Hardcore, also called hardcore techno, is a type of electronic dance music that began in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany in the early 1990s. It is known for having very fast beats, usually between 160 and 200 beats per minute or more. The music features a loud, distorted sound called a sawtooth kick. It also includes strong, repeated beats and synthesized bass in some styles. The rhythm and themes in the music can be intense or even violent. Hardcore uses loud sounds and creative techniques similar to a style of music called industrial dance. It led to the creation of subgenres like gabber.

History

Hardcore music began in the 1970s and early 1980s with industrial music, which used hard electronic dance sounds. Groups like Throbbing Gristle, Coil, Cabaret Voltaire, SPK, Foetus, and Einstürzende Neubauten created music using many electronic instruments. The messages in industrial music were often controversial. Some sounds and ideas from industrial music directly influenced the start of hardcore.

In the mid-1980s, the Belgian group Front 242 helped create a new genre called electronic body music (EBM). EBM was easier to dance to and inspired by industrial and new wave music. It used simple, cold sounds, strong beats, and aggressive vocals. EBM became harder under the influence of new beat and acid house music. These changes helped make hardcore music possible. The first hardcore songs appeared in the late 1980s in Belgium, with tracks like Rock to the Beat and Saigon Nightmare by 101 (1988), Warbeat by Bassline Boys (1989), and others. By 1988, Belgian new beat music reached Frankfurt, Germany.

The word "hardcore" was already used before in music. It first described a more extreme part of punk rock in the 1980s, with groups like Black Flag and Bad Brains. These groups made loud music and lived in ways that reflected their values. Later, the term was used for the harder parts of hip hop in the late 1980s, with similar loud sounds and serious lyrics. The term "hardcore techno" was first used in the late 1980s by EBM groups like à;GRUMH…, Pankow, and Leæther Strip, even though their music was not related to hardcore. The first track to use the word "hardcore" was Sucking Energy (Hard Core Mix) by à;GRUMH… in 1985.

In 1990, German producer Marc Trauner (also known as Mescalinum United) released the first hardcore techno track, We Have Arrived. The British group Together also released a track called Hardcore Uproar in 1990. Music writer Simon Reynolds wrote books about hardcore techno, covering bands from Belgium and the Netherlands. Early 1990s Belgian techno producers like the "Mentasm" and "Anastasia" stabs became famous in hardcore music.

In the early 1990s, the words "hardcore" and "darkcore" were used to describe more aggressive or faster forms of techno, breakbeat, and drum and bass in England. These styles influenced famous producers like N-Joi, The Prodigy, and Goldie. The track Hardcore Uproar by Together was named after a controversial rave event in Blackburn, England. A slogan from these events, "High On Hope," was later used on a 1991 music release. Later English hardcore music included sped-up hip-hop beats, piano sounds, and cartoon-like noises, which became known as "old skool" hardcore. This style is considered the beginning of happy hardcore and jungle music.

An important moment for hardcore came in 1990 with the release of We Have Arrived by Mescalinum United. Trauner started the label Planet Core Productions in 1989 and produced over 500 tracks. He also created the project PCP, which helped popularize a slower, heavier style of hardcore called "darkcore" or "doomcore."

In the United States, Lenny Dee started the first hardcore record label, Industrial Strength Records, in 1991. This label brought together many American producers and made New York a major center for early hardcore music. In the Netherlands, DJs Paul Elstak and Rob Fabrie popularized a faster style called "gabber," which later became "happy hardcore." Elstak founded Rotterdam Records in 1992, the first hardcore label in the Netherlands.

In 1992, a large rave called The Final Exam in Utrecht led to the creation of the label ID&T. The concept of Thunderdome helped spread hardcore music in Europe with events and CD compilations. In 1993, four successful compilations were released, featuring artists like 3 Steps Ahead, DJ Buzz Fuzz, and Charly Lownoise. The label Mokum Records was also started in 1993 by Freddy B, who worked with artists like Technohead and Liza N'Eliaz.

By 1993, the style became clearly defined as "hardcore," moving away from influences of Detroit techno. In England, the Spiral Tribe sound system helped create the "acidcore" and "hardtechno" genres. In 1994, they started the label Network 23, which produced music for free party raves.

In Belgium, DJ Yves was a resident DJ at Club X and the Hardcore room at Cherry Moon. DJ Bass (DHT) worked at the Hardcore room at Temple Of House La Bush and La Florida. Thunderdome events in Belgium were held at the Antwerps Sportpaleis.

Hard dance

Hard dance is a group of electronic music styles. These styles have fast beats and strong drum sounds. They are not as loud or intense as hardcore music and often have a little slower tempo. This group includes hard house, hard trance, hardstyle, some types of Eurodance, and regional styles like mákina and lento violento. Sometimes, hard dance mixes with hardcore styles such as frenchcore or UK hardcore. However, it is sometimes called the same as hardcore techno music in general.

Notable related events

• Defqon.1 Festival
• Masters of Hardcore
• Sensation Black
• Thunderdome
• Dominator Festival (Netherlands)
• Darkside (United Kingdom)
• So W’Happy Festival (Belgium)