Recommended house/techno

Aggressive dance music. A masterpiece of hardcore techno.

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.

With the rise of outdoor festivals dedicated to techno and massive indoor events, I feel that in recent years harder-edged techno has been gaining traction in the scene.

In this article, I’d like to dig into its roots, trace the history of hard techno, and introduce classic hardcore techno tracks that helped shape the era.

The definition of hardcore techno largely comes down to two points: a violent, rapid tempo and a heavy, assertive beat.

While this has gradually evolved over time, that’s where the sound’s roots lie.

Born in 1990 in cities like Rotterdam, New York, and Newcastle, this new form of dance music still commands a devoted following around the world.

Let’s dive in!

Aggressive dance music. Classic hardcore techno tracks (21–30)

Alles naar de kloteEuromasters

Euromasters – Alles naar de klote

Alles naar de kloteEuromasters

Euromasters is a hardcore techno and gabber music band formed in the Netherlands in 1992.

This track was produced by former members Harm Reefboer and Teun Hooihouse, and was released as a 12-inch single on Rotterdam Records in 1992.

Raise the rankinglower

BraincrackingNeophyte

Neophyte – Braincracking

BraincrackingNeophyte

Neophyte is a hardcore and gabber music group formed in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in 1992.

This track was released as a single in 1996.

In 2015, “Fight With Anger,” a collaboration with Dutch hardcore DJ Angerfist, was released.

Raise the rankinglower

Why So SeriousTha Playah

Why so serious

Why So SeriousTha Playah

Tha Playah is a Dutch hardcore music producer and DJ.

His sound is characterized by a catchy and exciting style.

This track—said to represent “a new level of hardcore”—is included on his 2009 album Walking The Line.

It’s the kind of music that makes you want to move your body and gets you hyped.

Raise the rankinglower

ShowtimeDJ Freak

DJ Freak – Showtime (hardcore techno)

ShowtimeDJ Freak

DJ Freak is a British hardcore music DJ and producer, known as one of the pioneers of industrial hardcore and speedcore.

This track is included on the compilation album “Death Sentence,” released in 2010.

Raise the rankinglower

Raise & Revolt (Official Anthem)Angerfist & MC Nolz

Angerfist & MC Nolz – Raise & Revolt (Official Anthem)

Raise & Revolt (Official Anthem)Angerfist & MC Nolz

Angerfist is a Dutch hardcore producer and DJ who has been active since 2001.

He’s also well known for his performances at events like Sensation Black and Thunderdome.

This track is a collaboration with Dutch hardcore MC Nolz and is the title track from his fifth album, released in 2015.

Beyond the hardcore techno sound itself, he’s great at using dynamics and pacing to build excitement.

Raise the rankinglower

Life Is Like A DanceDJ Paul Elstak

Life Is Like A Dance

Life Is Like A DanceDJ Paul Elstak

A high-tempo track that instantly cranks up the energy.

Packed with comical, happy sounds and voices, it’s perfect for blasting when you want everyone to go wild.

Highly recommended to play at full volume in laid-back settings like wedding after-parties or class reunion after-parties for maximum hype.

Raise the rankinglower

Sky HighDJ Zany

Dj Zany – Sky High

Sky HighDJ Zany

Dutch hardstyle DJ Zany, active since 1998, is also known as a member of the Shadowlands Terrorists.

In 2005, he placed third at the Dutch Dance Awards.

This track was released in 2003 on Fusion Records.

It’s a song distinguished by masterful sound selection and memorable, ear-catching tones.

Raise the rankinglower