To understand Hard Techno you must go back and understand Techno as a whole. The base of what we now know and call techno music originated in the early 1980s and early ‘90s, establishing itself in US cities including Detroit, New York, Chicago, and worldwide.
The early Pioneers from Detroit (see The Belleville Three) took influences from all over the world from artists like electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk (Germany), Yellow Magic Orchestra (Japan), as well as Italo Disco artist Giorgio Moroder (Italy/Germany) and put their own unique spin on what they were hearing.
Go listen to tracks like ‘Sharevari’ by ANUMBEROFNAMES (1981)
Now to dig a little deeper into the early tracks that heavily influenced ‘Sharivari’, go listen to
Kraftwerk’s ‘It’s More Fun To Compute (1980)
along with Telex - Moskow Diskow (1979)
Now, check out another Detroit classic Cybertron’s ‘Alleys of Your Mind’ (1981)
And Ultravox's 'Mr X' (1980) which influenced or had a crazy synchronicity with Cybertron’s Alleys of Your Mind
To me it doesn’t really sound like they sampled them directly but were almost trying to remake the sounds and notes.
House Music’s Influence / Relation
I can’t talk about Techno without briefly mentioning House music because they have been very intertwined from early on. Check out Giorgio Moroder’s produced song for Donna Summer ‘I Feel Love’ (1975) as well as his album ‘From Here To Eternity' (1977) to hear the early influences of what would later become house.
Check out early Chicgo House music that was splitting off from disco such as Jesse Saunders’s ‘On and On" which was pulling inspiration from these Giorgio Moroder styled sounds.
The track ‘On and On’ funny enough, was a remake of Mach’s "On And On" from 1980.
That original track from Mach contained samples from Munich Machine's 'Get On The Funk Train' (Giorgio Morode wasa a member of Munich Machine)
Donna Summer's 'Bad Girls’ (some vocal samples)
Lipps Inc.'s 'Funky Town' (Percussion and other elemets)
and Playback 1's 'Space Invaders' (the main bassline)
Jesse Saunders was remaking that track after losing the record but still wanting to play it in his set. This twist is often credited as one of the first house records.
As you can see artists were pulling inspiration from all sorts of sources at this time. It begs the question… Who really can be credited with the creation of any type of music? My answer is… The collective… As in the case with most art. Nothing is truly original.
Oftentimes most people do not understand where the current artists they are listening to are pulling inspiration from. Call it stealing if you must but it’s the basis of creativity. If you are a creative person I highly recommend you read “Steal Like an Artist’ by Austin Kleon.
All these influences served as inspiration for early hip hop, electro, and what would become techno. This then created a feedback loop with Europe in what would push the techno genre into new realms as well develop other electronic music genres such as Breakbeat, Jungle, Trance, and so many more.
The Harder Edge: Frankfurt's Pioneering Role in Techno's Evolution (1989/1990)
Now moving on to Hard Techno. The reason I mention all of the above is because the early pioneers of the Harder end of techno were directly influenced by this global feedback loop that was happening in the late 80’s / early 90’s. The harder-edged sound can first be traced back to Frankfurt Germany. It wasn’t until the wall came down in Berlin in the early 90s where Berlin began to eclipse Frankfurt as the German (and now world’s) techno hub. This is a whole topic in and of itself so we won’t go much further in this article.
For this article's sake we will check out what many regard as the first Hard Techno track by a Frankfurt artist Mescalinum United - We Have Arrived (PCP Productions 1990).
Marc Acardipane is the producer behind the project. This track was then 1 year later re-released by Lenny Dee’s new imprint at the time Industrial Strength Records out of Brooklyn NY exposing many more to this harder developing sound.
Marc states that he saw electronic music as the future evolution of rock music. Hearing Belgian new beat records as well as Belgian act Front 242 (a popular EBM band) He liked the dark electronic sounds of the music, however he did not like the overall groove of it.
He preferred the groove of Detroit techno,
however he did not like the sounds of Detroit techno, stating that they were not hard enough.
Marc was also involved in the early hip hop scene and Frankfurt and was inspired heavily by American rappers like NWA. He wanted to create his own street music like NWA had but in his own unique way..
Those 3 elements seem to be the catalyst for his new sound. The hardcore street attitude of NWA, the groove of detroit techno, the more abrasive electronic sounds of front 242, mixing all together creating something completely new that was heavy like rock n roll. He called it Hardcore Techno (a nod to NWA’s coined Hardcore Rap).
To me, these early records were still techno. They had more groove, more percussion elements. Hardcore Techno continued to evolve into what people now call Hardcore. Hardcore turned into its own genre with its own stylistic rules and sub genres. And this is where it all gets confusing. Check out this youtube video which does a pretty good job of showing all this current and nuanced genre MADNESS.
I want to focus on tracks and artists who were still pushing the harder brand of techno but did not go completely off into the hardcore realm. A lot of this music was lumped in with general techno, and some lumped in with hardcore. Some have Acid vibes, some have more industrial vibes, they all in my opinion are hard techno. Below You will hear the sound develop and by the late 90s the emergence of Schranz.
These tracks listed here are what I see as the precursor to the current hard techno sound which includes industrial techno and Schranz. Let’s get into it!
The Pulse of Rebellion: Tracing Hard Techno's Relentless Journey (1991-1999)
1991:
The year 1991 wasn't just about new beginnings; it was about setting a precedent. Taking action where We Have Arrived left off in ‘89/’90 The tracks released in 1991 obliterated boundaries. From the menacing hoover sirens of "Mentasm" to the commanding beats of "Dominator," the sound of techno was getting a harder, more aggressive makeover.
This year marked a departure from the soulful, melodic Detroit roots to something more raw, something that resonated with the underground raves beginning to sweep across the globe. Below are the tracks that really stood out:
Cybersonik (Ritchie Hawtin) - "Backlash": A milestone in techno, Ritchie Hawtin's work under the Cybersonik moniker laid down the gauntlet, marrying the precision of techno with a newfound ferocity. Not a sound you typically consider of when thinking of Hawtin
Second Phase (Joey Beltram) - "Mentasm": This track is synonymous with the birth of the iconic "hoover" sound, a relentless, sirenesque synth that would become a staple in hard techno and influenced many to come. https://
Human Resource - "Dominator": The name says it all. This track dominated the scene with its in-your-face energy, becoming a precursor to the hardcore scene.
X-101 - "Sonic Destroyer": A product of Detroit’s Underground Resistance, this track is a testament to techno's ability to be both hard-hitting and deeply funky.
Joey Beltram - "My Sound": A forefather of the hard techno sound, Beltram's tracks are not always though of as Hard techno but I feel he laid the foundation for what was to come..
The Mover - "Into Wasteland": A journey into the darker recesses of techno, this track laid the groundwork for industrial and EBM influences to seep into the genre. This is another Marc Arcardapane alias.
1992:
As the rave scene exploded, techno responded by turning up the intensity. 1992 saw tracks that were felt. The raw, pounding energy of this year's releases further defined the escalating aggression of the techno scene, solidifying its appeal to the underground and setting the stage for harder and faster variants that would soon follow.
Ace The Space – "9 Is A Classic": A prophetic title for a track that lived up to its name, setting the stage for harder styles like Hardcore and the gabber scene in Holland. It became an anthem in its own right.
Edge Of Motion - "Set Up 707": A hypnotic acid dance between melody and mayhem, this track showcased the intricate balance of the burgeoning hard acid techno scene.
The Mover – "Nightflight (Nonstop To Kaos)" (1992): This track is a cornerstone of the hardcore techno genre, known for its dark, atmospheric sound and relentless pace. "Nightflight (Nonstop To Kaos)" showcases The Mover's talent for combining haunting melodies with a driving beat, solidifying his status as a pioneer in electronic music.
Jeff Mills - "Phase 4": Jeff Mills, the wizard of techno, weaved a tale of raw power and haunting melody with this track, showcasing the industrial influences seeping into techno.
Joey Beltram - "Life Force": Another gem from Beltram, "Life Force" pulsated with a raw, untamed energy, further cementing his legacy in the techno realm.
Sperminator - “No Women Allowed (Men's Room Mix)” A hard techno assault. Often filed under Hardcore this early track serves as a model for many current hard techno varieties. A straight banger. Also check out the Ladies Room Mix.
Nasty Django - "Mo District (Nuthin' But A Bonebreaka)": A fierce embodiment of the mid-90s hardcore techno scene. With its relentless tempo and gritty soundscapes, it captures the raw, unbridled spirit of the era, making it a standout piece in the hard techno genres.
Moby - "Thousand": At one point recognized by the Guinness World Records as the fastest tempo in a released single, "Thousand" is a journey through sound, embodying Moby's experimental edge in the early '90s. Released in 1992, this track showcases a whirlwind of rapid beats, reaching a staggering 1,000 BPM, and highlights Moby's innovative approach to electronic music, blending hardcore techno elements with a unique, high-energy style that would define much of his early work.
1993:
The scene in 1993 was characterized by exploration and innovation. Artists like Jeff Mills and Koenig Cylinders were rewriting the script. Tracks released this year were redrawing the boundaries of harder techno, incorporating a range of industrial influences to create a sound that was unrelentingly hard yet undeniably intricate.
Koenig Cylinders – "99.9": A landmark track, "99.9" stands out for its relentless energy and innovative sound design. This track showcases a perfect blend of raw techno beats with an industrial edge, capturing the spirit of the early '90s rave culture. Its pulsating rhythms and atmospheric layers make it a definitive piece of electronic music history, reflecting the experimental and boundary-pushing ethos of its time.
The Subjects vs. Jeff Mills - "Dark Matter" : A prime example of Jeff Mills at his best, "Dark Matter" unravels the funk within techno, masterfully extracted from a martial kick drum and adorned with acid flares. Jeff Mills expressed his regret over the track's unintended release due to a remix project gone awry. This experience influenced his decision to step away from remixing, marking "Dark Matter" as a significant, albeit controversial, piece of work.
Planetary Assault System - "Starway Ritual": A deep dive into the cosmic side of techno, this track by Luke Slater was both ethereal and earth-shattering, blending spacey elements with hard beats.
Jeff Mills - "Berlin (Mills Mix)": .A seminal track that encapsulates the essence of techno. With its driving beats and hypnotic rhythm, the track is a masterful representation of Mills' ability to blend raw energy with intricate grooving soundscapes
AFX (Aphex Twin) - "Isopropanol" (1992): Under his AFX moniker, Aphex Twin released "Isopropanol" in 1993, a track that embodies the raw, experimental essence of early techno. Characterized by its rapid beats and innovative use of synthesizers, the track stands as a testament to Aphex Twin's pioneering spirit in electronic music, showcasing his ability to push the boundaries of sound and rhythm.
1994
In 1994, hard techno was in full swing, unapologetically claiming its place in the electronic music landscape. The tracks of this year echoed through the halls of techno history, each one a chapter in its ever-evolving story.
Mechanism - "Dark Jungle Mung": Embracing the darker, more brooding elements of techno, this track created an atmosphere that was both oppressive and invigorating, a journey into the unknown.
DJ Hell - "Hot In The Heels Of Love (Dave Clarke Remix)": Clarke's reinterpretation of DJ Hell's track infused it with a raw, pulsating energy, making it a hard techno anthem. It’s all about that crunchy bass that follows the kick drum.
Joey Beltram - "The Start It Up": Beltram's track added a new layer to the evolving hard techno sound, blending raw energy with a polished tribal precision. This is a very slept on track in my opinion!
DJ Hell - "Like That (Old School Mix)": A nod to the roots of the scene, this track masterfully blended the old with the new, creating a sound that was both nostalgic and groundbreaking.
Marshall Masters - "Stereo Murder": A track that epitomized the aggressive, in-your-face style of hard techno, "Stereo Murder" was a testament to the genre's unyielding drive. A very simple and repetitive track, it’s an exercise in an effective undercooked beat. You really don’t need a lot.
Robert Armani - "Blow That Shit Out (Joey Beltram Remix)": This collaboration of titans created a track that showcased the raw, visceral energy that hard techno was becoming known for. Officially released in early 1995 but it was played in 1994.
1995:
The tracks of 1995 were a testament to techno's relentless pursuit of innovation. Each track a commitment to pushing the envelope, crafting a sound that was as raw as it was refined. Stand out ones for me are ‘Absolute’ and ‘Gabba Hop’.
Cristian Vogel - "Absolute": With its breakneck speed and complex textures, "Absolute" was a masterclass in hard techno production, setting a new standard for what the genre could achieve.
Scan X - "Earthquake": This track shook the very foundations of hard techno, merging its relentless beats with a seismic energy that was impossible to ignore.
Pilldriver - "Pitch hiker": With its fast-paced beats and dark atmosphere, "Hitchhiker" was a journey into the heart of hard techno, showcasing the genre's relentless drive and simplicity. The entire track is a kick drum!
Surgeon - "Magneze": A significant step towards the minimalist, yet hard-hitting sound that would become a hallmark of minimal to come, "Magneze" was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
Dave Clarke – "Thunder" (Red Three EP): Known for its relentless pace and hard-hitting beats, the "Red Three" EP was a testament to Clarke's mastery of the harder sound.
Technohead - "Gabba Hop": This track pushed the boundaries of speed and intensity, showcasing hard techno's ability to innovate and evolve. This one is a personal favorite of mine.
English Muffin - "You Should Have Been Smarter": Produced by Lenny Dee & Ralphie Dee, a track that blurs the lines between hard house and techno, showcasing the fluidity and experimental nature of the era. You can hear elements of this style in many of today's tracks.
1996:
As the mid-90s unfolded, hard techno wasn't just a genre; it was a phenomenon. The tracks of 96’ resonated with the very core of those who listened. Many tracks during this year began to lay the foundation for a newer strain to begin to develop.
The Horrorist - "Flesh Is the Fever": This track's haunting vocals and aggressive beats encapsulated the dark, raw energy that was starting to define the hard techno scene.
Adam X - "Fare Beat": This track exemplified the raw, industrial roots of techno, blending relentless beats with a dystopian atmosphere. This track showcased Adam X’s ability to push the boundaries of techno and contribute to its evolution in the mid-'90s.
E-Dancer - "Velocity Funk": Adding a new dimension to the hard techno scene, "Velocity Funk" was a track that blended speed with a sophisticated breakbeat, aggression with artistry. A Detroit Techno legend.
Secret Hero - "Multiform": A showcase of hard techno's exploration into more acid and trance driven sounds, "Multiform" was a testament to the genre's fluid and experimental nature.
Adam Beyer - "Drumcode 1.1": Released by Planet Rhythm Records You might say… Mr. Flick why the fuck are we talking about Adam Beyer when talking about hard techno… He’s business techno!... Well, "Drumcode 1.1" was a testament to the global reach and universal appeal of techno. Listen to this track and try to tell me Adam didn’t used to go hard?! You could really call this precursor to Schranz with its frantic breakbeat laden underbelly.
Frankie Bones - "Refuse To Fight": New York's answer to the burgeoning European scene, Bones' track is a blend of NYC grit and groove.
1997: Schranz Begins to Emerge
As the late '90s dawned, a new sound began to take shape within the hard techno scene. Schranz, characterized by its raw power and relentless driving energy was beginning to take shape. Originally not as fast as we now know it, but listen for the chopped distorted breaks and percussion loops that began to be a staple in the harder techno sound.
Thomas Schumacher - "When I Rock": This track was a manifesto, a declaration of the techno spirit, a sound that was unapologetically hard, fast, and loud. The famous vocal sample is from Tony Touch and Black Thought's 'Freestyle' layered with a distorted break that sat below the driving kick drum and ripping reese bassline. A true techno classic.
Chris Liebing - "Dandu Groove": A track that marked the emergence of Schranz, "Dandu Groove" was not just hard; it was revolutionary, a testament to the genre's unapologetic raw power and stripped down percussive groove.
Blake Baxter - "H Factor": Baxter brought a touch of Detroit's raw power, infusing soul and groove into the harder sound. Simple, funky, and uncompromising.
D.A.V.E The Drummer - "Raw Stylus": Known for its relentless pace and pounding acid beats, "Raw Stylus" was a journey into the heart of hard techno and an early flavor of the harder acid movement.
Marco Carola - "Peak": A track that showcased the minimalist, yet hard-hitting style that was starting to define early Schranz. A bit slower than what we now think of as Schranz tempo, however the distorted layered percussion loops are a signature of the style.
Frankie Bones - "Shoot This MF": Living up to its name, "Shoot This MF" was a raw, unadulterated expression of the hard techno spirit, a track that demanded attention and refused to be ignored.
Frankie Bones - "Like It Rough": True to its name, this track brought a raw, unapologetic sound to the floors of underground clubs. This is another of my personal favorites.
1998:
As 1998 dawned, hard techno was asserting its dominance. The tracks of this year were the pounding heartbeat of a subculture, each beat echoing the spirit of the genre.
Mara Branco, Julian Sandell & Henry Cullen – "Hard": This track was a testament to hard techno's relentless pursuit of innovation, blending aggression with artistry. Funky fast paced percussion loops with a driving hard groove.
Johannes Heil - "Die Eigene Achse": Released originally on 12” With its mechanical rhythms and cold, industrial atmosphere, this track was emblematic of the hard techno sound that was continuing to evolve.
Miss Djax - "Evil Machines": Known for its relentless drive and harsh soundscapes, "Evil Machines" showed that hard techno was not just about the beats, but also about creating an atmosphere. An early female pioneer of the genre.
Chris Liebing - "Drumcook": This track showcased Liebing's mastery of the hard techno sound, blending raw energy with a polished precision.
Chris Liebing - "Stigmata EP (#8)": A collection that epitomized the Schranz movement, each track a journey into the heart of this unyielding, raw, and powerful sound. You hear this track’s influence in all Schranz to come.
DJ Rush - "Marathon Man": True to its name, this track was a relentless pursuit of speed and intensity, a marathon of hard techno's unyielding spirit.
1999:
As the millennium approached, hard techno was not content with mere evolution. The tracks of 1999 were a testament to the genre's unrelenting drive, its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible.
Glenn Wilson & Mike Humphries - "Thumb Cuff": This track was a declaration of hard techno's commitment to innovation, a relentless pursuit of a sound that was as raw as it was refined.
Thomas Krome - "Woodcarver Remix": A remix that wasn't just a track; it was a statement, a raw, unadulterated expression of the hard techno spirit.
Mara Branco, Julian Sandell & Henry Cullen – "Clanking.": This EP showcased hard techno's ability to innovate and evolve, blending aggression with a hypnotic rhythm.
Umek - "Meprobamat": Another artist who you may wonder why they are on a hard techno list. However back in the day these tracks pushed the boundaries of speed and intensity, showcasing hard techno's ability to not just evolve but to revolutionize. Umek later started making a more accessible sound to the dismay of many harder edged aficionados.
D.A.V.E. The Drummer + Ant – "Hydraulix 1": A collaboration that was not just a musical composition but a defining pulse of the hard techno subculture.
2000:
I had to include this one from 2000 to top off the list…
Glenn Wilson - "Re-Engage": Released by Planet Rhythm Records "Re-Engage" showcased hard techno's pursuit of innovation, a sound that was as raw and refined.
Overview Of Hard Techno’s Journey
Hard Techno emerged as a grittier, more intense sibling of classic techno. It retained the fundamental elements – the repetitive, hypnotic beats, and the electronic soul – but injected a raw power and aggressive energy into the mix. It was, and still is, an expression of rebellion, a sonic defiance that resonates with the underground scene's darker, more industrial vibe.
Through pulsing beats and relentless energy, Hard Techno carved its niche in the vast world of electronic music. Each track, each artist, and each moment in time contributed to the rich tapestry of this genre. As we look back, we see not just the history of Hard Techno, we see a genre that has not only survived but thrived, evolving and adapting, always pushing the boundaries of what's possible, always marching to the beat of its own, unyielding drum.
Current Trends
Currently, this sound has had a renaissance, and with that many haters. People calling in TikTok techno, a trend, saying it’s not techno etc. etc. However I think we have seen some new innovative sounds emerge within the various subgenres of Industrial, Schranz, and Hard Groove.
Producers are currently pulling from so many influences. Hardcore is merging back with Techno in a good way. You can hear many Punk and Metal influences. Jungle, Trance, and Psytrance have also seeped into many tracks. All with new and updated production techniques.
Strange how this sound really kicked off with people being locked up during the pandemic in 2020/2021. Maybe anxiety due to worldwide circumstances, maybe a new generation of ravers stepping into the clubs after restrictions. Whatever it was, it’s undeniable that the landscape of the techno scene has drastically changed in the last few years.
Final Thoughts
Going through all this music has really been a reminder to myself on how important it is to stay inspired and to stay contributing to the culture. This music is a living breathing thing.
The scene needs people like you and me to take influence from those before us (as well as any other art in our lives) and put our own interpretation on it, then put our creations back into the world for new people to love and enjoy. Hopefully inspiring a whole new generation in the process.
I tried my best to pick tracks for this article and get the dates correct. I had many more selected but these were the ones that made the cut for me. If there are any you feel I missed or that should be included please let myself and the community know in the comments (here or the youtube video). I want this to be a good resource for people.
This article has been adapted into a YouTube video seen here:
I created a Dj mix with all the tracks from this project here:
Coming soon!
There is a YouTube playlist with all the full tracks from this series here
As well as a Spotify playlist here: