminiscent of cosmic heartbreak, or an angel's tear turned into a soundwave.
91 / 100
Lost 3 - Cypher Doomed Bunkerloops
the first release by a "solo" artist on the label.
the well known one is "Marchin' Into Madness" here. ferocious snare- and bass-drums guide you on your march into hell - is anybody out there?
"Frozen Boom Erection", on the other hand, will get your heart pumping.
77 / 100
Lost 4 - Rave Creator – Lights - Sound - Action!
a lot of action here, as this EP includes 3 classics:
"Immortal" is build upon a rock hard bassdrum, intermingled with classic acid house vocals;
"Bleep Blaster" is a true bleepcore anthem that sounds like a lunatic got hold of a whistle to blow into.
And "Thru Eternal Fog" is another great track celebrating smoke filled strobe powered nightly dancefloors in derelict buildings.
85 / 100
Lost 5 Freez-E-Style – Enter The Gates Of Darkness
another big, big classic.
"Enter The Gates Of Darkness" is one of the earliest "doomcore" tracks with a highly distorted, powerful kick.
"doom dancer" is tripping the dark fantastic.
75 / 100
Lost 6 - Cold Crush City Cru – The 6th City Mob EP
yes yes, this is the one (sorry, Laura!).
as it includes "stereo murder", maybe the most monumental track by PCP (and in techno history!)
"t99" type samples, a thunderous, reverberated drum... guaranteed to send anyone in the huge space arena into madness.
the flipside gives us another two mean and dirty tracks.
99 / 100 (for stereo murder!)
Lost 6 R - Marshall Masters – Stereo Murder (The Cold Rush Remixes)
"more of the same"? No, 3 very diverse remixes!
reign adds a cavernous doomcore type sound; rave creator adds extra boldness;
and "Stereo Murder (2 Tonys' Progressive Club Mix)" is what the name implies.
in my opinion, the original release is slightly better, with its untouchable reduced purity; but this is a great release as well.
90 / 100
Lost 7 - The Mover & Rave Creator – Rave The Planet
most people will know this EP for atmos-fear - and deservingly so.
but the other tracks are interesting as well:
"O.K. Bassquake" is a dancefloor killer with a very twisted mentasm and vocal sound;
and "Astral Demons 94 (Cold Planet Remix)" is an outer space trancecore remix of the classic original track.
91 / 100
Lost 8 - Reign – Chapter One: Skulls And Crossbones
miro pays a visit to cold rush records, using his "reign" alias.
mentasm-fueled doomcore-gabber with miro's trademark somber, rude attitude and samples
62 / 100
Lost 9 - Protectors Of Bass – Awake In Neo Tokyo
pitch-hiker is on here; a track widely known beyond the hardcore sub-scene of techno.
in case *you* don't know it, it's an genius-bordering-on-the-insane 909 bassdrum workout without any other elements; just on-going filtering and distortion. if you hear it, you will love it.
and the flipside is pure phuture sound.
92 / 100
Lost 10 - Pilldriver / Tilt! – Apocalypse Never
"doom supporter" marc acardipane seems to have had a sudden change of mind, because now it's "apocalypse never"?
either way, it's a superb track somewhere between hardcore, doomcore, and gabber; i won't describe it further, as you probably know it already!
"Hell-E-Copter" is one of these speed-up / slow-down tracks, and i think PCP always does this very well.
87 / 100
the first ep on the legendary cold rush label.
as varied as it can be.
"impossible xtc" is haunted sub-frequency techno.
"the fog track" is a true doom anthem, and surely a nice fit for any dancefloor at 8 am.
"Slo Motion" is a sub-bass powerhouse.
and "Maniac" is certain to twist your mind.
Rating: 81 / 100
Lost 2 - Various - Doom Supporters EP
take care, doom supporters!
one of the first "doomcore" genre releases; heavy techno and austere atmospheres come in plenty now.
my pick is "Fallen Angel", a track reminiscent of cosmic heartbreak, or an angel's tear turned into a soundwave.
91 / 100
Lost 3 - Cypher Doomed Bunkerloops
the first release by a "solo" artist on the label.
the well known one is "Marchin' Into Madness" here. ferocious snare- and bass-drums guide you on your march into hell - is anybody out there?
"Frozen Boom Erection", on the other hand, will get your heart pumping.
77 / 100
Lost 4 - Rave Creator – Lights - Sound - Action!
a lot of action here, as this EP includes 3 classics:
"Immortal" is build upon a rock hard bassdrum, intermingled with classic acid house vocals;
"Bleep Blaster" is a true bleepcore anthem that sounds like a lunatic got hold of a whistle to blow into.
And "Thru Eternal Fog" is another great track celebrating smoke filled strobe powered nightly dancefloors in derelict buildings.
85 / 100
Lost 5 Freez-E-Style – Enter The Gates Of Darkness
another big, big classic.
"Enter The Gates Of Darkness" is one of the earliest "doomcore" tracks with a highly distorted, powerful kick.
"doom dancer" is tripping the dark fantastic.
75 / 100
Lost 6 - Cold Crush City Cru – The 6th City Mob EP
yes yes, this is the one (sorry, Laura!).
as it includes "stereo murder", maybe the most monumental track by PCP (and in techno history!)
"t99" type samples, a thunderous, reverberated drum... guaranteed to send anyone in the huge space arena into madness.
the flipside gives us another two mean and dirty tracks.
99 / 100 (for stereo murder!)
Lost 6 R - Marshall Masters – Stereo Murder (The Cold Rush Remixes)
"more of the same"? No, 3 very diverse remixes!
reign adds a cavernous doomcore type sound; rave creator adds extra boldness;
and "Stereo Murder (2 Tonys' Progressive Club Mix)" is what the name implies.
in my opinion, the original release is slightly better, with its untouchable reduced purity; but this is a great release as well.
90 / 100
Lost 7 - The Mover & Rave Creator – Rave The Planet
most people will know this EP for atmos-fear - and deservingly so.
but the other tracks are interesting as well:
"O.K. Bassquake" is a dancefloor killer with a very twisted mentasm and vocal sound;
and "Astral Demons 94 (Cold Planet Remix)" is an outer space trancecore remix of the classic original track.
91 / 100
Lost 8 - Reign – Chapter One: Skulls And Crossbones
miro pays a visit to cold rush records, using his "reign" alias.
mentasm-fueled doomcore-gabber with miro's trademark somber, rude attitude and samples
62 / 100
Lost 9 - Protectors Of Bass – Awake In Neo Tokyo
pitch-hiker is on here; a track widely known beyond the hardcore sub-scene of techno.
in case *you* don't know it, it's an genius-bordering-on-the-insane 909 bassdrum workout without any other elements; just on-going filtering and distortion. if you hear it, you will love it.
and the flipside is pure phuture sound.
92 / 100
Lost 10 - Pilldriver / Tilt! – Apocalypse Never
"doom supporter" marc acardipane seems to have had a sudden change of mind, because now it's "apocalypse never"?
either way, it's a superb track somewhere between hardcore, doomcore, and gabber; i won't describe it further, as you probably know it already!
"Hell-E-Copter" is one of these speed-up / slow-down tracks, and i think PCP always does this very well.
87 / 100
Review: Minimum Syndicat - S.C.H.O.R.L. (KILLEKILL029)
The long, long awaited album by Minimum Syndicat finally dropped. Their record label tells us:
"S.C.H.O.R.L. is their first full length album [...] At this point subgenres are less important than in the past, it's more like the alternative electronic scene against the industry turning techno into moronic money-driven entertainment."
And indeed, we discover a bold and eclectic, even at parts non-sequitur clash of the most different styles here.
Or, from another perspective: it's not multiple styles: it's *their* style. As this style runs like a red thread to all the tracks.
Heavy electro hardcore cinematic Sci-Fi dancefloor score music. At it's best!
The track titles underscore the idea that we are enjoying a movie with its soundtrack here:
"The mantis-priests have gathered", "Signal from Vertrem-4", "Requiem orbital" (a collaboration with Umwelt)... and this definitely adds to the moods and atmospheres of the respective tracks.
And I am hallucinating this, or does the track order compose a whole, a complete, genuine Sci-Fi story from start to end? Starting with strangely received signals from outer space, and later tracks such as "Scorched earth" or "The aftermath (a bitter Victory)" hinting at a disastrous end for humanity, brought upon them by the hands of the incoming aliens.
Either way, this is already one of my favorite releases (of all artists, all genres) for this year - and maybe even my favorite MS release in general!
So, doomed scifi hardcore aficionados, grab your popcorn, take a seat, and then - lights, sounds, action!
Full Length Review: Purple Moon / Understand
Review: Miro - Purple Moon / Understand - DE 2052
It somewhat doesn't feel right to review this record, as it has already be done a dozen times by other people. yet is one of Miro Pajic's most intriguing works, and worth reviewing.
When it came out, there was nothing before it. There was nothing like it. You can check the back catalogues of the labels of that era, and you will see there isn't any record like this. Maybe only some earlier works of Miro can contend. And afterwards, there is nothing either. Except for Miro's tracks of course. But, as far as I can tell, no other artist after this record has managed to pull off something similar to this. It is definitely one of the early highs of Miro's music journey.
A1 Purple Moon
This is it. The Purple Moon. Do I need to describe it? Outer space beats open this records. We are moved along, more elements are added. While this track is at a fast speed, it is nothing like the "Hardcore" of it's time. This track feels more as if one of the great sonic pioneers, such as Jarre or Klaus Schulze, had their go at Techno as if this was done by a Techno man on a Techno label.Tthen, the breakdown, and the high-cutoff-synth-saws come in. I listen to a lot of music; especially melodic music. But this melody is something that is in a field of its own. I rarely heard something as beautiful; as sweet; as moving, as the harmonies of this track. It seems simple at first, but, in its simplicity it is extraordinary complex. The melody is what drives this tracks, and it makes it special.
B2 Understand
This track is often overlooked in favor of Purple Moon. But not rightly so. This, too, is one of Miro and PCP's greatest works. The rising synth sound prepares us for what is to come next. I can't say what image this track invokes in me - a space station, space exploration, or an alien meeting, somewhere far in the universe? But it is a powerful image.
The melody again is the main thing for me here, less melancholic, yet as powerful, and more complicated as in Purple moon. I could listen to it in a loop for a long time.
The track is more of a Hardcore affair than Purple Moon, yet again far removed from the normal "Hardcore" of its time. This track is a gem, and the whole record is a precious jewel.
Review: Final Dream – The Future Is Dark
But let's not talk electro this time. Because, in a very unusual move, this is actually a gritty Hardcore release by the man.
And a very interesting one at that. Very experimental sounds, and it seems to draw from a lot of sources, such as "Industrial Hardcore", Gabber, Acid, even a bit of Speedcore and, yes, Electro.
It's really one of a kind, and the production values are top-notch (which was still a bit of a rare thing in that period).
I see no reason why this release did not become big big big and end up in lots of sets and tracklists. Maybe lack of promo, being released on an "obscure" label, and being an unusual project for Phil Klein are the culprits here.
Either way, truly experimental and well-made releases in the Hardcore spectrum are hard to come by, and this one truly nails it.
https://battletrax.bandcamp.com/album/final-dream-the-future-is-dark
Review: Miro - Forever And Ever (Planet Phuture)
During his PCP/ACA era, Miro produced in a wide array of styles. He is probably best known for his work as Stickhead/Jack Lucifer/The Kotzaak Klan (and more) for Kotzaak Unltd., delivering vicious and merciless Hardcore and Speedcore that's darker than the devil himself.
There were also projects like Steve Shit and Billy the Kid, with their cheeky, hit-the-dancefloor type Gabber anthems full of hoovers and rave stabs. Or the more restrained but very powerful Techno of projects such as The Overlord or Reign. Yet there was also another thing that stood out very much among his creative output. Tracks like Purple Moon, Blue Sun, Inspirit, Rizing High...
And if you were longing to hear some tracks in that vein again, I have some very good news for you! Because I think it's safe to say that this new release by Miro on Planet Phuture is a straight continuation of that style. Titled "Forever And Ever," it consists of two tracks, "Golden Dawn" and "Forever And Ever" (just like in the old days when releases like this "just" had 2 tracks - an A side and a B side).
"Golden Dawn" starts with a 909 drum going on as new elements are introduced and the drum gets put through further distortion. Then, in the breakdown, a synth melody slowly builds up. And it's an epic melody... dreamy, melancholic, poignant. In my opinion, definitely on the level of the melody work that can be found in classic tracks like Purple Moon. We are informed that "this one's designed to open your mind," the bass drum kicks back in, and surely this is the moment when all ravers will hit the floor and dance into ecstasy... The track goes on and introduces variations to the harmony and rhythmic elements and never loses its tight emotional grip on the listener.
"Forever and Ever" follows a very comparable structure: a mixture of Hardcore and Techno elements, beats, percussion FX... with powerful energy. While I prefer Golden Dawn by a notch, this is a fantastic and stunning track too. And again, the melody is of stimulating, hypnagogic, euphoric quality.
With this release, Miro and Planet Phuture unleash two monsters of the sonic kind again, which are tantamount to the legendary releases on PCP and AKA (and, in my opinion, take things even further ahead) and are bound to become future classics.
Review: Current 909 - The Price Of Existence Is Eternal Warfare
Atmosfear was a label existing in the Experimental Hardcore milieu of the 90s, associated with other labels like Praxis, Zero Tolerance London, Loop... but the sound of the label was quite different from the sometimes very noizy and "rough" outings of its aforementioned peers.
Instead, it focused on atmospheric Techno releases - but, to be honest, these two terms do not give the label justice, as it would be much more exact to say that it has very own, unique sounds, outside of genre terms.
The bandcamp info says the two main inspirations were: 1. the industrial, cult, underground movie and music scene of the 80s with its dark, bleak, and perverted ideas and concepts, and 2. the ecstatic Techno and Rave scene of the 90s, with its blissful euphoria and endless dancing. Creating a very paradox mixture, but one that definitely works here.
The label only saw two regular 12” releases, both by Current 909 aka DJ Pure; and this CD release.
It contains all tracks that were on the vinyls, plus plenty of bonus material.
Stand-out tracks include "The Lockdown", a very special and interesting early Doomcore affair, with pounding, grinding drums, darkest synth pads, that is pushed forward by samples from the legendary John Hillcoat movie "Ghosts... of the Civil Dead" which create a claustrophobic and anxious atmosphere with its allusion to a permanent lock down.
"Hospitalism", which probably is the best-known and most played track from the original 90s releases; an early Industrial Hardcore and Doomcore track as well, with a Terminator-like monotonous steel brutality.
"Golden Dawn", which seems to channel Lory D or Lorenz Attractor a bit, and is a very fine hypnagogic Dark Ambient / Electronic piece (peace).
Among the bonus tracks, go to "Information War", which is built around 'that' Genesis P-Orridge sample from the Hamburg-based Decoder movie and another very psychedelic Dark Ambient / Techno piece (peace).
But, essentially, all tracks are killer here, and there is not really one weak or mediocre piece (peace) on this CD.
And a rare, 21 minute live-set by Current 909 is included on this CD, too.
So, if you're into very surreal, dark electronic "Dance" music, that has some added early Doomcore / Industrial HC significance, go for it!
The CD has been digitally re-released on bandcamp at https://musicwithmachines.bandcamp.com/album/the-price-for-existence-is-eternal-warfare-2022
It contains all tracks that were on the vinyls, plus plenty of bonus material.
Stand-out tracks include "The Lockdown", a very special and interesting early Doomcore affair, with pounding, grinding drums, darkest synth pads, that is pushed forward by samples from the legendary John Hillcoat movie "Ghosts... of the Civil Dead" which create a claustrophobic and anxious atmosphere with its allusion to a permanent lock down.
"Hospitalism", which probably is the best-known and most played track from the original 90s releases; an early Industrial Hardcore and Doomcore track as well, with a Terminator-like monotonous steel brutality.
"Golden Dawn", which seems to channel Lory D or Lorenz Attractor a bit, and is a very fine hypnagogic Dark Ambient / Electronic piece (peace).
Among the bonus tracks, go to "Information War", which is built around 'that' Genesis P-Orridge sample from the Hamburg-based Decoder movie and another very psychedelic Dark Ambient / Techno piece (peace).
But, essentially, all tracks are killer here, and there is not really one weak or mediocre piece (peace) on this CD.
And a rare, 21 minute live-set by Current 909 is included on this CD, too.
So, if you're into very surreal, dark electronic "Dance" music, that has some added early Doomcore / Industrial HC significance, go for it!
The CD has been digitally re-released on bandcamp at https://musicwithmachines.bandcamp.com/album/the-price-for-existence-is-eternal-warfare-2022
Review: Murmuur - Rise Of The Death Gods
New 12" on Nethercords by Murmurr!
Get it here: https://murmuurnethercords.bandcamp.com/album/rise-of-the-death-gods
Review:
Spanish artist Murmuur on Australian label Nethercords.
The tracks straddle the line between Doomcore and Industrial Hardcore here, with some definite inspiration by contemporary Techno. The backbone of these tracks are the pounding drums, which come across ultra-brutal, and are sure to get some people pumping on the dark dancefloor.
Supported by hellish, demoniac wailing, screeching sounds that set the right mood.
What I like is that while there is a lot of punch in the production, it's not so "overly" laden and distorted like a lot of Industrial Hardcore releases these days.
Two tracks are original tracks by Murmuur, while the two other tracks are remixes of tracks originally by Tyrant X, who is also the label owner.
This is a record that stands apart from most Dark/Doomcore outings, first by the excellent sonic production qualities, and second by bringing in new and different ideas to these forms of music.
Definitely one for the Doom and Industrial heads, and anyone else who likes creative, hard and dark music.
Looking back at the first enigmatic PCP compilation: Frankfurt Trax Vol. 1 - House Of Techno
PCP had many releases of a strange and experimental nature. But even amongst its most unusual ones, this one stands out.
In fact, this compilation (and its tracks) rarely gets mentioned in "best-of" lists, DJ charts, mix-sets.
People know it exists. But they seldom talk about it.
And indeed, it is "at the edge of the board" in many ways. It almost sounds as it if was done by a different label, a different Planet Core Productions.
Few of the aliases appear again in later releases - a rarity for this label's catalogue.
There are not much "Hardcore" sounds, yes. But PCP never produced 'purely Hardcore', and you could not expect much Hardcore in 1990 anyway.
But there neither is that typical, detroit-infused, somewhat minimalist, catacomb, and claustrophobic techno mania - which later became the trademark style of PCP.
Instead, the sounds are varied, massive, expansive.
There are links to hip hop, ebm, dance...
And even though the instrumentation itself feels minimalist, the sound itself feels huge.
To put it this way: if PCP had continued that way, I could imagine them filling rock and pop arenas with a kind of PCP sound that lies in the middle of mass appeal madness and emissions from the deepest underground.
Headlining the newspapers and owning the charts.
But PCP went another way; they took no quarters, they went as rough and secretive and underground as possible.
So underground that only now, decades later, a wide audience slowly unpeels these layers.
So that's what we got here. A huge "what-if?" artifact out of the earliest days of PCP.
Rating: 89 out of 100
The Mover
The Mover is a project by Acardipane, almost around since the beginning of PCP. the first outing was the the "Frontal Sickness Part 1" EP, followed by a second part; then we get the "Final Sickness" album, the Signs Of '96, the Countdown Trax, as well as the post-PCP follow up, "Frontal Frustration". Also various combined efforts (splits with other artists) and similiar projects. (Editor's note: we got way more The Mover output since this text was written).
The Mover is highly praised and adored. Among PCP fans, the The Mover releases are usually seen as special, or rather, the most special ones. The Mover is often synonymously used with Marc Acardipane himself; especially the more sophisticated PCP fans usually call him just "The Mover". So, The Mover has engraved himself with PCP, and with Acardipane.
What is so special about The Mover?
Stylistically, there is a continuity between tracks - this is basically there with all PCP projects, but with The Mover it's more visible I think. Think of the changes Nasty Django had in sound in later releases, for example. The Mover has a common thread, a common sonic expression. The "Countdown Trax" on Narcotic Network Recordings is the only release that sounds slightly different; but it is as well deeply connected with the The Mover theme.
So what can be said about the sound?
Let us look at the first Frontal Sickness release, which, to me, sets the foundation of the sound of the mover. Even for PCP standards, we get a removed, dislocated sound. The elements have been reduced to a functional, beautiful simplicity. Melody created on a synth, a bass drum, percussion and a bit of FX. That's it. But I think that exactly this minimal, reduced approach adds a lot to the wonderful sound of The Mover. It is very unlike the minimalism of other artists; there is, indeed, not much going on in these tracks, at first glance - yet it feels so full, so exciting. It has only the necessary elements - but these elements are the more powerful.
Stylistically, The Mover is hard to locate, too. This is with all of PCP; but again, even more so with The Mover. It sometimes feels like a bit of a missing link between the pre-techno electronic days - the lo-fi "minimal synth" and EBM sound of the 80s - and the beginning of Techno. But it also is reminiscent of the Krautrock electronic days; and it reminds me a lot of the earliest electronic and sonic experimentation of the 1950s - or maybe even 1920s. It is out of time and creates its own style. I dare to call it even "Techno". maybe electronic poems - yes, this fits.
Yet the mover is also an experimental project, as can be seen in the weird electro outings and space synths of the "Countdown Trax". experimental Techno - at its best.
What sticks out, is that each track is seemingly focused around a single melody; and this is maybe what makes the trademark Mover sound. Each has a wonderful melody which the whole track is seemingly constructed around. again, it's simplistic - seemingly - and repetitive, reduced. 4 chords, 8 tones going down and up again. But these melodies are again perfectly effective, and bizarre, enchanting - exotic. I wouldn't even dare to say in which harmonic, tuning system, or even music system, they would be part of.
To write this in words is very hard to do; listen to the tunes themselves, and you will see what I mean when I say that the melodies are a special part of the The Mover tracks.
One could almost say The Mover is the punk rocker of cyborg techno: "this is one chord, this is the second; now add the beat and percussion, and go create a mover track!" [1]
To finish this text, let’s look at what is most important; the atmosphere of The Mover. Again, I say it brings up feelings of abstract art experimentation of past decades; but it is also so much in the future. PCP feels so much like space, sci-fi and The Mover is an expression of it; but at a higher dose; a "Hardcore" form of it.
The atmosphere is what gives the The Mover tracks life, and I guess it is why The Mover is so popular. a wonderful project, interesting, unique - for the future.
Footnotes:
1: Related to an old slogan of the 70s new york punk scene.
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