Two books in one.
Go to
all releases on all PCP sub-labels listed, rated, and short-reviewed
Or
The Unofficial PCP Book
Dienstag, 9. Juli 2024
Montag, 8. Juli 2024
Introduction and Index
The unofficial Planet Core Productions guidebook
all releases on all PCP sub-labels listed, rated, and short-reviewed
The unofficial Planet Core Productions guidebook.
After it was "almost forgotten" towards the end of the 90s, the interest in this very special label of Techno history is growing at a fast pace again.
This guidebook is mostly aimed at "newcomers" to the PCP-sound; to give them a little overview, information and direction; in order to possibly help them in their decision on which record to pursue & purchase.
And, the guidebook exists, so that this piece of techno history does not get forgotten (hopefully).
Because: "You and me... we are simply passing through history. But this... this *is* history."
Note: i tried to retain some of the typical '90s hardcore techno magazine' tone and spirit in some reviews, with its cold-served wit and attitude.
"Underrated but great" records usually get longer reviews.
This is a beta version and some releases are not listed yet.
But now, dear visitor, enjoy your reading experience.
And remember, in the end - "we're all slaves to the rave'.
Here are the links to the labels:
About the rating system:
For the purpose of rating, I decided on a percentage format. (aka "x out of a hundred points").
But these ratings are "PCP-stretched": I love all these records and, normally, would all give them a 111 out of 100.
So the rating means "compared to other PCP releases".
Thus, if a record has "only" 49 or 31 percent here, this does not mean it's bad; compared with other Hardcore or Techno EPs they would be 88 or 94 or higher; the percentage just "seems lower" for the sake of rating these PCP records in a way that seems sensible, and to have a bit of comparison with the other releases.
So please do not misunderstood the ratings - all records are even better then they seem.
And in the end it's very subjective anyway.
About the author:
Hello,
I'm Sönke aka Low Entropy.
I was a teenage PCP addict. and by that i mean the music, not the drug (thank god!).
I bought my first PCP CD at the tender age of fifteen, and a lifelong love for everything related to the label followed.
Seeing Marc, Miro, Dr Macabre, and all the other rascals perform live and to feel their bassdrums blasting through the dancefloor were some of the happiest moments in my life.
I spent the next decades trying to find ways to listen to *every* PCP release; and in the end I decided to write a little review for each of them.
So here it is.
I'm also an author of other Hardcore Techno related books such as:
The Hardcore Condition - Experimental Hardcore of the 90s
A Hardcore Retrospective - Hardcore Techno In The 90s
The Hardcore Primer - An Extensive Guide To 90s Underground Hardcore Techno Labels And Artists
PCP - Legends In Their Life - The Unofficial PCP Book
or if you want to read more about me, head over to:
https://lowentropyproducer.blogspot.com/
Note: This guidebook is not officially affiliated with any existing or former members of Planet Core Productions
Version 0.9
Note: This guidebook is not officially affiliated with any existing or former members of Planet Core Productions
Version 0.9
White Breaks Frankfurt
"white breaks" was the pcp sublabel for breakbeat, jungle, "happy hardcore" (uk style), early breakcore and drum'n'bass releases.
White I - White Breaks - Volume I
the standout track is "white line" here - deviant hoover intro, then the breaks come in, and we get served with an extremely gritty jungle bassline.
you can't keep your feet still while listening to this!
60 / 100
White II - White Breaks - Volume II
here the standout track is "ho-o". a rave-y dark piano melody is playing while a whirlwind of sounds'n'samples sweeps you away.
62 / 100
White 3 - Steve Shit - Volume 3: Sidekicks
did you know that miro produced breakbeat / breakcore, too? he did, on this label!
the sound reminds me a bit of the early steve shit releases, with a lot of digital fuzz - but the gabber beats have been replaced by noisy jungle beats!
58 / 100
White 4 - Chucky Chunk - Volume 4
the pick for me is "9d5 safari strings". the flip side is underwater uk hardcore.
66 / 100
White 5 - Steve Shit - Volume 5: Tales Of Tits 'N Ass
64 / 100
a "naughty" breakbeat release, who would have expected this?
competent produced jungle / early breakcore frenzy.
White 6 - Steve Shit - Volume 6: Shit's Sidekicks 3
a quite different and solitary production.
jungle / drum'n'bass gets a "reign" style cavernous hall treatment.
experimental and inventive.
75 / 100
WB 7 - Steve Shit - Volume 7: Scorpion
i think miro said somewhere that he considers this to be amongst his most outstanding releases?
understandably so, because we have a very magnificent mélange here:
kotzaak / reign / frozen-level sounds, but done in a drum n bass / breakcore way!
so you get some rather tenebrous melodies, but not with gabber kicks this time, but with broken beats.
extremely recommended!
98 / 100
WB 8 - Steve Shit - Volume 8: Cobra
after the first two bites of the scorpion, the cobra enters the arena now.
this release continues the trend of white breaks 7, and continues it rather well!
88 / 100
White LP 1 - Rudeboy Toones: A Frankfurt Jungle Compilation - Volume 1
as the words say: a compilation of jungle and jungle-adjacent music out of Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
various artists take part in it; and this time it is not merely the PCP crew using multiple aliases.
51 / 100
White LP 2 - Rudeboy Toones: A Frankfurt Jungle Compilation - Volume 2
similar concept to the first lp. the urban jungle madness continues.
52 / 100
White I - White Breaks - Volume I
the standout track is "white line" here - deviant hoover intro, then the breaks come in, and we get served with an extremely gritty jungle bassline.
you can't keep your feet still while listening to this!
60 / 100
White II - White Breaks - Volume II
here the standout track is "ho-o". a rave-y dark piano melody is playing while a whirlwind of sounds'n'samples sweeps you away.
62 / 100
White 3 - Steve Shit - Volume 3: Sidekicks
did you know that miro produced breakbeat / breakcore, too? he did, on this label!
the sound reminds me a bit of the early steve shit releases, with a lot of digital fuzz - but the gabber beats have been replaced by noisy jungle beats!
58 / 100
White 4 - Chucky Chunk - Volume 4
the pick for me is "9d5 safari strings". the flip side is underwater uk hardcore.
66 / 100
White 5 - Steve Shit - Volume 5: Tales Of Tits 'N Ass
64 / 100
a "naughty" breakbeat release, who would have expected this?
competent produced jungle / early breakcore frenzy.
White 6 - Steve Shit - Volume 6: Shit's Sidekicks 3
a quite different and solitary production.
jungle / drum'n'bass gets a "reign" style cavernous hall treatment.
experimental and inventive.
75 / 100
WB 7 - Steve Shit - Volume 7: Scorpion
i think miro said somewhere that he considers this to be amongst his most outstanding releases?
understandably so, because we have a very magnificent mélange here:
kotzaak / reign / frozen-level sounds, but done in a drum n bass / breakcore way!
so you get some rather tenebrous melodies, but not with gabber kicks this time, but with broken beats.
extremely recommended!
98 / 100
WB 8 - Steve Shit - Volume 8: Cobra
after the first two bites of the scorpion, the cobra enters the arena now.
this release continues the trend of white breaks 7, and continues it rather well!
88 / 100
White LP 1 - Rudeboy Toones: A Frankfurt Jungle Compilation - Volume 1
as the words say: a compilation of jungle and jungle-adjacent music out of Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
various artists take part in it; and this time it is not merely the PCP crew using multiple aliases.
51 / 100
White LP 2 - Rudeboy Toones: A Frankfurt Jungle Compilation - Volume 2
similar concept to the first lp. the urban jungle madness continues.
52 / 100
Dance Ecstasy 2001
DE 2001 / PCP 003 - Cyborg Unknown - Year 2001
Again, this is a very unexpected release, "even for PCP"!
I've never heard anything like it by any other artist or label.
A crossing over of Detroit, EBM, Techno, 80s Electro-Funk, with enchanting vocoderized rapping.
And it gives off a super-futuristic atmosphere, that makes you want to watch movies like "Brainstorm" or "lawnmower man" again.
Rating: 2001 / 100
DE 2003 / PCP 010 - T-Bone Castro - Radical Padrone (The Remixes)
I think this could be best described as PCP's take on 1991 club sound techno.
Very nice, and quite "hardcore" already!
57 / 100
DE 2004 / PCP 012 - T-Bone Castro / Ace The Space - 4-Track E.P. / Ace In The Hole
I love the "weird" mixture on this EP. Something between Belgium Techno, UK Artcore and Gangsta Funk.
The laid-back, almost rap-like quality of these tracks would make them fit well to a harvey keitel movie.
63 / 100
DE 2005 / PCP 014 - Ramin - Vol. I - Essence Of Ecstasy EP
Ramin was a frequent visitor on PCP, and I like to describe this EP as "Pcp style early 90s club techno".
39 / 100
DE 2006 - T-Bone Castro - It's Me, T-Bone Fuckin' Castro
"Urban Partyzan" was one of the hardest tracks from that era. Super-distorted, mid-tempo noizecore
The flipside tracks show their electro / techno influences.
Cool, chill, laid-back dance (but tough none-the-less)
79 / 100
DE 2007 - 303 Nation - 6 Tracker
This is it! The holy grail of techno music. Right here.
Technically, it's an acid record - but the sounds are much more than that.
With minimal instrumentation, the 303 nation manages to generate an ultra-immersive environment reminiscent of outer space colonies.
I never heard something like that before, and I never heard it again.
100 / 100 (a perfect release)
DE 2008 - Nasty Django - Ey Fukkas! EP
My favorite release by Nasty Dango. Ranging from Techno to mid-tempo Gabber. Cool sounds and gritty attitude.
74 / 100
DE 2009 - Ace The Space - 9 Is A Classic
9 is a classic has become a classic itself. It deserved it - ultra-manic mentasm-driving techno-core.
Pay attention to the flipside:
"Your special attraction" is an underrated breakbeat gem.
85 / 100
DE 2010 - Insider - Destiny E.P.
"Destiny" is a headstrong techno track driven by an arpeggiated sawtooth-synth.
"True" is a similarly forceful exposition.
32 / 100
DE 2011 - Test / Strong Heads - The Antwerp Anthems
Could we call this "frequency-techno"?
A side is a bit of a precursor to later pcp releases like "master of the universe"
B side is an ear-ache inducing stomper.
43 / 100
DE 2012 - Ramin - Vol.2 - Brainticket
The track "brainticket" is a true classic.
I sense a strong influence by EBM, and other proto-techno sounds, on the b side tracks.
52 / 100
DE 2013 - Ace The Space - 9 mm Remixes
several akas of marc, and Lenny dee, remix the track.
especially noteworthy are the "ultimate rave remix", which more or less became the "official version" of this track (the version most used by marc himself during perfomances) and mr. didesiderio's remix - which adds an early euro-american hardcore edge with a lot of spunk to it.
73 / 100
DE 2014 - Various - A Dance Ecstasy 2001 Compilation
a compilation of tracks taken from early dance ecstasy 2001 releases, plus one track from the PCP EP on R&S records.
92 / 100
DE 2015 - Headshop - 4 Sale!
Can we invent a new genre? Cause I would like to classify this release as "PCP trance". "Universe" is a marvelous, marvelous track that makes you feel as you are flying through it.
Flipside is sweet as well.
89 / 100
DE 2016 - T-Bone Castro – Sex Drive EP
"Return to planet e" is a heavenly "pcp trance" track and my pick here.
B side is more nasty and gritty (in a good way).
91 / 100
DE 2017 - Nasty Django - King Of FFM Lesson #1
So many great classics on one ep. Right at the true beginning of gabber.
Bold!
76 / 100
DE 2018 - Nasty Django - 3 P Rules!
"Strange" and under-rated release. Apart from the hardcore sounds, there is also some "pcp trance" on this EP.
78 / 100
DE 2019 - Magnetic 2 - Extraterrestial EP
Absolute cult release. The top track is "phuture piano" here; a techno track with what could best be described as 'the sounds of a piano played by an alien recorded through a wormhole'.
The b side has irradiated rave techno.
79 / 100
DE 2020 - 6 - Pack - Drunken Piece Of Shit
With a title like that, you would probably expect a mean and aggression fueled gabber EP. And well, that's what it is, too; yet it somehow manages to intertwine moments of sweet cosmic serenity into some of these tracks.
47 / 100
DE 2021 - Headshop - Universe (Remixes)
"More of the same"? Yes - but the remixes add enough deviation to it.
Especially check the lunatic mix
88 / 100
DE 2022 - VA - FFM EP
Another early collection of later-to-become classics!
"Go voodoo" is mid-tempo party-gabber.
"Futuristic Kickdown" is alien techno doom.
"Barcelona" is sweetest acid-trance.
And "Base dj" blows everything and everyone away.
89 / 100
DE 2023 - Nasty Django & DJ Cirillo – Mentasm Mafia
Marc forms a mafia with italian dj cirillo for this oldschool gabber ep.
Most would probably go for "deal wit' beats", but i also like "cocorico": a skillfully executed tempo acceleration track.
72 / 100
DE 2024 - Steve Shit – Shitkickers E.P.
right at the beginning of miro's gabber journey.
snotty, ruffian, hardcore.
61 / 100
DE 2025 - The Mover & Lunatic Asylum – Frequency Surfers
two maestros of hardcore techno join forces.
it's actually two version of the same track; and as the names imply, the latter is a slower edit of the former.
the track itself is a surrealist acid / trance / doom crossbreed.
94 / 100
DE 2026 - Trip Commando – Temple Tunes Volume 1
the first release in the "temple tunes" mini-series of EPs.
i find it hard to give it justice using words: the tracks definitely have a sacred / religious / new age feel to them, and i mean this in the most positive way.
the foundation, of course, are hard hitting techno beats.
90 / 100
DE 2027 - Masters Of Rave – Are You With Me (She Likes To Pump It)
this would have deserved to be a chart-hit!
enourmous production values, rapping, vocoders, sexy lyrics... it got everything!
also included are multiple remixes / edits in different techno styles.
58 / 100
DE 2028 - DJ Jamo - Spice
another very a-typical release for pcp, as this is essentially mid 90s hard trance at its best!
68 / 100
DE 2029 - Rave Creator – A New Mind
"a new mind" evolved to be a standard amongst the tracks that are part of marc's repertoire during his live performances.
these are still two "basic" versions of the track, but great nevertheless.
on an interesting side note: judging from the release and all other available info, it's not clear which one was the true, original version of the track. or maybe there was no such version at all!
82 / 100
DE 2030 - Ace The Space - 9 Is A Classic '95 - The Zombie Remixes
another release with remixes of this "classic" (pun intended) track.
this time, a gabber / trancecore vibe get's added to the track.
64 / 100
DE 2031 Sexdrive Ent. - No.2
after the "sex drive" EP, we get served with further entertainment.
but, despite (or because of) the libidinal title, this is another great release of what I call "PCP style trance music".
78 / 100
DE 2032 Nasty Django – The King Is Back
the king is back indeed, as he presents us two killer tracks.
one is "hardcore motherfucker", one of the most widely known tracks from the PCP catalogue (and yes, it deserves it).
and the flipside is quite spiffy, too!
84 / 100
DE 2033 DJ Jamo & Jack Knives – The Strings Of Heaven EP
another quite exquisite hard trance ep on the dance ecstasy label!
listening suggestion: the track "seastar ii".
86 / 100
DE 2034 Steve Shit – Kickin' Da Shit Outta Ya!!
Steve shit is back, and he is accompanied by his streetcore gabber style once more.
dirty samples, hoovers, 909 - go!
89 / 100
DE 2035 Headshop – Volume 2 : The Endzone
return to the headshop. outer space trance meets ebm and acid influences.
79 / 100
DE 2036 Rave Creator – A New Mind (Remixes 1)
let the remixes begin.
this is one of the most remarkable releases on de 2001.
The "original rave mix" is a true "german style" rave / hardtrance anthem by marc, including uplifting / emotive melodies, and all. With the proper music video and marketing, i'm sure this could have made the german top 10 charts in the mid 90s.
The thai acid mix has a long, brooding build-up, then erupts into forceful acid mayhem.
93 / 100
DE 2037 Rave Creator – A New Mind (Remixes Part 2)
Another round of remixes.
Including the famous "cold rush phuture remix", a tour de force incorporating over 8 minutes of doomed rave sounds.
Plus another rave remix, this time more on the dreamy side, and a remix by the mover.
94 / 100
DE 2038 Inferno Bros. – Slaves To The Rave (The PCP & DE 2001 Mixes)
Ah, yes, now we can play!
This is one of marc's most massive tracks ever.
Intro, "female" vocals, hoovers, sub-bass, breakdowns, football stadium suitable chanting... one of the most technically complex and perfect "hardcore" productions of the 90s.
The de 2001 mix induces an energetic rush with it's more "monotonous", hypnotic approach.
99 / 100
DE 2039 Lunatic Asylum – Digital Chameleon
Guillaume Leroux aka Lunatic Asylum was a frequent collaborator (or crew member?) of pcp.
This is a magnificent release, mending (dark) trance, techno, and hardcore structures.
Listening suggestion: Chaos Effect
Again, this is a very unexpected release, "even for PCP"!
I've never heard anything like it by any other artist or label.
A crossing over of Detroit, EBM, Techno, 80s Electro-Funk, with enchanting vocoderized rapping.
And it gives off a super-futuristic atmosphere, that makes you want to watch movies like "Brainstorm" or "lawnmower man" again.
Rating: 2001 / 100
DE 2003 / PCP 010 - T-Bone Castro - Radical Padrone (The Remixes)
I think this could be best described as PCP's take on 1991 club sound techno.
Very nice, and quite "hardcore" already!
57 / 100
DE 2004 / PCP 012 - T-Bone Castro / Ace The Space - 4-Track E.P. / Ace In The Hole
I love the "weird" mixture on this EP. Something between Belgium Techno, UK Artcore and Gangsta Funk.
The laid-back, almost rap-like quality of these tracks would make them fit well to a harvey keitel movie.
63 / 100
DE 2005 / PCP 014 - Ramin - Vol. I - Essence Of Ecstasy EP
Ramin was a frequent visitor on PCP, and I like to describe this EP as "Pcp style early 90s club techno".
39 / 100
DE 2006 - T-Bone Castro - It's Me, T-Bone Fuckin' Castro
"Urban Partyzan" was one of the hardest tracks from that era. Super-distorted, mid-tempo noizecore
The flipside tracks show their electro / techno influences.
Cool, chill, laid-back dance (but tough none-the-less)
79 / 100
DE 2007 - 303 Nation - 6 Tracker
This is it! The holy grail of techno music. Right here.
Technically, it's an acid record - but the sounds are much more than that.
With minimal instrumentation, the 303 nation manages to generate an ultra-immersive environment reminiscent of outer space colonies.
I never heard something like that before, and I never heard it again.
100 / 100 (a perfect release)
DE 2008 - Nasty Django - Ey Fukkas! EP
My favorite release by Nasty Dango. Ranging from Techno to mid-tempo Gabber. Cool sounds and gritty attitude.
74 / 100
DE 2009 - Ace The Space - 9 Is A Classic
9 is a classic has become a classic itself. It deserved it - ultra-manic mentasm-driving techno-core.
Pay attention to the flipside:
"Your special attraction" is an underrated breakbeat gem.
85 / 100
DE 2010 - Insider - Destiny E.P.
"Destiny" is a headstrong techno track driven by an arpeggiated sawtooth-synth.
"True" is a similarly forceful exposition.
32 / 100
DE 2011 - Test / Strong Heads - The Antwerp Anthems
Could we call this "frequency-techno"?
A side is a bit of a precursor to later pcp releases like "master of the universe"
B side is an ear-ache inducing stomper.
43 / 100
DE 2012 - Ramin - Vol.2 - Brainticket
The track "brainticket" is a true classic.
I sense a strong influence by EBM, and other proto-techno sounds, on the b side tracks.
52 / 100
DE 2013 - Ace The Space - 9 mm Remixes
several akas of marc, and Lenny dee, remix the track.
especially noteworthy are the "ultimate rave remix", which more or less became the "official version" of this track (the version most used by marc himself during perfomances) and mr. didesiderio's remix - which adds an early euro-american hardcore edge with a lot of spunk to it.
73 / 100
DE 2014 - Various - A Dance Ecstasy 2001 Compilation
a compilation of tracks taken from early dance ecstasy 2001 releases, plus one track from the PCP EP on R&S records.
92 / 100
DE 2015 - Headshop - 4 Sale!
Can we invent a new genre? Cause I would like to classify this release as "PCP trance". "Universe" is a marvelous, marvelous track that makes you feel as you are flying through it.
Flipside is sweet as well.
89 / 100
DE 2016 - T-Bone Castro – Sex Drive EP
"Return to planet e" is a heavenly "pcp trance" track and my pick here.
B side is more nasty and gritty (in a good way).
91 / 100
DE 2017 - Nasty Django - King Of FFM Lesson #1
So many great classics on one ep. Right at the true beginning of gabber.
Bold!
76 / 100
DE 2018 - Nasty Django - 3 P Rules!
"Strange" and under-rated release. Apart from the hardcore sounds, there is also some "pcp trance" on this EP.
78 / 100
DE 2019 - Magnetic 2 - Extraterrestial EP
Absolute cult release. The top track is "phuture piano" here; a techno track with what could best be described as 'the sounds of a piano played by an alien recorded through a wormhole'.
The b side has irradiated rave techno.
79 / 100
DE 2020 - 6 - Pack - Drunken Piece Of Shit
With a title like that, you would probably expect a mean and aggression fueled gabber EP. And well, that's what it is, too; yet it somehow manages to intertwine moments of sweet cosmic serenity into some of these tracks.
47 / 100
DE 2021 - Headshop - Universe (Remixes)
"More of the same"? Yes - but the remixes add enough deviation to it.
Especially check the lunatic mix
88 / 100
DE 2022 - VA - FFM EP
Another early collection of later-to-become classics!
"Go voodoo" is mid-tempo party-gabber.
"Futuristic Kickdown" is alien techno doom.
"Barcelona" is sweetest acid-trance.
And "Base dj" blows everything and everyone away.
89 / 100
DE 2023 - Nasty Django & DJ Cirillo – Mentasm Mafia
Marc forms a mafia with italian dj cirillo for this oldschool gabber ep.
Most would probably go for "deal wit' beats", but i also like "cocorico": a skillfully executed tempo acceleration track.
72 / 100
DE 2024 - Steve Shit – Shitkickers E.P.
right at the beginning of miro's gabber journey.
snotty, ruffian, hardcore.
61 / 100
DE 2025 - The Mover & Lunatic Asylum – Frequency Surfers
two maestros of hardcore techno join forces.
it's actually two version of the same track; and as the names imply, the latter is a slower edit of the former.
the track itself is a surrealist acid / trance / doom crossbreed.
94 / 100
DE 2026 - Trip Commando – Temple Tunes Volume 1
the first release in the "temple tunes" mini-series of EPs.
i find it hard to give it justice using words: the tracks definitely have a sacred / religious / new age feel to them, and i mean this in the most positive way.
the foundation, of course, are hard hitting techno beats.
90 / 100
DE 2027 - Masters Of Rave – Are You With Me (She Likes To Pump It)
this would have deserved to be a chart-hit!
enourmous production values, rapping, vocoders, sexy lyrics... it got everything!
also included are multiple remixes / edits in different techno styles.
58 / 100
DE 2028 - DJ Jamo - Spice
another very a-typical release for pcp, as this is essentially mid 90s hard trance at its best!
68 / 100
DE 2029 - Rave Creator – A New Mind
"a new mind" evolved to be a standard amongst the tracks that are part of marc's repertoire during his live performances.
these are still two "basic" versions of the track, but great nevertheless.
on an interesting side note: judging from the release and all other available info, it's not clear which one was the true, original version of the track. or maybe there was no such version at all!
82 / 100
DE 2030 - Ace The Space - 9 Is A Classic '95 - The Zombie Remixes
another release with remixes of this "classic" (pun intended) track.
this time, a gabber / trancecore vibe get's added to the track.
64 / 100
DE 2031 Sexdrive Ent. - No.2
after the "sex drive" EP, we get served with further entertainment.
but, despite (or because of) the libidinal title, this is another great release of what I call "PCP style trance music".
78 / 100
DE 2032 Nasty Django – The King Is Back
the king is back indeed, as he presents us two killer tracks.
one is "hardcore motherfucker", one of the most widely known tracks from the PCP catalogue (and yes, it deserves it).
and the flipside is quite spiffy, too!
84 / 100
DE 2033 DJ Jamo & Jack Knives – The Strings Of Heaven EP
another quite exquisite hard trance ep on the dance ecstasy label!
listening suggestion: the track "seastar ii".
86 / 100
DE 2034 Steve Shit – Kickin' Da Shit Outta Ya!!
Steve shit is back, and he is accompanied by his streetcore gabber style once more.
dirty samples, hoovers, 909 - go!
89 / 100
DE 2035 Headshop – Volume 2 : The Endzone
return to the headshop. outer space trance meets ebm and acid influences.
79 / 100
DE 2036 Rave Creator – A New Mind (Remixes 1)
let the remixes begin.
this is one of the most remarkable releases on de 2001.
The "original rave mix" is a true "german style" rave / hardtrance anthem by marc, including uplifting / emotive melodies, and all. With the proper music video and marketing, i'm sure this could have made the german top 10 charts in the mid 90s.
The thai acid mix has a long, brooding build-up, then erupts into forceful acid mayhem.
93 / 100
DE 2037 Rave Creator – A New Mind (Remixes Part 2)
Another round of remixes.
Including the famous "cold rush phuture remix", a tour de force incorporating over 8 minutes of doomed rave sounds.
Plus another rave remix, this time more on the dreamy side, and a remix by the mover.
94 / 100
DE 2038 Inferno Bros. – Slaves To The Rave (The PCP & DE 2001 Mixes)
Ah, yes, now we can play!
This is one of marc's most massive tracks ever.
Intro, "female" vocals, hoovers, sub-bass, breakdowns, football stadium suitable chanting... one of the most technically complex and perfect "hardcore" productions of the 90s.
The de 2001 mix induces an energetic rush with it's more "monotonous", hypnotic approach.
99 / 100
DE 2039 Lunatic Asylum – Digital Chameleon
Guillaume Leroux aka Lunatic Asylum was a frequent collaborator (or crew member?) of pcp.
This is a magnificent release, mending (dark) trance, techno, and hardcore structures.
Listening suggestion: Chaos Effect
82 / 100
DE 2040-1 Various – Frankfurt Trax Volume 6 - Return To Zero Part 1
Frankfurt 6 was a CD compilation, released by PCP.
This 4-part series of Vinyls highlights some of tracks taken from this very CD.
each part has a certain characteristic, and this is the release for "softer" electro / club sounds (with a PCP spin, mind you!).
some true PCP jewels can be found on these releases.
88 / 100
DE 2040-2 Various – Frankfurt Trax Volume 6 - Return To Zero Part 2
see above. this is the part for more "mellow" techno and ambient sounds.
89 / 100
DE 2041-1 Various – Frankfurt Trax Volume 6 - Return To Zero Part 3
this part has hardcore / gabber sounds.
90 / 100
DE 2041-2 Various – Frankfurt Trax Volume 6 - Return To Zero Part 4
and the final part has darker / harder / "terror" hardcore sounds (with the exception of the "korrekte mf's" track maybe.)
87 / 100
DE 2042 Beethoven – Greatest Works Part 1
This is another release that is "strange" amongst the at times already very strange pcp catalogue. (This is meant positively!).
It's a drum'n'bass / jungle remix of, well, beethoven's work.
72 / 100
DE 2043 Reign – Chapter II: The Zombie-Leader Is Approachin'
I can't praise this release enough! Early doomcore by miro.
Atmospheric, magnetic, eldritch.
Listening suggestion: light & dark (the 2nd dimension).
96 / 100
DE 2044 Trip Commando – Temple Tunes Vol.2
"Cross The White Line" is a massive, colossal, epic techno track that slowly builds up towards it's cinematic climax.
The flipside is remarkable as well.
84 / 100
DE 2045 Renegade Legion - Dark Forces
Guillaume Leroux under a new alias.
"Torsion", a mid-tempo industrial hardcore stomper gained some notority amongst the scene.
"Dark forces" is very much worth checking out, too. A techno affair of most extraordinary gloom.
72 / 100
DE 2046 Miro – Blue Sun
In my opinion, this was the point when miro began to produce in his very own style.
"Blue Sun" is an oversize 'study of melodies and bassdrums'. The epic melody gets introduced, faded away, gets twisted - for over 10 minutes - while the drums hammer on.
"Bassdrum elevation" is miro's take on the "pitch hiker" concept: a track made up purely of a distorted 909.
81 / 100
DE 2047 Planet Phuture – Temple Tunes Vol.3
The 3rd and final release in this series. A techno track with an "overlord" type arpeggio, and rougher acid / doom / techno crossbreed.
69 / 100
DE 2048 Negative Burn – Crime City 2001 A.D.
Ooh, this is remarkable!
"Gates of heaven" is what could maybe considered to be "dark ambient hardcore". Acerbic-saccharine, futuristic, tranquille. 'I haven't been human for two hundred years'.
And "Gates of hell" is a doomed gabber smasher.
89 / 100
DE 2049 Steve Shit – Shit's Gabbertales
Steve shit gets crass again. All tracks seem to be libido themed. Their style is juno fueled gabber euphoria.
Listening suggestion: having sex
66 / 100
DE 2050 VA - Most Wanted Bootleg E.P.
A collection of "rare" mixes of some pcp releases, and other tracks.
The "first rave age rough mix" later became the "official" version of slaves to the rave, I think.
Rave creator adds a magnificient spin to "stereo murder".
Steve shit gives "dominator" a bold gabber workover.
And "bim bam - beeper" is an mc-fueled dancefloor attack.
85 / 100
DE 2051 Nasty Django – H.M.F. (Rmxz)
despite the name, it's more than "just" remixes of h.m.f., but "c'mon" and "another asskicka" are included, too.
Lunacy somewhere between oldschool, techno, and gabber.
52 / 100
DE 2052 Miro – Purple Moon
one of the best releases, on all of pcp, ever. period.
lifting off from the "blue sun", purple moon is driven by an almost hard-trancy, but much darker, arpeggiated melody and oldschool drumming.
"understand" twists this pattern around a bit.
a true miro classic.
99 / 100
DE 2053 Evidence – Resist / Inspirit
this is actually miro again, using a new aka.
and, in my opinion, "inspirit" has one of his best-composed melodies.
apart from that, this release is a bit more on the "hardcore" side than the previous release (i.e. purple moon).
99 / 100 ("inspirit" is a perfect track!)
DE 2054 Reign – Time Machine
you might wish you had a time machine to get back to this era, but if you don't, you can at least listen to this record.
quite experimental for reign (aka miro again) - unusual melodies, effects, and enormous amounts of reverb.
at times more reminiscent of a dark, chanting-accompanied ceremony in a huge space cavern than a techno record (in my opinion).
well done!
86 / 100
DE 2055 Reign – Hall
did we mention "the sound of dark chanting in a large hall"? this record is an even more approximate embodiment of this idea!
but to give a more technical description, it's precious, miro style techno, with one track running for almost 11 minutes and a half. and this very "Hall (Maximum Mix)" being a secret favorite for many PCP supporters.
98 / 100
DE 2056 Rave Creator – Into Sound
the "Marshall Masters Remix" indicates the marching route, as both tracks are more evocative of their output, than earlier rave creator tracks.
anthemic!
68 / 100
DE 2057 E Man - XTC Express
should be in everyone's top ten of miro's (or pcp's) releases.
going strong with the arpeggio-type tunes again, this composition almost reminds me a video game soundtrack gone dark.
but the thundering drums make it clear you that you are at a rave.
both mixes are great. i can't applaud this release enough.
100 / 100 (a perfect release!)
DE 2058 Evidence – II
another two tracker, bordering on the emerging "newstyle hardcore" sound here.
mean, gritty and brutal bassdrums.
67 / 100
DE 2059 Vitali – Robber Dance
the last release of de 2001.
there has been some speculations about who might behind this release.
either way, it's hoover-fueled attack-the-dancefloor type gabber.
38 / 100
DE 3001-1 303 Nation – Strobe Jams I
"De 3001" seems to be a kind of sub-label exclusively for 303 nation releases.
this ep almost feels like an album, with it's variations, intros and outros.
acid, techno, breakbeats, ambient structures... and if you liked the 6 tracker ep, you will love this one.
listening suggestion: "voodoo machine", a 303 defined track that starts slow, then turns into total mayhem.
98 / 100
DE 3001-2 303 Nation – Strobe Jams II
the follow up to strobe jams i. the style is comparable to the earlier outing. includes some true classics like "a world noir" or "sky crack".
this series is truly amongst the best of releases in the world of PCP.
98 / 100
DE 3002-1 303 Nation – Strobe Jams III
and on we go. i feel this sound has a stronger Detroit / underground resistance trace.
definitely recommended
80 / 100
DE 3002-2 303 Nation – Strobe Jams IV
the earlier releases were a bit closer to my heart - except for one track on here:
"Barcelona (Model # 1)".
sweetest acid-trance (see above) that makes you feel as you are slowly floating on the mediterrean sea in dark euphoria, while the moon watches on.
61 / 100
DE 2040-1 Various – Frankfurt Trax Volume 6 - Return To Zero Part 1
Frankfurt 6 was a CD compilation, released by PCP.
This 4-part series of Vinyls highlights some of tracks taken from this very CD.
each part has a certain characteristic, and this is the release for "softer" electro / club sounds (with a PCP spin, mind you!).
some true PCP jewels can be found on these releases.
88 / 100
DE 2040-2 Various – Frankfurt Trax Volume 6 - Return To Zero Part 2
see above. this is the part for more "mellow" techno and ambient sounds.
89 / 100
DE 2041-1 Various – Frankfurt Trax Volume 6 - Return To Zero Part 3
this part has hardcore / gabber sounds.
90 / 100
DE 2041-2 Various – Frankfurt Trax Volume 6 - Return To Zero Part 4
and the final part has darker / harder / "terror" hardcore sounds (with the exception of the "korrekte mf's" track maybe.)
87 / 100
DE 2042 Beethoven – Greatest Works Part 1
This is another release that is "strange" amongst the at times already very strange pcp catalogue. (This is meant positively!).
It's a drum'n'bass / jungle remix of, well, beethoven's work.
72 / 100
DE 2043 Reign – Chapter II: The Zombie-Leader Is Approachin'
I can't praise this release enough! Early doomcore by miro.
Atmospheric, magnetic, eldritch.
Listening suggestion: light & dark (the 2nd dimension).
96 / 100
DE 2044 Trip Commando – Temple Tunes Vol.2
"Cross The White Line" is a massive, colossal, epic techno track that slowly builds up towards it's cinematic climax.
The flipside is remarkable as well.
84 / 100
DE 2045 Renegade Legion - Dark Forces
Guillaume Leroux under a new alias.
"Torsion", a mid-tempo industrial hardcore stomper gained some notority amongst the scene.
"Dark forces" is very much worth checking out, too. A techno affair of most extraordinary gloom.
72 / 100
DE 2046 Miro – Blue Sun
In my opinion, this was the point when miro began to produce in his very own style.
"Blue Sun" is an oversize 'study of melodies and bassdrums'. The epic melody gets introduced, faded away, gets twisted - for over 10 minutes - while the drums hammer on.
"Bassdrum elevation" is miro's take on the "pitch hiker" concept: a track made up purely of a distorted 909.
81 / 100
DE 2047 Planet Phuture – Temple Tunes Vol.3
The 3rd and final release in this series. A techno track with an "overlord" type arpeggio, and rougher acid / doom / techno crossbreed.
69 / 100
DE 2048 Negative Burn – Crime City 2001 A.D.
Ooh, this is remarkable!
"Gates of heaven" is what could maybe considered to be "dark ambient hardcore". Acerbic-saccharine, futuristic, tranquille. 'I haven't been human for two hundred years'.
And "Gates of hell" is a doomed gabber smasher.
89 / 100
DE 2049 Steve Shit – Shit's Gabbertales
Steve shit gets crass again. All tracks seem to be libido themed. Their style is juno fueled gabber euphoria.
Listening suggestion: having sex
66 / 100
DE 2050 VA - Most Wanted Bootleg E.P.
A collection of "rare" mixes of some pcp releases, and other tracks.
The "first rave age rough mix" later became the "official" version of slaves to the rave, I think.
Rave creator adds a magnificient spin to "stereo murder".
Steve shit gives "dominator" a bold gabber workover.
And "bim bam - beeper" is an mc-fueled dancefloor attack.
85 / 100
DE 2051 Nasty Django – H.M.F. (Rmxz)
despite the name, it's more than "just" remixes of h.m.f., but "c'mon" and "another asskicka" are included, too.
Lunacy somewhere between oldschool, techno, and gabber.
52 / 100
DE 2052 Miro – Purple Moon
one of the best releases, on all of pcp, ever. period.
lifting off from the "blue sun", purple moon is driven by an almost hard-trancy, but much darker, arpeggiated melody and oldschool drumming.
"understand" twists this pattern around a bit.
a true miro classic.
99 / 100
DE 2053 Evidence – Resist / Inspirit
this is actually miro again, using a new aka.
and, in my opinion, "inspirit" has one of his best-composed melodies.
apart from that, this release is a bit more on the "hardcore" side than the previous release (i.e. purple moon).
99 / 100 ("inspirit" is a perfect track!)
DE 2054 Reign – Time Machine
you might wish you had a time machine to get back to this era, but if you don't, you can at least listen to this record.
quite experimental for reign (aka miro again) - unusual melodies, effects, and enormous amounts of reverb.
at times more reminiscent of a dark, chanting-accompanied ceremony in a huge space cavern than a techno record (in my opinion).
well done!
86 / 100
DE 2055 Reign – Hall
did we mention "the sound of dark chanting in a large hall"? this record is an even more approximate embodiment of this idea!
but to give a more technical description, it's precious, miro style techno, with one track running for almost 11 minutes and a half. and this very "Hall (Maximum Mix)" being a secret favorite for many PCP supporters.
98 / 100
DE 2056 Rave Creator – Into Sound
the "Marshall Masters Remix" indicates the marching route, as both tracks are more evocative of their output, than earlier rave creator tracks.
anthemic!
68 / 100
DE 2057 E Man - XTC Express
should be in everyone's top ten of miro's (or pcp's) releases.
going strong with the arpeggio-type tunes again, this composition almost reminds me a video game soundtrack gone dark.
but the thundering drums make it clear you that you are at a rave.
both mixes are great. i can't applaud this release enough.
100 / 100 (a perfect release!)
DE 2058 Evidence – II
another two tracker, bordering on the emerging "newstyle hardcore" sound here.
mean, gritty and brutal bassdrums.
67 / 100
DE 2059 Vitali – Robber Dance
the last release of de 2001.
there has been some speculations about who might behind this release.
either way, it's hoover-fueled attack-the-dancefloor type gabber.
38 / 100
DE 3001-1 303 Nation – Strobe Jams I
"De 3001" seems to be a kind of sub-label exclusively for 303 nation releases.
this ep almost feels like an album, with it's variations, intros and outros.
acid, techno, breakbeats, ambient structures... and if you liked the 6 tracker ep, you will love this one.
listening suggestion: "voodoo machine", a 303 defined track that starts slow, then turns into total mayhem.
98 / 100
DE 3001-2 303 Nation – Strobe Jams II
the follow up to strobe jams i. the style is comparable to the earlier outing. includes some true classics like "a world noir" or "sky crack".
this series is truly amongst the best of releases in the world of PCP.
98 / 100
DE 3002-1 303 Nation – Strobe Jams III
and on we go. i feel this sound has a stronger Detroit / underground resistance trace.
definitely recommended
80 / 100
DE 3002-2 303 Nation – Strobe Jams IV
the earlier releases were a bit closer to my heart - except for one track on here:
"Barcelona (Model # 1)".
sweetest acid-trance (see above) that makes you feel as you are slowly floating on the mediterrean sea in dark euphoria, while the moon watches on.
61 / 100
Techno Tribe
Tune 1 - New Balance - Up & Down / Kick The House
the story runs that marc produced the tracks for the releases on this label in one long night session.
twelve records. all of them.
so, essentially he produced *a whole label* in only a few hours, in one go!
kudos to that, mister acardipane!
of all the EPs on this label, this is my favorite.
ecstasy-inducing techno rave that makes you want to stomp you feel all night. and when the track is done, you instantly want to listen it again.
"up & down" became a huge thing on the internet later, even leading to a successful remix contest led by marc.
99 / 100 (up & down is a perfect track)
Tune 2 - Highrollers - Pump That Puzzy / Bust A Beat
"bust a beat" sneaked into quite a few DJ playlists in the 90s, and is amongst the more "hardcore" tracks on this very techno focused label (nomen est omen, after all).
62 / 100
Tune 3 - The Re-Block - House Force
as the sonic foundation for most releases on this label is quite similar, the reviews will become more brief now.
very Oldschool, almost "mover-style", and pure, rave-y bliss.
33 / 100
Tune 4 - Suburban Soul - City Life / Witchcraft
"witchcraft" adds some extra darkness to this label.
31 / 100
Tune 5 - Vibrator - Ecstasy / Frequency
"Frequency" feels a bit as if your mind trip has gone wrong and now you're experiencing a hard come down.
28 / 100
Tune 6 - Rave 2000 - After Hourz
Oriental trance vibes on this technoid release.
24 / 100
Tune 7 - Psycho Party - Clap Your Hands / Can You Feel It
heavy and naughty vibes in both tracks.
37 / 100
Tune 8 - Cyborg Unknown - Return Of The Cyborg Unknown
a standout release on this label. "Return Of The Cyborg Unknown" is monumental, rave-stab-filled hardcore techno that would have deserved to hit the charts. including some odd, counting vocal samples.
and the flip side is down with the core, too.
65 / 100
Tune 9 - Suburban Soul - #2
a more urban, but still gritty release. can i feel a bit of Detroit / U.R. influence? has the suburban knight returned in "come on"?
29 / 100
Tune 10 - Highrollers - #2
"drug oriented" is the one to go for, here. embodies techno derangement.
39 / 100
Tune 11 - New Balance - #2
"Yeaah" incarnates a cool cold phuture-noir melody.
41 / 100
Tune 12 - Reincarnated Regulator - Italian Stallion
just as the first release, the final release is a little different again. as it could easily pass as a "mover" release; the beats are softer, the tunes seems slower, and the focus is more centered on the melody.
89 / 100
the story runs that marc produced the tracks for the releases on this label in one long night session.
twelve records. all of them.
so, essentially he produced *a whole label* in only a few hours, in one go!
kudos to that, mister acardipane!
of all the EPs on this label, this is my favorite.
ecstasy-inducing techno rave that makes you want to stomp you feel all night. and when the track is done, you instantly want to listen it again.
"up & down" became a huge thing on the internet later, even leading to a successful remix contest led by marc.
99 / 100 (up & down is a perfect track)
Tune 2 - Highrollers - Pump That Puzzy / Bust A Beat
"bust a beat" sneaked into quite a few DJ playlists in the 90s, and is amongst the more "hardcore" tracks on this very techno focused label (nomen est omen, after all).
62 / 100
Tune 3 - The Re-Block - House Force
as the sonic foundation for most releases on this label is quite similar, the reviews will become more brief now.
very Oldschool, almost "mover-style", and pure, rave-y bliss.
33 / 100
Tune 4 - Suburban Soul - City Life / Witchcraft
"witchcraft" adds some extra darkness to this label.
31 / 100
Tune 5 - Vibrator - Ecstasy / Frequency
"Frequency" feels a bit as if your mind trip has gone wrong and now you're experiencing a hard come down.
28 / 100
Tune 6 - Rave 2000 - After Hourz
Oriental trance vibes on this technoid release.
24 / 100
Tune 7 - Psycho Party - Clap Your Hands / Can You Feel It
heavy and naughty vibes in both tracks.
37 / 100
Tune 8 - Cyborg Unknown - Return Of The Cyborg Unknown
a standout release on this label. "Return Of The Cyborg Unknown" is monumental, rave-stab-filled hardcore techno that would have deserved to hit the charts. including some odd, counting vocal samples.
and the flip side is down with the core, too.
65 / 100
Tune 9 - Suburban Soul - #2
a more urban, but still gritty release. can i feel a bit of Detroit / U.R. influence? has the suburban knight returned in "come on"?
29 / 100
Tune 10 - Highrollers - #2
"drug oriented" is the one to go for, here. embodies techno derangement.
39 / 100
Tune 11 - New Balance - #2
"Yeaah" incarnates a cool cold phuture-noir melody.
41 / 100
Tune 12 - Reincarnated Regulator - Italian Stallion
just as the first release, the final release is a little different again. as it could easily pass as a "mover" release; the beats are softer, the tunes seems slower, and the focus is more centered on the melody.
89 / 100
Planet Core Productions
PCP 001 - Mescalinum United – Into Mekong Center
The very first PCP release. The one that started it all.
Some have described it as "still being in an EBM sound", but I don't think it sounds like that at all.
A bit of Electro, maybe - but in the end this release has its own style.
Rating: 067 / 100
PCP 002 - Freebase Factory – Born To Go
A rap release on PCP, and not even a Hardcore / Techno crossover, but genuine hip hop.
Maybe not what you expected, but I like it!
62 / 100
PCP 003 - Cyborg Unknown – Year 2001
Again, this is a very unexpected release, "even for PCP"!
I've never heard anything like it by any other artist or label.
A crossing of Detroit, EBM, Techno, 80s Electro-Funk, with enchanting vocoderized rapping.
And it gives off a super-futuristic atmosphere, that makes you want to watch movies like "brainstorm" project or "lawnmover man" (sic!) again.
2001 / 100
PCP 005 Trip Commando – Trip Commando
Very trippy "1990 era" club Techno. Not bad!
59 / 100
PCP 005 - The Mover – Frontal Sickness Part 1
Do I need to review this? One of the important releases of Techno ever, and if you have not dived into it yet, go for it!
This is the very beginning of Doomcore. Hard hitting Techno beats and an almost minimalist use of some of the darkest synth lines you ever heard.
99 / 100
PCP 933 - Mescalinum United – Vs. Evil (A New Level)
Very out of the ordinary release for mescalinum united. Just one groove on this vinyl has any sound in it, and it's a techno-electro affair, which has a few hints of early Egpytian Lover or Hashim (when american electro funk still was doomy as hell).
Recommended!
Rating 78 / 100
PCP 934 - The Mover / Alien Christ – Waves Of Life / The Eagle Has Landed
"Waves Of Life" was / is a sleeper club hit and widely known far beyond the "hardcore" circles - and deservingly so.
"The Eagle has landed" is another re-visit to the "Art of Stalking" theme, and quite good at that.
Some time in the future!
Rating: 68 / 100
PCP 935 / PCP 194 - Planet Core Productions – Phuture
The very first PCP compilation. And it is quite unconventional, as, even though it is a "compilation", almost all tracks are exclusive for this release. Plus the majority of the tracks are quite experimental, even for PCP's standards.
It features so many classics and cult tracks - like "MF Skulls", a live-taped drum-only Energiehal performance.
Or "acid bitch", an almost trancey acid-hardcore track with a haunting choir (and a double-speed bassdrum).
"Nervous Flight" lists one of my favorite production credits ever - and I quote: "Produced by someone sometimes somewhere -sowhat-"
Rating 94 / 100
PCP 936 - Mescalinum United – Symphonies Of Steel Part 1
One of the most infernal Techno records ever!
Wave after wave of distortion and shrill, disturbing noises... every gain is turned to 12 here.
Includes the classic track "Light Bringer"... this universe is mine... i am god here!
Rating 82 / 100
PCP 069 - The Phuture Project – Light Bringer (Escape From 2017)
Almost like a mini-compilation; as even though all tracks are marc in disguise (as expected!), they have a very distinct sound (also as expected!)
Escape From 2017 (The Theme) is a hardcore track that was once described as sounding like "a cyborg whale dying on a futuristic battlefield", Freez-E-Style - Radar is cold rush-esque Doomcore track; and, finally, "Time Traveller" is in Mover style, with a melody that almost feels like a flashback to 80s industrial / no wave experiments.
Rating 666 / 100
PCP 961 - The Mover – Signs Of '96
The signs Of 96! Isn't this the most legendary Mover release ever?
While most people go for "Over Land & Sea", I think the flip side, "Underwater Operations", is even a bit better.
But, let's face it, both track blow all the competition out of the water (pun intended).
100 / 100 (a perfect release)
PCP 962 - Mescalinum United – Symphonies Of Steel - The Second Level
A quite remarkable release. PCP are known for their "drum only" tracks, and Jupiter Union almost fits in that category; as the bassdrum is very prominent here, and also very distorted and threatening. Only at the 3 minute mark, a gloomy melody is introduced.
And the flip side is very special, too: a beatless ambient track that is at the most dreary and chilling you can get; a 12:26 minute trip which makes you feel as you are flying to jupiter by yourself.
Rating: 97 / 100
PCP 971 - Mescalinum United – Symphonies Of Steel Part 3
Rumored to be the last track ever to be released by PCP. I think there *were* some releases after that, though.
Either way, it's a worthy ending. Wailing synths create a hellish inferno, before Industrial Slowcore beats come in, only to steadily increase up beyond Speedcore territory. And then it is happening again,
When you go out, you gotta go out with a bang, right?
Rating: 94 / 100
The very first PCP release. The one that started it all.
Some have described it as "still being in an EBM sound", but I don't think it sounds like that at all.
A bit of Electro, maybe - but in the end this release has its own style.
Rating: 067 / 100
PCP 002 - Freebase Factory – Born To Go
A rap release on PCP, and not even a Hardcore / Techno crossover, but genuine hip hop.
Maybe not what you expected, but I like it!
62 / 100
PCP 003 - Cyborg Unknown – Year 2001
Again, this is a very unexpected release, "even for PCP"!
I've never heard anything like it by any other artist or label.
A crossing of Detroit, EBM, Techno, 80s Electro-Funk, with enchanting vocoderized rapping.
And it gives off a super-futuristic atmosphere, that makes you want to watch movies like "brainstorm" project or "lawnmover man" (sic!) again.
2001 / 100
PCP 005 Trip Commando – Trip Commando
Very trippy "1990 era" club Techno. Not bad!
59 / 100
PCP 005 - The Mover – Frontal Sickness Part 1
Do I need to review this? One of the important releases of Techno ever, and if you have not dived into it yet, go for it!
This is the very beginning of Doomcore. Hard hitting Techno beats and an almost minimalist use of some of the darkest synth lines you ever heard.
99 / 100
PCP 006 - Mescalinum United – Reflections Of 2017
Yes yes, this is the release with the "first ever Hardcore track" on it! The flip side is great as well.
2017 / 100
PCP 007 - Pandemonium - Boris Boris
There's the story that PCP threw copies of this EP in the garbage can after the release!
No matter if it's true or not, it would not have deserved it.
A radical detour from the other PCP styles, this sounds almost like a take on the popular German project "Enigma":
Monks chanting, slow breakbeats, mystic / esoteric sounds...
I'm digging it!
Rating 58 / 100
PCP 008 - Whalekommittee – Save The Whales
Of all the unusual PCP releases, this is even a bit more unusual.
A mixture of ambient, breakbeats, early club beats... almost like an "underwater enigma".
And it gives off a great oceanic atmosphere.
69 / 100
PCP 009 - Alien Christ – Of Suns And Moons
All three tracks on here are inspired by Suburban Knight - The Art of Stalking.
PCP goes for Detroit Techno sounds, and they nailed it.
90 / 100
PCP 010 - T-Bone Castro – Radical Padrone (The Remixes)
I think this could be best described as PCP's take on 1991 club sound techno.
Very nice, and quite "hardcore" already!
57 / 100
PCP 011 Al Rakhun Feat. Bunker Youth – To The Audience
002 was already a rap EP, and this is a bona fide rap album, on PCP!
I'm not that much into hip hop, but this is a nice release with a true PCP touch on this kind of music.
49 / 100
PCP 012 - T-Bone Castro / Ace The Space – 4-Track E.P. / Ace In The Hole
I love the "weird" mixture on this EP. Something between Belgium Techno, UK Artcore and Gangsta Funk.
The laid-back, almost rap-like quality of these tracks would make them fit well to a harvey keitel movie.
63 / 100
PCP 013 Raw Power Organisation – 1991 (And I Just Begun)
Nomen est omen, because in 1991, PCP really had just begun. Heavy Techno mixed with rapping and UK Artcore style breaks and synth hits. Why did they not make the #1 spot in the European Charts with this? The EP would have deserved it.
A true cult-hit and a massive sign of the things to come.
78 / 100
PCP 014 - Ramin – Vol. I - Essence Of Ecstasy EP
Ramin was a frequent visitor on PCP, and I like to describe this EP as "Pcp style early 90s club techno".
39 / 100
PCP 015 - Free Base International – The FBI Futureworld E.P.
This EP sounds a bit like the follow-up to Raw Power Organisation: MCing, powerful mentasm and t99 sounds - a very rough techno anthem that comes in 5 mixes.
But the true gem is the A1 track "The Factory Of Free Base".
It's what could be described as fusion of rap with the style of PCP.
Apocalyptic, phuturistic lyricism, synths, beats... legendary, and one of a kind!
91 / 100
PCP 007 - Alien Christ – The Art Of Shredding
The second outing by Alien Christ. Funky, phuturistic, detroit techno! Underground Resistance would love this.
81 / 100
PCP 008 The Mover – Frontal Sickness Part 2
An absolute cult release. Every track is a killer on here. My two picks would be: "Astral Demons", one of the most haunting techno tracks ever, and "Illuminated", a cinematic ambient piece that was once described as "Terminator Techno".
89 / 100
Yes yes, this is the release with the "first ever Hardcore track" on it! The flip side is great as well.
2017 / 100
PCP 007 - Pandemonium - Boris Boris
There's the story that PCP threw copies of this EP in the garbage can after the release!
No matter if it's true or not, it would not have deserved it.
A radical detour from the other PCP styles, this sounds almost like a take on the popular German project "Enigma":
Monks chanting, slow breakbeats, mystic / esoteric sounds...
I'm digging it!
Rating 58 / 100
PCP 008 - Whalekommittee – Save The Whales
Of all the unusual PCP releases, this is even a bit more unusual.
A mixture of ambient, breakbeats, early club beats... almost like an "underwater enigma".
And it gives off a great oceanic atmosphere.
69 / 100
PCP 009 - Alien Christ – Of Suns And Moons
All three tracks on here are inspired by Suburban Knight - The Art of Stalking.
PCP goes for Detroit Techno sounds, and they nailed it.
90 / 100
PCP 010 - T-Bone Castro – Radical Padrone (The Remixes)
I think this could be best described as PCP's take on 1991 club sound techno.
Very nice, and quite "hardcore" already!
57 / 100
PCP 011 Al Rakhun Feat. Bunker Youth – To The Audience
002 was already a rap EP, and this is a bona fide rap album, on PCP!
I'm not that much into hip hop, but this is a nice release with a true PCP touch on this kind of music.
49 / 100
PCP 012 - T-Bone Castro / Ace The Space – 4-Track E.P. / Ace In The Hole
I love the "weird" mixture on this EP. Something between Belgium Techno, UK Artcore and Gangsta Funk.
The laid-back, almost rap-like quality of these tracks would make them fit well to a harvey keitel movie.
63 / 100
PCP 013 Raw Power Organisation – 1991 (And I Just Begun)
Nomen est omen, because in 1991, PCP really had just begun. Heavy Techno mixed with rapping and UK Artcore style breaks and synth hits. Why did they not make the #1 spot in the European Charts with this? The EP would have deserved it.
A true cult-hit and a massive sign of the things to come.
78 / 100
PCP 014 - Ramin – Vol. I - Essence Of Ecstasy EP
Ramin was a frequent visitor on PCP, and I like to describe this EP as "Pcp style early 90s club techno".
39 / 100
PCP 015 - Free Base International – The FBI Futureworld E.P.
This EP sounds a bit like the follow-up to Raw Power Organisation: MCing, powerful mentasm and t99 sounds - a very rough techno anthem that comes in 5 mixes.
But the true gem is the A1 track "The Factory Of Free Base".
It's what could be described as fusion of rap with the style of PCP.
Apocalyptic, phuturistic lyricism, synths, beats... legendary, and one of a kind!
91 / 100
PCP 007 - Alien Christ – The Art Of Shredding
The second outing by Alien Christ. Funky, phuturistic, detroit techno! Underground Resistance would love this.
81 / 100
PCP 008 The Mover – Frontal Sickness Part 2
An absolute cult release. Every track is a killer on here. My two picks would be: "Astral Demons", one of the most haunting techno tracks ever, and "Illuminated", a cinematic ambient piece that was once described as "Terminator Techno".
89 / 100
PCP 009 - The Possessed – Black Blood
Very peculiar release. Breakbeat tracks in a PCP style. Ultra-dark and ultra-menacing synths.
And an epic, almost "prog-rock" like ambient / Muslim-chant / breakcore creation on the flip side.
"Und es sind welche unter uns, ohne Seele..."
79/100
PCP 010 - Program 1 - Louder Than A Bomb EP
Was one of the hardest at the times of its release. Killer bassdrums. "Betrayer" is a special pick.
71/100
PCP 931 - Alien Christ – III.
I think PCD ("Planet Core Distribution") once described it as "Outer Space Trance" in the catalogue; depending on your definition of "Trance", this descriptions fits!
Rating 78 / 100
PCP 932 - The Mover – The Final Sickness
One of the most sought-after releases - at least until it's digital re-release.
An album that could be seen as a follow-up to the "frontal sickness" releases (and a precursor to "frontal frustration").
It features Marc's The Mover aka at its hardest and dirtiest;
Distorted drums, howling synth, shrieking percussion and noises; An onslaught of sounds, dismal and tenebrous.
Rating: 99 / 100
Very peculiar release. Breakbeat tracks in a PCP style. Ultra-dark and ultra-menacing synths.
And an epic, almost "prog-rock" like ambient / Muslim-chant / breakcore creation on the flip side.
"Und es sind welche unter uns, ohne Seele..."
79/100
PCP 010 - Program 1 - Louder Than A Bomb EP
Was one of the hardest at the times of its release. Killer bassdrums. "Betrayer" is a special pick.
71/100
PCP 931 - Alien Christ – III.
I think PCD ("Planet Core Distribution") once described it as "Outer Space Trance" in the catalogue; depending on your definition of "Trance", this descriptions fits!
Rating 78 / 100
PCP 932 - The Mover – The Final Sickness
One of the most sought-after releases - at least until it's digital re-release.
An album that could be seen as a follow-up to the "frontal sickness" releases (and a precursor to "frontal frustration").
It features Marc's The Mover aka at its hardest and dirtiest;
Distorted drums, howling synth, shrieking percussion and noises; An onslaught of sounds, dismal and tenebrous.
Rating: 99 / 100
PCP 933 - Mescalinum United – Vs. Evil (A New Level)
Very out of the ordinary release for mescalinum united. Just one groove on this vinyl has any sound in it, and it's a techno-electro affair, which has a few hints of early Egpytian Lover or Hashim (when american electro funk still was doomy as hell).
Recommended!
Rating 78 / 100
PCP 934 - The Mover / Alien Christ – Waves Of Life / The Eagle Has Landed
"Waves Of Life" was / is a sleeper club hit and widely known far beyond the "hardcore" circles - and deservingly so.
"The Eagle has landed" is another re-visit to the "Art of Stalking" theme, and quite good at that.
Some time in the future!
Rating: 68 / 100
PCP 935 / PCP 194 - Planet Core Productions – Phuture
The very first PCP compilation. And it is quite unconventional, as, even though it is a "compilation", almost all tracks are exclusive for this release. Plus the majority of the tracks are quite experimental, even for PCP's standards.
It features so many classics and cult tracks - like "MF Skulls", a live-taped drum-only Energiehal performance.
Or "acid bitch", an almost trancey acid-hardcore track with a haunting choir (and a double-speed bassdrum).
"Nervous Flight" lists one of my favorite production credits ever - and I quote: "Produced by someone sometimes somewhere -sowhat-"
Rating 94 / 100
PCP 936 - Mescalinum United – Symphonies Of Steel Part 1
One of the most infernal Techno records ever!
Wave after wave of distortion and shrill, disturbing noises... every gain is turned to 12 here.
Includes the classic track "Light Bringer"... this universe is mine... i am god here!
Rating 82 / 100
PCP 069 - The Phuture Project – Light Bringer (Escape From 2017)
Almost like a mini-compilation; as even though all tracks are marc in disguise (as expected!), they have a very distinct sound (also as expected!)
Escape From 2017 (The Theme) is a hardcore track that was once described as sounding like "a cyborg whale dying on a futuristic battlefield", Freez-E-Style - Radar is cold rush-esque Doomcore track; and, finally, "Time Traveller" is in Mover style, with a melody that almost feels like a flashback to 80s industrial / no wave experiments.
Rating 666 / 100
PCP 961 - The Mover – Signs Of '96
The signs Of 96! Isn't this the most legendary Mover release ever?
While most people go for "Over Land & Sea", I think the flip side, "Underwater Operations", is even a bit better.
But, let's face it, both track blow all the competition out of the water (pun intended).
100 / 100 (a perfect release)
PCP 962 - Mescalinum United – Symphonies Of Steel - The Second Level
A quite remarkable release. PCP are known for their "drum only" tracks, and Jupiter Union almost fits in that category; as the bassdrum is very prominent here, and also very distorted and threatening. Only at the 3 minute mark, a gloomy melody is introduced.
And the flip side is very special, too: a beatless ambient track that is at the most dreary and chilling you can get; a 12:26 minute trip which makes you feel as you are flying to jupiter by yourself.
Rating: 97 / 100
PCP 971 - Mescalinum United – Symphonies Of Steel Part 3
Rumored to be the last track ever to be released by PCP. I think there *were* some releases after that, though.
Either way, it's a worthy ending. Wailing synths create a hellish inferno, before Industrial Slowcore beats come in, only to steadily increase up beyond Speedcore territory. And then it is happening again,
When you go out, you gotta go out with a bang, right?
Rating: 94 / 100
Sonntag, 7. Juli 2024
Bubicore
Bubi 1 - DJ Bubi – Breit Side Of Life
according to PCD, this was part of the "pcp single series"
dj bubi already had a release on no mercy.
he returns with more "happy" sounds again. "breit side of life" is - well, can you guess? - related to a famous hit song out of UK.
"just say f..." is nasty django / billy the kid style gabber. word!
Rating: 72 / 100
according to PCD, this was part of the "pcp single series"
dj bubi already had a release on no mercy.
he returns with more "happy" sounds again. "breit side of life" is - well, can you guess? - related to a famous hit song out of UK.
"just say f..." is nasty django / billy the kid style gabber. word!
Rating: 72 / 100
Leathernecks
Leathernecks 0 - Leathernecks – Leathernecker
are you a leathernecker? that's one of the questions that is asked on this release.
probably the release that is closest to "terror-gabber" in the oeuvre of marc acardipane.
'kotzaak' style and as cut-throat as it gets, and pushed even further by the breakneck (or leather-neck?) lyricism of the MC.
also part of the "pcp singles series".
82 / 100
are you a leathernecker? that's one of the questions that is asked on this release.
probably the release that is closest to "terror-gabber" in the oeuvre of marc acardipane.
'kotzaak' style and as cut-throat as it gets, and pushed even further by the breakneck (or leather-neck?) lyricism of the MC.
also part of the "pcp singles series".
82 / 100
Tranceform
Tranceform
TF 101 - Dark Hero - Volume One
"tranceform" was marketed as being the sub for "trance" music, but imho, the releases are far away from typical trance.
this release is more like trance-infused dark pcp-style techno. and we like it that way.
42 / 100
TF 102 - KS Project - Volume Two
as the name says, a follow up to the first release, by the same producers.
both releases are stylistically very similar, and that ain't a bad thing this time!
42 / 100
TF 103 - 3 From I.O. - F.F.M.-EP
Apparently members of the FFM shadow orchestra were involved in this EP.
This is one of the most remarkable releases on all of PCP, imho.
Not "Hardcore", but going more into the direction of "Trance" - but 'FFM Shadow' style Trance.
Surreal, twisted, extraterrestrial... fulfilling a deep cosmic longing.
99 / 100
TF 104 - Craig Tayaffo – Reduction
another aka of marc. and the track name, "Reduction (Back For Acid-The Expanded 0,25 Hrs Mix)", says it all:
this is an actual acid techno track running for a quarter hour!
hypnotic, club-ready, pearly!
66 / 100
TF 105 - 69 Juice - System of love
Another alias of the FFM Shadow Orchestra on Tranceform.
Even though both tracks are listed as being edits / mixes of each other, they sound quite distinct.
one is filled with beautiful, sweet piano sounds, the other with celestial swirling of synth sounds.
and both have a very exotic, almost oriental feel.
Once more: "FFM Shadow Trance" at it's best!
99 / 100
Thai Records
Thai Records
i must announce that i decided to skip reviewing each individual release on this label. the reason for this is that i feel they're beyond my scope of genre knowledge and information; and thus I would not give them a description that is as accurate as they deserve.
it's techno, yes, also quite minimal at that, sure, but others have told me that this is e.g. "early psytrance", and i'm not certain this is entirely correct.
so, rest assured, that all the 12"s you can find here are high quality "pcp material", as expected from the mother label.
i must announce that i decided to skip reviewing each individual release on this label. the reason for this is that i feel they're beyond my scope of genre knowledge and information; and thus I would not give them a description that is as accurate as they deserve.
it's techno, yes, also quite minimal at that, sure, but others have told me that this is e.g. "early psytrance", and i'm not certain this is entirely correct.
so, rest assured, that all the 12"s you can find here are high quality "pcp material", as expected from the mother label.
Dope On Plastic
DOP 01 - Al Rakhun Feat. Bunker Youth – To The Audience
PCP 002 was already a rap EP, and this is a bona fide rap album, on PCP!
I'm not that much into hip hop, but this is a nice release with a true PCP touch on this kind of music.
49 / 100
Test
TEST 1 - Ciddhis – Untitled
very strange breed of hardcore, with trance, hoover, happy type samples and more.
sounds a bit as if it had been produced on an amiga?
33 / 100
TEST 2 - Unknown Artist - Untitled
not much info about this record. a bit like early industrial strength or mono tone stuff. lovely!
69 / 100
TEST 3 - Headcrash - Death Certification
this is actually done by daniel rombold, who also had many releases on the "street trash alliance" label family, or on industrial strength as part of the "Industrial terror squad" (together with his brother).
barbaric "german type" gabber!
74 / 100
TEST 4 - Yakuza - Keep The M.F.B.
and the gabber goes on! a bit slower this time but still extremely rigorous.
64 / 100
TEST 5 - Rat Of Doom - Before The Breakdown
some might know one of these tracks from manu le malin's biomechanik compilations.
"reign" style dark choirs and synths get blown apart by broken gabber drums.
maybe a bit of a precursor to the "frozen" release.
90 / 100
TEST 6 - Slut Burger - This Is Fucked!
if you thought it could not get more international - this is dr macabre under one of this many guises!
proto-early-speedcore and total noise.
ouch!
77 / 100
TEST 7 - Suicide Squad - Suicidal Tendencies
simon underground is involved in this project. this is actually legit and genuine amiga hardcore, like you would have on labels like bloody fist or UHF.
especially "radio's scared of me" is grand.
72 / 100
TEST 8 - Headcrash - Crash Ya' Head
daniel rombold returns and closes the label with his trademark blasts of german gabber beats.
71 / 100
very strange breed of hardcore, with trance, hoover, happy type samples and more.
sounds a bit as if it had been produced on an amiga?
33 / 100
TEST 2 - Unknown Artist - Untitled
not much info about this record. a bit like early industrial strength or mono tone stuff. lovely!
69 / 100
TEST 3 - Headcrash - Death Certification
this is actually done by daniel rombold, who also had many releases on the "street trash alliance" label family, or on industrial strength as part of the "Industrial terror squad" (together with his brother).
barbaric "german type" gabber!
74 / 100
TEST 4 - Yakuza - Keep The M.F.B.
and the gabber goes on! a bit slower this time but still extremely rigorous.
64 / 100
TEST 5 - Rat Of Doom - Before The Breakdown
some might know one of these tracks from manu le malin's biomechanik compilations.
"reign" style dark choirs and synths get blown apart by broken gabber drums.
maybe a bit of a precursor to the "frozen" release.
90 / 100
TEST 6 - Slut Burger - This Is Fucked!
if you thought it could not get more international - this is dr macabre under one of this many guises!
proto-early-speedcore and total noise.
ouch!
77 / 100
TEST 7 - Suicide Squad - Suicidal Tendencies
simon underground is involved in this project. this is actually legit and genuine amiga hardcore, like you would have on labels like bloody fist or UHF.
especially "radio's scared of me" is grand.
72 / 100
TEST 8 - Headcrash - Crash Ya' Head
daniel rombold returns and closes the label with his trademark blasts of german gabber beats.
71 / 100
Super Special Corp.
SS 1 - Subtopia - The Mob Rules
Super Special Corp begins. this track is also known as "white house (step into 'da core mix)".
techno-hardcore with one of the most brutish sub-bass-lines in the world.
b side offers cool dark electro-like amusement.
79 / 100
SS 2 - Turbulence - Whurlstorm
"whurlstorm" starts as a rave-techno track, then breaks down into complete pandemonium, until the drums come back in and are joined by a twisted sub-bass-synth from hell once more.
the 12" also includes some "odd" (but good) minimalistic edits.
78 / 100
SS 3 - Planet Phuture - 2017
so underrated, and so bold!
a hardcore techno space oddity that runs for nearly 13 minutes.
ambient-ish intro and proto-breakcore-ish outro incorporated.
91 / 100
SS 4 - Amiga Trax - 1st Assault
the amiga tracks assault us with some valiant lofi amiga-gabber tracks.
recommended!
listening suggestion: "hummel"
43 / 100
SS 5 - Disintegrator - Target Terminated
oliver chesler aka the horrorist visits pcp (his own label was later visisted by pcp's own miro).
this is essentially the same release as his "lock on target" EP on Industrial Strength Records.
phuture-acid-doom. and now everyone, start chanting: "defcon... defcon... defcon... defcon..."
90 / 100
SS 6 - Distortion Bastardz / GunMen - Bullet Proofed Split EP
another obscure release on PCP. which people are behind these aliases?
early experiments in heavy synthetic music (almost like power electronics at part) meets techno and hardcore tropes.
77 / 100
SS 7 Tumor - Tumult EP
the eponymous "tumult" track on this 4 tracker became a minor classic.
the other tracks are a headstrong acid-techno-electronics blend.
51 / 100
SS 8 - Cold Blooded Split - Cold Blooded Split E.P. # 2
an exceptional release. stylistically speaking, this is sitting between all the chairs: ideas of acidcore, experimental hardcore, trance, industrial... the beats are arrhythmic at parts, the production is "quite" big - and vicious at the same time.
shouted / spoken vocals from a variety of sources complete this brew. and it's a strong brew!
89 / 100
SS 9 - DJ Skinhead - Fucking Hostile - The SSC Remixes
fucking hostile was on early ultra-core track from lenny dee / industrial strength.
two tracks from this original 12" can be found here, and two remixes by the pcp "artists" (as you might have guessed, it's actually marc again!)
one of them is a hyper-fast speedcore precursor!
85 / 100
SS 10 - Dr. Mueller - Nipples & Bass EP
Dr. Mueller is actually an alias of a true electronic and techno pioneer, atom heart!
known for his more chill, sophisticated, even ambient-ish sounds, he turns full-on-core here.
distorted 909s, blunt sounds and samples - go!
my favorite is the "odd-one-out" on this EP, though: B2, an almost 303-nation-style acidcore workout.
73 / 100
SS 11 - Turbulence - Turbulence Over Europe 92/93 (Self Protected)
Super Special Corp begins. this track is also known as "white house (step into 'da core mix)".
techno-hardcore with one of the most brutish sub-bass-lines in the world.
b side offers cool dark electro-like amusement.
79 / 100
SS 2 - Turbulence - Whurlstorm
"whurlstorm" starts as a rave-techno track, then breaks down into complete pandemonium, until the drums come back in and are joined by a twisted sub-bass-synth from hell once more.
the 12" also includes some "odd" (but good) minimalistic edits.
78 / 100
SS 3 - Planet Phuture - 2017
so underrated, and so bold!
a hardcore techno space oddity that runs for nearly 13 minutes.
ambient-ish intro and proto-breakcore-ish outro incorporated.
91 / 100
SS 4 - Amiga Trax - 1st Assault
the amiga tracks assault us with some valiant lofi amiga-gabber tracks.
recommended!
listening suggestion: "hummel"
43 / 100
SS 5 - Disintegrator - Target Terminated
oliver chesler aka the horrorist visits pcp (his own label was later visisted by pcp's own miro).
this is essentially the same release as his "lock on target" EP on Industrial Strength Records.
phuture-acid-doom. and now everyone, start chanting: "defcon... defcon... defcon... defcon..."
90 / 100
SS 6 - Distortion Bastardz / GunMen - Bullet Proofed Split EP
another obscure release on PCP. which people are behind these aliases?
early experiments in heavy synthetic music (almost like power electronics at part) meets techno and hardcore tropes.
77 / 100
SS 7 Tumor - Tumult EP
the eponymous "tumult" track on this 4 tracker became a minor classic.
the other tracks are a headstrong acid-techno-electronics blend.
51 / 100
SS 8 - Cold Blooded Split - Cold Blooded Split E.P. # 2
an exceptional release. stylistically speaking, this is sitting between all the chairs: ideas of acidcore, experimental hardcore, trance, industrial... the beats are arrhythmic at parts, the production is "quite" big - and vicious at the same time.
shouted / spoken vocals from a variety of sources complete this brew. and it's a strong brew!
89 / 100
SS 9 - DJ Skinhead - Fucking Hostile - The SSC Remixes
fucking hostile was on early ultra-core track from lenny dee / industrial strength.
two tracks from this original 12" can be found here, and two remixes by the pcp "artists" (as you might have guessed, it's actually marc again!)
one of them is a hyper-fast speedcore precursor!
85 / 100
SS 10 - Dr. Mueller - Nipples & Bass EP
Dr. Mueller is actually an alias of a true electronic and techno pioneer, atom heart!
known for his more chill, sophisticated, even ambient-ish sounds, he turns full-on-core here.
distorted 909s, blunt sounds and samples - go!
my favorite is the "odd-one-out" on this EP, though: B2, an almost 303-nation-style acidcore workout.
73 / 100
SS 11 - Turbulence - Turbulence Over Europe 92/93 (Self Protected)
the printing claims it was recorded during the "turblentie tour".
disaster area is a shorter re-edit of the original whurlstorm on ss corp 2.
bass gladiators is a sub-bass heavy encounter with an extremely malign hoover-esque synth sound!
86 / 100
SS 12 - Boom Terrorism - Gabber House (Remixed By The Inferno Bros.)
DJ Drokz was involved here. a more "conventional" release on the catalogue, compared with the PCP sound in general. (except for the inferno bros remix, of course)
Yet early elements of later terror/speedcore methods can already be found here.
74 / 100
SS 13 - T.urbulence 'N' T.errorists - Demolition Party
do i really need to review this? because I assume that "6 million ways to die" is known by everyone one already.
if you do not know it, let me tell you that is it the prime example of 90s hardcore techno: hardest drums, noise, bleeps, samples, death... yeah, it got it all.
the flip side consists of cool crooked mentasm mania.
95 / 100
SS 14 Tumor - On A Trip Jam
Tumor's back on SSC and, as the name implies, this one is more trippy / hypnotic / surreal.
but still heavy as hell!
62 / 100
SS 15 Disasta Blasta - Risk 1
very surprising EP. kind of ultra-distorted proto-breakcore, and an early "terrorcore" track.
76 / 100
SS 16 - FFM Shadow Orchestra - Comprehension Of Sweet Sounds
the first vital sign by the ffm shadow orchestra. based upon a text by edgar allan poe, it pours out its lunacy in various deviations:
the stickhead remix adds "kotzaak"-esque deathcore vibes, while the b side actually embodies spacey drum n bass / ambient-like sounds, too.
shadows of shadows are passing...
91 / 100
SS 16 (Unreleased) - Unknown Artist - Untitled
unreleased test pressing. couldn't get my hands on it, but it's rumored to be the same as test records 2
SS 17 - Johnny Two Times & Pete Da Killa - UK London
the british invasion on super special corp, and, who would have guessed, it's actually jason mendonca! he is known for his releases on praxis or zero tolerance records, and even better known for his efforts in the black metal genres.
here he gifts us a quite more hardcore / gabber creation, with some doomy pcp-influences.
listening suggestion: vault 23
84 / 100
SS 18 - French Connection - France Sucks Vol. 1
hey hey hey, it's monsieur leroux with a giant gabber hit in history!
"french connection" starts slow, pounding, breaks down into a heroic speech, only to speed up and bang on.
the flipside is a french speedcore massacre
88 / 100
SS 19 - French Connection - French Connection (The Super Special Remixes)
each artist adds a little bit of their own to the original track.
situated around hardcore and gabber tropes; my listening suggestions would be the remix by steve shit and the "core mix" by manga & romeo.
66 / 100
SS 20 - Terrorists - Error By Terror
one of the most under-rated, but overly-good releases!
the terrorists are members of the ffm shadow orchestra, and it shows.
a shape of things to come regarding the later "interzone" releases, in my opinion.
techno, acid, trance, breaks... ah, let's just say straight away how it is: it's "shadow" style.
furtherly enforced by interesting samples taken from anime and other fringe media.
"...just reality on a finer scale".
98 / 100
SS 21 - French Connection - French Connection II
french connection returns, and, just like the movie, this is even more brutish.
both tracks showcase french hardcore and gabber sounds at their best.
84 / 100
SS 22 - Unknown Artist - Untitled
a very "rare" release by pcp. it's hard to find much information or documentation about it.
the style is reminiscent of later miro releases, like the ones under the evidence or billy the kid akas.
and its a bold release!
70 / 100
SS 23 - Syrius 23 - Dark Age Survivor
popped up somewhen after the official end of pcp.
as titles such as "diary of a madman" suggest, this is insane hardcore, drawing from diverse genres like speedcore, doomcore, and experimental.
64 / 100
SSCD1 - FFM Shadow Orchestra - Radio Inferno (Fragmente)
shadows of shadows are passing... once more.
this was a hard-to-find release for a very long time - apparently in its first instance, it was just a CD-R sold by some distributors?
the title says it all again: we seem to be witness to a broadcast directly from hell. at least this is what the german language samples announce... we go deeper and deeper into the infernal circles, and discover dark wonders and black miracles... until the abyss spews us out again.
when it comes to the description of the genre of this release: it's all over the map. a lot of tracks channel other syrius 23 releases, especially his "dark age survivor" tracks. others are more ambient, downbeat, almost like a seriously deviated form of dub...
but all make a wonderful, rather infernal whole.
777 / 100
disaster area is a shorter re-edit of the original whurlstorm on ss corp 2.
bass gladiators is a sub-bass heavy encounter with an extremely malign hoover-esque synth sound!
86 / 100
SS 12 - Boom Terrorism - Gabber House (Remixed By The Inferno Bros.)
DJ Drokz was involved here. a more "conventional" release on the catalogue, compared with the PCP sound in general. (except for the inferno bros remix, of course)
Yet early elements of later terror/speedcore methods can already be found here.
74 / 100
SS 13 - T.urbulence 'N' T.errorists - Demolition Party
do i really need to review this? because I assume that "6 million ways to die" is known by everyone one already.
if you do not know it, let me tell you that is it the prime example of 90s hardcore techno: hardest drums, noise, bleeps, samples, death... yeah, it got it all.
the flip side consists of cool crooked mentasm mania.
95 / 100
SS 14 Tumor - On A Trip Jam
Tumor's back on SSC and, as the name implies, this one is more trippy / hypnotic / surreal.
but still heavy as hell!
62 / 100
SS 15 Disasta Blasta - Risk 1
very surprising EP. kind of ultra-distorted proto-breakcore, and an early "terrorcore" track.
76 / 100
SS 16 - FFM Shadow Orchestra - Comprehension Of Sweet Sounds
the first vital sign by the ffm shadow orchestra. based upon a text by edgar allan poe, it pours out its lunacy in various deviations:
the stickhead remix adds "kotzaak"-esque deathcore vibes, while the b side actually embodies spacey drum n bass / ambient-like sounds, too.
shadows of shadows are passing...
91 / 100
SS 16 (Unreleased) - Unknown Artist - Untitled
unreleased test pressing. couldn't get my hands on it, but it's rumored to be the same as test records 2
SS 17 - Johnny Two Times & Pete Da Killa - UK London
the british invasion on super special corp, and, who would have guessed, it's actually jason mendonca! he is known for his releases on praxis or zero tolerance records, and even better known for his efforts in the black metal genres.
here he gifts us a quite more hardcore / gabber creation, with some doomy pcp-influences.
listening suggestion: vault 23
84 / 100
SS 18 - French Connection - France Sucks Vol. 1
hey hey hey, it's monsieur leroux with a giant gabber hit in history!
"french connection" starts slow, pounding, breaks down into a heroic speech, only to speed up and bang on.
the flipside is a french speedcore massacre
88 / 100
SS 19 - French Connection - French Connection (The Super Special Remixes)
each artist adds a little bit of their own to the original track.
situated around hardcore and gabber tropes; my listening suggestions would be the remix by steve shit and the "core mix" by manga & romeo.
66 / 100
SS 20 - Terrorists - Error By Terror
one of the most under-rated, but overly-good releases!
the terrorists are members of the ffm shadow orchestra, and it shows.
a shape of things to come regarding the later "interzone" releases, in my opinion.
techno, acid, trance, breaks... ah, let's just say straight away how it is: it's "shadow" style.
furtherly enforced by interesting samples taken from anime and other fringe media.
"...just reality on a finer scale".
98 / 100
SS 21 - French Connection - French Connection II
french connection returns, and, just like the movie, this is even more brutish.
both tracks showcase french hardcore and gabber sounds at their best.
84 / 100
SS 22 - Unknown Artist - Untitled
a very "rare" release by pcp. it's hard to find much information or documentation about it.
the style is reminiscent of later miro releases, like the ones under the evidence or billy the kid akas.
and its a bold release!
70 / 100
SS 23 - Syrius 23 - Dark Age Survivor
popped up somewhen after the official end of pcp.
as titles such as "diary of a madman" suggest, this is insane hardcore, drawing from diverse genres like speedcore, doomcore, and experimental.
64 / 100
SSCD1 - FFM Shadow Orchestra - Radio Inferno (Fragmente)
shadows of shadows are passing... once more.
this was a hard-to-find release for a very long time - apparently in its first instance, it was just a CD-R sold by some distributors?
the title says it all again: we seem to be witness to a broadcast directly from hell. at least this is what the german language samples announce... we go deeper and deeper into the infernal circles, and discover dark wonders and black miracles... until the abyss spews us out again.
when it comes to the description of the genre of this release: it's all over the map. a lot of tracks channel other syrius 23 releases, especially his "dark age survivor" tracks. others are more ambient, downbeat, almost like a seriously deviated form of dub...
but all make a wonderful, rather infernal whole.
777 / 100
No Mercy Records
No Mercy
here i will also skip (most of) the individual releases for now. the reason is that almost all of the tracks from each EP can be found on the two CDs "Prolos have more fun" and "feierabend", too. Thus i would rather review the CDs as a whole.
and curious listeners might want to check the CDs first, before ordering a specific vinyl from this sub-catalogue.
the exceptions are the following releases
Smash? Featuring Fast H – Smash? Remixes
"Konstablerwache" was a notorious gabber hit that also reached a lot of People outside the usual hardcore circles.
this release features the original, plus various remixes, that seem to get more messed up as the EP goes on.
72 / 100
NM 001 - Friends Of Alex - What Is..? Fick Dich
infamous diss track against a german Techno celebrity producer. style is quite similar to the then popular techno-club-hit "who is Elvis". the german title approximately translates to "what's up? f*ck you!"
74 / 100
NM 003 - Konkret Finn - Ich Diss Dich
once more, a true rap release on a PCP Sub!
two quite violent, and quite brash german language tracks.
38 / 100
NM 007 - DJ Bubi – Wollt Ihr Mit Mir Fröhlich Sein?
it's dj bubi with his bubicore.
well, actually, this could probably described as the hardcore version of the "novelty song" concept in rock and pop music. cheesy, funny, nonsensical sounds and samples. comes in a "rave" and "rotterdam" version.
71 / 100
here i will also skip (most of) the individual releases for now. the reason is that almost all of the tracks from each EP can be found on the two CDs "Prolos have more fun" and "feierabend", too. Thus i would rather review the CDs as a whole.
and curious listeners might want to check the CDs first, before ordering a specific vinyl from this sub-catalogue.
the exceptions are the following releases
Smash? Featuring Fast H – Smash? Remixes
"Konstablerwache" was a notorious gabber hit that also reached a lot of People outside the usual hardcore circles.
this release features the original, plus various remixes, that seem to get more messed up as the EP goes on.
72 / 100
NM 001 - Friends Of Alex - What Is..? Fick Dich
infamous diss track against a german Techno celebrity producer. style is quite similar to the then popular techno-club-hit "who is Elvis". the german title approximately translates to "what's up? f*ck you!"
74 / 100
NM 003 - Konkret Finn - Ich Diss Dich
once more, a true rap release on a PCP Sub!
two quite violent, and quite brash german language tracks.
38 / 100
NM 007 - DJ Bubi – Wollt Ihr Mit Mir Fröhlich Sein?
it's dj bubi with his bubicore.
well, actually, this could probably described as the hardcore version of the "novelty song" concept in rock and pop music. cheesy, funny, nonsensical sounds and samples. comes in a "rave" and "rotterdam" version.
71 / 100
Gold Digger Records
Gold One - Reincarnated Regulator – Prophet Of Tribal Tekno
a very distinct release.
credited to a certain mr. "craig tayaffo" - who turned out to be marc acardipane in disguise again!
there is no other release in the pcp catalogue close to it - maybe the ace the space / nasty django split, but only slightly.
an audible ebm influence, a bit of los angeles type electro, techno bass... and the darkness! oh, the darkness!
94 / 100
a very distinct release.
credited to a certain mr. "craig tayaffo" - who turned out to be marc acardipane in disguise again!
there is no other release in the pcp catalogue close to it - maybe the ace the space / nasty django split, but only slightly.
an audible ebm influence, a bit of los angeles type electro, techno bass... and the darkness! oh, the darkness!
94 / 100
Elastic
Elastic
Elastic 1 - Two Tonys – Best Bitch EP
one of the most cult releases of PCP. and one of the most baffling ones at that, too!
which style is this? parts of dancefloor-house, but also hardcore sounds, at lower speed, and then the vocals...
must be heard at least once by any PCP fan!
52 / 100
Elastic 2 - SexDrive Entertainment - Check The Flow
another "house-gabber" anthem... interesting... and cool.
don't ask too many question about this type of music... just go... well.. you know... "with the flow"!
33 / 100
Elastic 3 - MC 2 Long & DJ Full Nuts – Dog Face Bitch
obviously the best artist name combination ever...or not?
judging by the sound, attitude, and lyrics, this could be some kind of answer to 20 Fingers classic "short short man".
it has PCP's later trademark MCing (think tracks like "kings are coming" or "are you with me"...), but this time not in a gabber setting, more like a hard "club hit" again.
57 / 100
Elastic 1 - Two Tonys – Best Bitch EP
one of the most cult releases of PCP. and one of the most baffling ones at that, too!
which style is this? parts of dancefloor-house, but also hardcore sounds, at lower speed, and then the vocals...
must be heard at least once by any PCP fan!
52 / 100
Elastic 2 - SexDrive Entertainment - Check The Flow
another "house-gabber" anthem... interesting... and cool.
don't ask too many question about this type of music... just go... well.. you know... "with the flow"!
33 / 100
Elastic 3 - MC 2 Long & DJ Full Nuts – Dog Face Bitch
obviously the best artist name combination ever...or not?
judging by the sound, attitude, and lyrics, this could be some kind of answer to 20 Fingers classic "short short man".
it has PCP's later trademark MCing (think tracks like "kings are coming" or "are you with me"...), but this time not in a gabber setting, more like a hard "club hit" again.
57 / 100
Elastic 4 - Barracuda - Braineaters
I assume that even a lot of PCP die-hards more or less ignored Elastic records; it's a very obscure sub-label for PCP.
yet this release alone would make it worth it; a mover style track in 4 mixes that are only in subtle ways different from each other.
a drum, a chorus, some fx... what more do you need?
this is the stuff of futuristic dreams.
and you better take care... because "their brains go *pop*!"
99 / 100
100% Acidiferous
100% Acidiferous – Tank / 303 State
the very first release on 100% Acidiferous - apparently a label solely dedicated to the output of Fernando Sanchez and Patrick Vuillaume, also known as 303 nation.
"tank" is a cult classic by now - a hypnotic acidcore track enforced by what seems to be a splintered, broken arpeggio.
303 state invokes 808 state, but not exactly in the sound of 808 state: another acid smasher
87 / 100
101% Acidiferous – Droid Sector / Annihilate
Be alarmed! the A side track has frequencies and acid bleeps that surely will warp your mind a bit.
while "warning" is a double speed acidcore track underscored with squealing, haunted 303s.
73 / 100
the very first release on 100% Acidiferous - apparently a label solely dedicated to the output of Fernando Sanchez and Patrick Vuillaume, also known as 303 nation.
"tank" is a cult classic by now - a hypnotic acidcore track enforced by what seems to be a splintered, broken arpeggio.
303 state invokes 808 state, but not exactly in the sound of 808 state: another acid smasher
87 / 100
101% Acidiferous – Droid Sector / Annihilate
"Annihilate" proves that acid does not need a 303, or even a bassline.
Droid Sector is a powerful, hard-hitting acidcore track - or maybe even "acidterror".
77 / 100
102% Acidiferous – Worldisorder / Nu Horizons
"worldisorder" is the track to go to, here.
acid-techno-hardcore-mayhem that keeps on growing and building and becoming more unsettling and disordered as it goes on.
"Nu Horizons" is an almost trancey subdued little acid track with a great ambience.
81 / 100
103% Acidiferous – Alarm / Warning
Droid Sector is a powerful, hard-hitting acidcore track - or maybe even "acidterror".
77 / 100
102% Acidiferous – Worldisorder / Nu Horizons
"worldisorder" is the track to go to, here.
acid-techno-hardcore-mayhem that keeps on growing and building and becoming more unsettling and disordered as it goes on.
"Nu Horizons" is an almost trancey subdued little acid track with a great ambience.
81 / 100
103% Acidiferous – Alarm / Warning
Be alarmed! the A side track has frequencies and acid bleeps that surely will warp your mind a bit.
while "warning" is a double speed acidcore track underscored with squealing, haunted 303s.
73 / 100
Future World
Future World
World 1 - The Overlord - Digital Orgasm
The first release of the Future World label, which features exclusively output by Miro.
Master of the universe is one of the most extraordinary tracks I ever heard; it is outside of any genre, elements of techno, hardcore, doomcore, but more like a hymn for the intronization of a new intergalactic emperor.
The flipside is an orgasmic workout for outer space dancefloors.
92 / 100
World 2 - The Overlord – Move My Bod-E
"move my bod-e" is a secret favorite for many fans, but I actually prefer "future of the world".
an over 9 minute long tour de force, that makes me feel as i'm forced to march through a desert on an alien world; while "miro-esque" cascades of sounds invade the track now and then, and cause you to speed up.
81 / 100
World 3 - The Overlord – Kill
the tracks from world 1 and 2 got a lot of praise, yet I feel this third, final release of the label remains a little bit under-rated.
it has two absolutely fantastic tracks: "countdown 2017" is one of the most infernal techno tracks in history; while avoiding most of the usual "hardcore" elements, it drowns everything in a cascade of drums and distorted synths.
"kill" is a doomcore track, but a very reserved, serene one; yet it creates a wonderful atmosphere filled with powerful emotions.
95 / 100
World 1 - The Overlord - Digital Orgasm
The first release of the Future World label, which features exclusively output by Miro.
Master of the universe is one of the most extraordinary tracks I ever heard; it is outside of any genre, elements of techno, hardcore, doomcore, but more like a hymn for the intronization of a new intergalactic emperor.
The flipside is an orgasmic workout for outer space dancefloors.
92 / 100
World 2 - The Overlord – Move My Bod-E
"move my bod-e" is a secret favorite for many fans, but I actually prefer "future of the world".
an over 9 minute long tour de force, that makes me feel as i'm forced to march through a desert on an alien world; while "miro-esque" cascades of sounds invade the track now and then, and cause you to speed up.
81 / 100
World 3 - The Overlord – Kill
the tracks from world 1 and 2 got a lot of praise, yet I feel this third, final release of the label remains a little bit under-rated.
it has two absolutely fantastic tracks: "countdown 2017" is one of the most infernal techno tracks in history; while avoiding most of the usual "hardcore" elements, it drowns everything in a cascade of drums and distorted synths.
"kill" is a doomcore track, but a very reserved, serene one; yet it creates a wonderful atmosphere filled with powerful emotions.
95 / 100
Narcotic Network Recordings
NNR 01 - Frozen - Soul Saver
distinctive, special, highly sought after.
This releases fuses electro and lory d-esque sounds with miro's trademark darkness. It encompasses some of the best and most idiosyncratic melodies he ever created. Go get it!
97 / 100
NNR 02 - Destination - Nowhere
Preliminary names of the tracks of this 2 tracker release were 'the trip" and "the theme".
So both are connected - yet both tracks are worlds apart the trip is a very experimental, non sequitur electro-affair. And "the theme", now turned into "destination - nowhere", is one of the most fascinating compositions in the history of music.
No beats, vocals, anything, just a movie-score like world of utter heartbreak and melancholy.
99 / 100 ("Nowhere" is perfect!)
NNR 03 - The Mover - Countdown Trax
Don't expect any "standard" mover fare here - this is a true blue electro release. It has a more vast, dense soundscape to it than earlier mover outings. exquisite and recommended.
94 / 100
Pretty Asshole
PCI 606 - Nasty Django - Fuck Beats
early "nasty django" style. the a1 track could have easily been released as a 'the mover' composition.
the final track is just noise (literally!)
88 / 100
PCI 607 - Voyage Sur Vinyl - Voyage à Travers La Musique De X-TC
i assume this is a project out of belgium?
a "rave-techno" releases that still has very visible traces of the New Beat style.
this will get your heart pumping!
77 / 100
PCI 666 - Friends Of Django - Fuckin' Revenge !
apparently re-edits / re-imaginations of "Friends Of Alex - What Is..? Fick Dich".
and, for 1992, this was verily one of the hardest and most merciless releases.
over-the-top distorted gabber beats, broken rhythms, bleeps, sirens, noises...
an EP for the gabber strong heads
79 / 100
early "nasty django" style. the a1 track could have easily been released as a 'the mover' composition.
the final track is just noise (literally!)
88 / 100
PCI 607 - Voyage Sur Vinyl - Voyage à Travers La Musique De X-TC
i assume this is a project out of belgium?
a "rave-techno" releases that still has very visible traces of the New Beat style.
this will get your heart pumping!
77 / 100
PCI 666 - Friends Of Django - Fuckin' Revenge !
apparently re-edits / re-imaginations of "Friends Of Alex - What Is..? Fick Dich".
and, for 1992, this was verily one of the hardest and most merciless releases.
over-the-top distorted gabber beats, broken rhythms, bleeps, sirens, noises...
an EP for the gabber strong heads
79 / 100
Power Plant
Power Plant
Pow 001 - Formalities – Simple Form EP
Lasse Steen was a prolific artist that appeared on virtually *every* hardcore-related label in the 90s.
So it's no wonder he pays a visit to this sub, too. Teaming up with sören weile of zekt fame ("external") .
They grant us 4 tracks of their very own Acidcore style.
59 / 100
Pow 002 - Various – Sound Of Gundso - Volume One
The second acidcore release on power plant. Progressing from the earlier one, the artist rooster get's expanded, too.
Definitely noteworthy:
"Spurious - Morpheus"
Starting with something that remotely resembles an air-raid siren sound, it slides into heavy acidcore that seems to channel 303 nation at times.
72 / 100
Pow 003 - Dr. Macabre – Ghost Stories Chapter 1
This record became a huge hit and helped redefine hardcore - starting a motion towards "slower" sounds.
We're talking about the track "poltergeist" here, of course.
Otherworldly, wailing synths drown the mid-ranges while reverberated drums puncture the sub-bass.
But the flip side is worth a glance, too. "Voodoo Nightmare" is a weird, haunted jungle 'cauchemar'.
86 / 100
Pow 001 - Formalities – Simple Form EP
Lasse Steen was a prolific artist that appeared on virtually *every* hardcore-related label in the 90s.
So it's no wonder he pays a visit to this sub, too. Teaming up with sören weile of zekt fame ("external") .
They grant us 4 tracks of their very own Acidcore style.
59 / 100
Pow 002 - Various – Sound Of Gundso - Volume One
The second acidcore release on power plant. Progressing from the earlier one, the artist rooster get's expanded, too.
Definitely noteworthy:
"Spurious - Morpheus"
Starting with something that remotely resembles an air-raid siren sound, it slides into heavy acidcore that seems to channel 303 nation at times.
72 / 100
Pow 003 - Dr. Macabre – Ghost Stories Chapter 1
This record became a huge hit and helped redefine hardcore - starting a motion towards "slower" sounds.
We're talking about the track "poltergeist" here, of course.
Otherworldly, wailing synths drown the mid-ranges while reverberated drums puncture the sub-bass.
But the flip side is worth a glance, too. "Voodoo Nightmare" is a weird, haunted jungle 'cauchemar'.
86 / 100
O.G.
O.G. 1 - O.G.s – Paid In Full E.P.
does o.g. stand for original gabber, or original gangster?
either way, this is a pcp / dutch style gabber crossbreed sound, enhanced by MC-ing, which gives the track the high-powered feel of a live performance.
78 / 100
does o.g. stand for original gabber, or original gangster?
either way, this is a pcp / dutch style gabber crossbreed sound, enhanced by MC-ing, which gives the track the high-powered feel of a live performance.
78 / 100
Miro
Miro 1 - Miro - Arize
the first release by miro! the rumor runs that miro actually recorded this on borrowed equipment to get a demo ready quickly, and marc was so impressed afterwards that the tracks went straight to vinyl.
"destroy" already contains a pre-monition of the later "miro arpeggios" that became such a vital component to many of his tracks. and "arize" is darkened techno.
81 / 100
the first release by miro! the rumor runs that miro actually recorded this on borrowed equipment to get a demo ready quickly, and marc was so impressed afterwards that the tracks went straight to vinyl.
"destroy" already contains a pre-monition of the later "miro arpeggios" that became such a vital component to many of his tracks. and "arize" is darkened techno.
81 / 100
Metallic
Metallic 01 - Dusty Angel – Fuck All Ya!
legendary release of formerly "lost" media. it was supposed to be the first release of the newly set-up "metallic" record label but, alas, the label faltered, and only a test pressing was made. which become one of the most sought after releases ever, in any genre. discogs listed individual copies at several 100 euros.
the release never was "truly" lost, as both tracks had been released on the "phuture" cd compilation before.
and in case you did not listen to that compilation yet: it's a hypnotic acid trance / core breed. "nervous flight" is one 'all time time top' to me - out of any genre, again.
it's build upon a somewhat minimalistic, always repeating acid sound. but its effect on the listener is so huge and vast!
in 2016, some guys took pity on the release, and had it finally released for real - 23 years after its inception!
99 /100
legendary release of formerly "lost" media. it was supposed to be the first release of the newly set-up "metallic" record label but, alas, the label faltered, and only a test pressing was made. which become one of the most sought after releases ever, in any genre. discogs listed individual copies at several 100 euros.
the release never was "truly" lost, as both tracks had been released on the "phuture" cd compilation before.
and in case you did not listen to that compilation yet: it's a hypnotic acid trance / core breed. "nervous flight" is one 'all time time top' to me - out of any genre, again.
it's build upon a somewhat minimalistic, always repeating acid sound. but its effect on the listener is so huge and vast!
in 2016, some guys took pity on the release, and had it finally released for real - 23 years after its inception!
99 /100
Kotzaak Unltd.
Kotz 0 - Leathernecks - Test Attack
"Zero" is an odd catalogue number, so i guess it somehow predates the creation of the label (maybe a "test" release, as the name says)?
The classic "at war" is on here, a diss track against a huge german 90s label.
Rough gabber-terror-stuff.
71 / 100
Kotz 1 - Stickhead - Slaughterhouse E.P.
The later kotzaak by miro releases usually get much more love, but I think these early one's have their merits, too.
Proto-Speedcore-Terror, still very much tied to the gabber sound.
41 / 100
Kotz 2 - Stickhead - World's Hardest Kotzaak
Things are building up now. With tracks like "check dis mutha down" or the eponymous "kotzaak", miro is arriving at his trademark death metal inspired ultra-violent, ultra-somber sound.
72 / 100
Kotz 3 - Dogge Team - We Came To Hool
Apart from the test attack, this is the only release by marc on kotzaak.
A very unusual "terror" release; it's a bit as if his earlier pcp music got the ultra-speed, ultra-distortion treatment.
38 / 100
Kotz 4 - Jack Lucifer - I Am Living Death
This is essentially the starting point at which miro began introducing icy, tenebrous, "gothic" synth sounds to his tracks.
A track to look out for is "95 knights", one of his best works, that led to quite a few remixes later.
70 / 100
Kotz 5 - Stickhead - Gimme Death E.P.
Stickhead is at work again. More dutch-Gabber-influenced "terror" this time, yet fierce as hell.
52 / 100
Kotz 666 - Jack Lucifer - 96 Knights
The big one's coming! 96 knights is probably the epitome of the "hardcore terror" sound and scene.
One of the most beloved pcp outputs ever.
While the majority would go for the "into the death" mix, i actually think the flip side is even one tiny notch better.
666 / 100
Kotz 7 - Stickhead & Don Demon - Once Upon A Time In Frankfurt
Another legendary release.
Some of the most intricate, serpentine, monumental compositions in hardcore - with very high "production values".
Should be the right thing for any terror-head's frightened heart.
100 / 100 (a perfect release!)
Kotz 8 - The Kotzaak Klan - Powerstation Kotzaak
After the complex kotz 7, this is slightly more reduced, direct, a "straight rush to the brain". It could even be that these tracks were "live produced".
Adrenaline- inducing hardcore overdose.
88 / 100
Kotz 9 - Bold Bob - Dive Into Steel
Bolb bob is at it now. More monotonous, more hypnotic, but still quite grand.
69 / 100
Kotz 10 - Jack Lucifer - Console From Hell
I think this was released *after* the end of pcp?
A very out-of-the-ordinary combination of death metal and hardcore - with "synthesized" guitars, growling vocals, and devoid of "gabber" drums.
41 / 100
"Zero" is an odd catalogue number, so i guess it somehow predates the creation of the label (maybe a "test" release, as the name says)?
The classic "at war" is on here, a diss track against a huge german 90s label.
Rough gabber-terror-stuff.
71 / 100
Kotz 1 - Stickhead - Slaughterhouse E.P.
The later kotzaak by miro releases usually get much more love, but I think these early one's have their merits, too.
Proto-Speedcore-Terror, still very much tied to the gabber sound.
41 / 100
Kotz 2 - Stickhead - World's Hardest Kotzaak
Things are building up now. With tracks like "check dis mutha down" or the eponymous "kotzaak", miro is arriving at his trademark death metal inspired ultra-violent, ultra-somber sound.
72 / 100
Kotz 3 - Dogge Team - We Came To Hool
Apart from the test attack, this is the only release by marc on kotzaak.
A very unusual "terror" release; it's a bit as if his earlier pcp music got the ultra-speed, ultra-distortion treatment.
38 / 100
Kotz 4 - Jack Lucifer - I Am Living Death
This is essentially the starting point at which miro began introducing icy, tenebrous, "gothic" synth sounds to his tracks.
A track to look out for is "95 knights", one of his best works, that led to quite a few remixes later.
70 / 100
Kotz 5 - Stickhead - Gimme Death E.P.
Stickhead is at work again. More dutch-Gabber-influenced "terror" this time, yet fierce as hell.
52 / 100
Kotz 666 - Jack Lucifer - 96 Knights
The big one's coming! 96 knights is probably the epitome of the "hardcore terror" sound and scene.
One of the most beloved pcp outputs ever.
While the majority would go for the "into the death" mix, i actually think the flip side is even one tiny notch better.
666 / 100
Kotz 7 - Stickhead & Don Demon - Once Upon A Time In Frankfurt
Another legendary release.
Some of the most intricate, serpentine, monumental compositions in hardcore - with very high "production values".
Should be the right thing for any terror-head's frightened heart.
100 / 100 (a perfect release!)
Kotz 8 - The Kotzaak Klan - Powerstation Kotzaak
After the complex kotz 7, this is slightly more reduced, direct, a "straight rush to the brain". It could even be that these tracks were "live produced".
Adrenaline- inducing hardcore overdose.
88 / 100
Kotz 9 - Bold Bob - Dive Into Steel
Bolb bob is at it now. More monotonous, more hypnotic, but still quite grand.
69 / 100
Kotz 10 - Jack Lucifer - Console From Hell
I think this was released *after* the end of pcp?
A very out-of-the-ordinary combination of death metal and hardcore - with "synthesized" guitars, growling vocals, and devoid of "gabber" drums.
41 / 100
Interzone
Interzone
A label dedicated solely to the output of the ffm shadow orchestra and syrius 23 aka darius g
Zone 1 - FFM Shadow Orchestra - D.N. Acid
Words fail me to describe this record. The chanting goes
"from here to there,
from star to star,
from atom to atom,
i'm surfing..."
And i think that puts across the sentiment of this record very well.
But if we were to use more technical terms, it's the trademark ffm shadow orchestra style blend of techno, doomcore, and hardcore. And one beatless dark ambient that is described as being the ritualized "terminator of death".
99 / 100
Zone 2 - FFM Shadow Orchestra - Killing Zoo
If we want to describe it by poetry again, the lyrics here are:
While this might sound not so pleasant, the surreal content of the above quote is definitely heartfelt there.
4 tracks again, 2 faster ones, and 2 more doomed ones.
"Je suis un chien".
98 / 100
Zone 3 - Darius G. - Starfucker E.P.
A very libidinal release on interzone.
The style is oldschool gabber, underscored with fast-paced synth madness, cooked up with a syrius 23 twist.
55 / 100
Zone 4 - Darius G - Addicted & Insane
Going in the gabber/terror direction again, with metal guitars and everything.
Super bleak mood!
61 / 100
Zone 5 - Darius G. - Trash E.P.
A more experimental release, with different sounds. Includes some "slower" tracks that border on doomcore.
62 / 100
Zone CD 1 - Darius G. - First Exit: Interzone
A compilation featuring all the tracks from interzone 3-5 (i.e. all those released under the "darius g." Moniker), and some bonus tracks.
59 / 100
A label dedicated solely to the output of the ffm shadow orchestra and syrius 23 aka darius g
Zone 1 - FFM Shadow Orchestra - D.N. Acid
Words fail me to describe this record. The chanting goes
"from here to there,
from star to star,
from atom to atom,
i'm surfing..."
And i think that puts across the sentiment of this record very well.
But if we were to use more technical terms, it's the trademark ffm shadow orchestra style blend of techno, doomcore, and hardcore. And one beatless dark ambient that is described as being the ritualized "terminator of death".
99 / 100
Zone 2 - FFM Shadow Orchestra - Killing Zoo
If we want to describe it by poetry again, the lyrics here are:
"It will make you feel
like the rest of the world
is in a bubble of glass
and that you're rubbing up
against it
like a bad
windshield wiper."
like the rest of the world
is in a bubble of glass
and that you're rubbing up
against it
like a bad
windshield wiper."
While this might sound not so pleasant, the surreal content of the above quote is definitely heartfelt there.
4 tracks again, 2 faster ones, and 2 more doomed ones.
"Je suis un chien".
98 / 100
Zone 3 - Darius G. - Starfucker E.P.
A very libidinal release on interzone.
The style is oldschool gabber, underscored with fast-paced synth madness, cooked up with a syrius 23 twist.
55 / 100
Zone 4 - Darius G - Addicted & Insane
Going in the gabber/terror direction again, with metal guitars and everything.
Super bleak mood!
61 / 100
Zone 5 - Darius G. - Trash E.P.
A more experimental release, with different sounds. Includes some "slower" tracks that border on doomcore.
62 / 100
Zone CD 1 - Darius G. - First Exit: Interzone
A compilation featuring all the tracks from interzone 3-5 (i.e. all those released under the "darius g." Moniker), and some bonus tracks.
59 / 100
Samstag, 6. Juli 2024
Countdown FFM
countdown ffm is another label that appears as very opaque and obscured when trying to find underlying information or facts.
yet, it is clear that the focus is on the more acidic side of techno, and all releases seem to have been produced by marc.
fitting to the name of the label, the catalogue numbers are in "inverted" order: the countdown starts at minus six, then runs down with each release, until we are at release number "plus two".
COUNTDOWN 6 - Unknown Artist – Countdown Part VI
just 2 tracks on here; the a side incorporates breakbeats, while the flip side seems to channel underground resistance once more.
23 / 100
COUNTDOWN 5 - Unknown Artist – Countdown Part V
one of the most interesting releases on this label.
even though 7 tracks are indicated, each side features a more or less "continuous groove".
it starts with mover-esque doombient-techno, to get into an acid rush.
minimal, smart, and surreal!
91 / 100
COUNTDOWN 4 - Unknown Artist – Countdown Part IV
a few 303-nation soundalike sequences can be found on this techno release.
22 / 100
COUNTDOWN 3 - Unknown Artist – Countdown Part III
some quite odd sounds here, a bit like high pitched screaming / shouting?
has a distinct pre-techno acid-house vibe according to my opinion.
17 / 100
COUNTDOWN 2 - Unknown Artist – Countdown Part II
another "mover type" release on countdown ffm.
b has a wonderful bittersweet melody, a2 caters more to deep-bass techno astronauts.
97 / 100
COUNTDOWN 1 - Unknown Artist – Countdown Part I
more exquisite acid by mr. acardipane.
19 / 100
COUNTDOWN +1 - Ultra Spaceman – Ultra-Style
one more release that is hard to pin point. "Ultra Spaceman Style" might actually be the most fitting description, as it definitely has an outer space vibe.
there are some electro-type grooves, and also a manic, monotonous techno monster of a track.
91 / 100
COUNTDOWN +2 - Mask (2) – Behind The Line
who is behind the mask? it's likely marc acardipane again!
a very bold release, magnetic, enchanting techno, trance, and acid patterns, very suitable for the sophisticated dancefloor.
92 / 100
yet, it is clear that the focus is on the more acidic side of techno, and all releases seem to have been produced by marc.
fitting to the name of the label, the catalogue numbers are in "inverted" order: the countdown starts at minus six, then runs down with each release, until we are at release number "plus two".
COUNTDOWN 6 - Unknown Artist – Countdown Part VI
just 2 tracks on here; the a side incorporates breakbeats, while the flip side seems to channel underground resistance once more.
23 / 100
COUNTDOWN 5 - Unknown Artist – Countdown Part V
one of the most interesting releases on this label.
even though 7 tracks are indicated, each side features a more or less "continuous groove".
it starts with mover-esque doombient-techno, to get into an acid rush.
minimal, smart, and surreal!
91 / 100
COUNTDOWN 4 - Unknown Artist – Countdown Part IV
a few 303-nation soundalike sequences can be found on this techno release.
22 / 100
COUNTDOWN 3 - Unknown Artist – Countdown Part III
some quite odd sounds here, a bit like high pitched screaming / shouting?
has a distinct pre-techno acid-house vibe according to my opinion.
17 / 100
COUNTDOWN 2 - Unknown Artist – Countdown Part II
another "mover type" release on countdown ffm.
b has a wonderful bittersweet melody, a2 caters more to deep-bass techno astronauts.
97 / 100
COUNTDOWN 1 - Unknown Artist – Countdown Part I
more exquisite acid by mr. acardipane.
19 / 100
COUNTDOWN +1 - Ultra Spaceman – Ultra-Style
one more release that is hard to pin point. "Ultra Spaceman Style" might actually be the most fitting description, as it definitely has an outer space vibe.
there are some electro-type grooves, and also a manic, monotonous techno monster of a track.
91 / 100
COUNTDOWN +2 - Mask (2) – Behind The Line
who is behind the mask? it's likely marc acardipane again!
a very bold release, magnetic, enchanting techno, trance, and acid patterns, very suitable for the sophisticated dancefloor.
92 / 100
F.O.G.
"Federation of Original Gabbers".
F.O.G. 1 - Billy The Kid – Can U Do It / Clappin' Your Hands
a label that seems to be solely for miro's gabber output.
this ep essentially picks up the direction that miro was heading towards with his "steve shit" releases on dance ecstasy.
"bold" hardcore gabber with fat kickdrums, and "dutch"-inspired juno / hoover / mentasm riffs.
and gangsta rapping on top, of course.
that's the way we like it.
62 / 100
F.O.G. 2 - Billy The Kid – 20000 Tons / Hardcore Obsession
similar in style, but with a bit slower approach, in a more "new style" way.
that's the way we still like it!
70 / 100
F.O.G. 1 - Billy The Kid – Can U Do It / Clappin' Your Hands
a label that seems to be solely for miro's gabber output.
this ep essentially picks up the direction that miro was heading towards with his "steve shit" releases on dance ecstasy.
"bold" hardcore gabber with fat kickdrums, and "dutch"-inspired juno / hoover / mentasm riffs.
and gangsta rapping on top, of course.
that's the way we like it.
62 / 100
F.O.G. 2 - Billy The Kid – 20000 Tons / Hardcore Obsession
similar in style, but with a bit slower approach, in a more "new style" way.
that's the way we still like it!
70 / 100
Cold Rush Records
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
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