Masterpieces of breakcore. Recommended popular tracks.
There are many subgenres of dance music that use electronic sounds, and among what’s commonly called techno music, one genre said to have emerged from “gabber”—a style classified as one of the hardcore techno forms that appeared in the early 1990s—is the focus of this article: breakcore.
While it has some basic characteristics—such as reconstructing sampled material to the point of being unrecognizable and using high-speed breakbeats—it’s interesting that the style becomes highly subdivided depending on the artist.
In this article, we introduce standout breakcore tracks across a wide range, from classic anthems to notable recent releases.
If you’re new to the genre, be sure to check it out!
Breakcore masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
HajnalVenetian Snares
Venetian Snares is a musician from Canada.
His track “Hajnal” is a very unique piece that mixes beautiful strings with the intense beats of breakcore.
The title is pronounced “Hye-nahl” and means “dawn.” True to its name, the song has an irresistible, mysterious atmosphere, like a faint light flickering in the dimness.
In particular, the development where it shifts to a jazz-like section using irregular meters in the middle delivers a breathtaking level of tension!
SickSickSickBong-Ra
“SickSickSick” is a standout track whose pathological-speed breakbeats and sinuous lead phrases are irresistibly catchy.
Among the works of Bangra, a breakcore artist from the Netherlands, this song is especially popular.
Throughout the track, heavily echoed female screams are used, conjuring a frightening scene as if someone is being chased and trying to escape.
As the song progresses into the latter half, those screams grow more intense, making you feel on edge without even realizing it!
Tout Petit MoineauIgorrr
Igorrr is a standout artist in experimental metal.
While he’s generally classified as heavy metal, many of his tracks heavily incorporate dance music elements.
His popular song “Tout Petit Moineau” opens with a beautiful, operatic soprano, then shifts into an oriental atmosphere and melds with irregular breakbeats.
The chaotic song progression is so intense your brain can barely keep up—highly recommended if you’re looking for thrilling breakcore tracks!
Cyberia lyr3Sewerslvt
Blazing along at an incredibly fast BPM, SewerSlvt’s “Cyberia lyr3” is a must-listen for breakcore fans.
SewerSlvt is an Australian project also well-known for “nerdcore,” a genre that often samples lines from anime.
“Cyberia lyr3” is a follow-up to the highly acclaimed nerdcore track “Cyberia lyr1,” and this one, too, is sprinkled with anime samples throughout.
If you’ve never listened to nerdcore before, definitely give it a try!
Happy Screaming Night BusinessmanNero’s Day at Disneyland
“Happy Screaming Night Businessman” is a tricky track by Nero’s Day at Disneyland, an experimental American breakcore project.
The way it plunges from sequence phrases reminiscent of minimal music straight into destructive breakbeats, then snaps back to those sequences, is absolutely addictive! Another highlight is the constant high-pitched, scratch-like noise running throughout, giving it an intensely stimulating sound.
Highly recommended when you’re in the mood for unconventional breakcore!
spiralMachine Girl
Uzumaki is a track by Machine Girl, a hardcore project based in New York.
The song is a slightly unusual take on breakcore that makes effective use of a chill synth phrase.
Beyond the synths, finely detailed hi-hat sounds appear in various places, creating a dizzying overall sound.
There’s also a brief waltz-like section in the middle, which is a real highlight.
The track closes with a looped phrase that literally spirals like a whirlpool, making it a highly polished piece from start to finish.
The RaptureSabrepulse
Sabrepulse’s “The Rapture” is a track with a super satisfying slap-bass phrase.
For breakcore, it’s relatively slow in tempo, so I recommend it even if ultra-fast tracks aren’t your thing.
Also, while breakcore often uses complex rhythms, this track’s rhythm patterns are simple, making it easy to lock into the beat.
In the latter half’s break section you can feel a bit of chillout influence, which makes it really interesting—definitely give it a listen!