Speedcore

Speedcore, also known as hardcore techno or fastcore, is an electronic genre that originated in the early 1990s in the Netherlands. The genre is characterized by its high BPM (beats per minute), aggression, and distorted sound. Speedcore has a devoted fan base that enjoys the intense energy and frenetic pace of the music. The origins of speedcore can be traced back to hardcore techno, which emerged in the late 1980s in Belgium and the Netherlands. Hardcore techno was a response to the more commercialized and accessible forms of dance music that were popular at the time, such as Eurodance and house. Hardcore techno was faster, harder, and more aggressive than these styles, and often featured distorted, abrasive soundscapes. As the hardcore techno scene developed, some artists began experimenting with higher BPMs and more extreme sounds. In 1993, German producer Marc Trauner, also known as Marc Acardipane, released the track "We Have Arrived" under his alias Mescalinum United. The track was a landmark in the development of speedcore, as it featured a BPM of 200, which was almost twice as fast as most hardcore tracks of the time. From there, speedcore began to develop as a distinct genre. Artists such as The Speed Freak, DJ Skinhead, and Delta 9 emerged as early pioneers of the style, releasing tracks that pushed the boundaries of speed and aggression. Speedcore quickly gained a reputation as a niche genre that was only for the most extreme and hardcore fans of electronic music. One of the defining characteristics of speedcore is its use of breaks and samples from other genres, particularly metal and hardcore punk. Many speedcore tracks feature distorted guitar riffs, drum breaks, and scream samples, which add to the intense and abrasive nature of the music. Speedcore also often incorporates elements of gabber, a related subgenre of hardcore techno that originated in the Netherlands in the early 1990s, and which shares the same high BPM and aggressive sound. Speedcore remained a relatively underground genre throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s. However, in recent years, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity, as a new generation of producers has emerged to push the boundaries of the genre even further. Today, there are many small labels and online communities dedicated to the genre, and a dedicated following of fans worldwide. Despite its extreme and niche nature, speedcore has had a significant influence on other genres of electronic music. Its focus on speed and intensity has inspired producers in genres such as drum and bass and hardcore techno, while its use of breaks and samples from other genres has influenced the development of genres such as breakcore and mashup.

The Speed Freak: Marc Acardipane, also known as The Speed Freak, is a French speedcore artist who produces music with extremely fast tempos and distorted industrial sounds. His high-energy tracks often feature aggressive vocals and intense breakbeats, earning him a reputation as a pioneer of the speedcore genre. DJ Sharpnel: DJ Sharpnel is a Japanese speedcore duo known for their eclectic style that blends elements of J-Pop, anime soundtracks, and video game music with breakneck beats and aggressive synth riffs. Their music is characterized by its high tempo, unrelenting energy, and catchy melodic hooks. m1dy: m1dy is a Japanese producer who creates music that fuses elements of speedcore, gabber, and digital hardcore into a frenetic, high-octane blend. His tracks are often characterized by their brutal distortion, rapid-fire breaks, and harsh, confrontational lyrics. Delta 9: Delta 9 is an American producer who has been active in the hardcore scene since the 1990s. His music is renowned for its aggressive vocals, pounding industrial beats, and frenzied breakbeats that push the boundaries of what is musically possible. Drokz: Drokz is a Dutch speedcore producer who specializes in creating music that is as brutal and confrontational as it is fast and frenzied. His tracks often feature aggressive vocals, dark industrial sounds, and intense breakbeats that are designed to push listeners to their physical and emotional limits. Nekrosystem: Nekrosystem is a French producer who creates music that combines the breakneck speed of speedcore with the intense atmospheres and sinister soundscapes of dark ambient. His tracks are characterized by their haunting melodies, eerie sound effects, and skull-crushing beats. Tha Playah: Tha Playah is a Dutch producer who has become one of the most influential names in the hardcore scene. His music is characterized by its pounding basslines, brutal kicks, and intense breakbeats that are designed to push crowds to their limits. Akira: Akira is a Dutch speedcore producer who has been active in the hardcore scene since the 1990s. His music is renowned for its brutal distortion, high tempo, and fierce intensity that leaves no listener unscathed. Noisekick: Noisekick is a Dutch producer who creates music that is as confrontational as it is fast. His tracks often feature aggressive vocal samples, pounding beats, and twisted melodies that are designed to push the envelope of what is musically possible. Xylocaine: Xylocaine is a Swedish speedcore producer who creates music that is both brutal and beautiful. His tracks often feature soaring melodies, infectious hooks, and pounding beats that are guaranteed to get any crowd moving.

1. "Biblical Violence" by Pig Destroyer 2. "Hatredcopter" by Venetian Snares 3. "Lisbon" by Nasenbluten 4. "Forgotten Memories" by The Berzerker 5. "th1rt3en" by Hellfish 6. "Preparation G" by Delta 9 7. "Metal vs. Drum n Bass Remix" by Doormouse 8. "You're Asking For It" by DJ Sharpnel 9. "Fidelcore" by Shitmat 10. "Strobelight Seduction" by Hecate 11. "Murder Sound" by Enduser 12. "cerulean twitch" by Xanopticon 13. "First Day Without" by Venetian Snares 14. "Kill the Clone" by Christcore 15. "Get Up" by DJ Chucky 16. "Breathe" by The Quick Brown Fox 17. "s34n+1 ny2" by Datach'i 18. "Hardcore Will Never Die" by The Speed Freak 19. "Severance Pay" by Aaron Spectre 20. "Propane Nightmares (Celldweller Remix)" by Pendulum 21. "Devoured By 8-Bit Wolves" by Anamanaguchi 22. "The Tower" by Toecutter 23. "Hot Summer Breet" by Maladroit 24. "Overkill" by The DJ Producer 25. "Who Said DJ's Don't Play Hardcore" by DJ Paul Elstak

One of the most notable books on Speedcore is the 2004 publication by Thomas Venus called "Speedcore: History, Culture and Politics of a Disruptive Sound". In this book, Venus explores the history of Speedcore, its origins in the early 1990s in Europe, and its evolution into a global phenomenon. Venus also looks at the cultural and political implications of Speedcore, given its association with violence, drugs and rebellion. Another book that discusses Speedcore is the 2016 publication by Brent Dixon called "Noise, Water, Meat: A History of Industrial Music". In this book, Dixon provides an overview of the wider industrial music scene, of which Speedcore is a sub-genre. He discusses the various influences that went into the creation of Speedcore, including punk rock, heavy metal and electronic dance music. Dixon argues that Speedcore's extreme sound and imagery are a response to the conformity and consumerism of modern society. Numerous music journalists and commentators have also expressed their views on Speedcore. Writing for Vice in 2014, Simon Parkin described the genre as "the soundtrack of madness". He noted that the purpose of Speedcore is to push the listener to their limits, to test their endurance and to break down their resistance. Other writers have described Speedcore as "brutal", "uncompromising" and "relentless". Some musicians and producers in the hardcore techno scene have also commented on Speedcore. James D. Stark, a British producer who has released several Speedcore albums, once wrote that the genre is "about taking the dance floor to its logical conclusion - breaking it down into fragments and shattering it beyond recognition". Other producers have praised Speedcore for its creativity, its experimentation and its ability to defy genre boundaries. Despite its controversial reputation, Speedcore has a dedicated following of fans, who appreciate its unique sound and the intensity of its live events. In an interview with the BBC in 2003, one Speedcore enthusiast described the music as "an adrenaline shot to the soul". Many fans of the genre are drawn to its anarchic and rebellious ethos, and see it as a form of resistance against mainstream culture.

The social context of speedcore was marked by the rise of the DIY (do-it-yourself) ethos among young people in Europe during the 1990s. The DIY culture emphasized self-reliance and creativity, and it was driven by a desire to create something new and unique. This culture gave rise to several independent record labels that promoted underground electronic music, including speedcore. The cultural context of speedcore was characterized by the influence of rave culture on the electronic music scene. Rave culture emerged in the 1980s and was marked by a desire to escape from the mainstream and to embrace individuality and creativity. The rave culture influenced the development of various genres of electronic music, including hardcore techno and speedcore. The technological context of speedcore was shaped by the use of digital technology in music production. The advent of affordable home computers and software, as well as the availability of affordable hardware synthesizers and samplers, enabled young producers to create electronic music without the need for expensive studio equipment. This democratization of music production led to the emergence of a new generation of producers who were determined to challenge the established norms of electronic music. One of the notable record labels that played a significant role in the development of speedcore was Industrial Strength Records. Founded in 1991 by Lenny Dee and some of his colleagues, Industrial Strength Records was one of the first labels to promote hardcore techno and speedcore. The label released several seminal speedcore albums, including "Frankfurt Trax Vol. 2" and "The Sound of Rotterdam - Hardcore Edition." Another notable figure who contributed to the development of speedcore was Alec Empire. Alec Empire was a German musician who was one of the pioneers of digital hardcore, a genre that combined elements of punk rock, industrial music, and hardcore techno. Alec Empire's music was characterized by its aggressive and confrontational style, which influenced many speedcore producers. In the 1990s, several music journalists played a key role in promoting speedcore. One such journalist was Simon Reynolds, who was a contributor to the magazine "The Wire." Simon Reynolds wrote extensively about the emerging electronic music scene and was particularly interested in the more experimental and extreme forms of electronic music, including speedcore. His writing helped to bring speedcore to the attention of a wider audience.