Speedcore style of techno music, characterised by high of beats per minute and aggressive themes. The name originates from the high BPM, which is always higher than 200 BPM. Earlier Speedcore tracks averaged at about 250 BPM, whereas more recent track sometimes exceed 1000 BPM. Some people classify higher BPM tracks (around 500-600 BPM), as splittercore, and upon reaching 1000 BPM and beyond, the music becomes known as extratone. Whether these terms are necessary or widely used is debatable, partial because of the human ability to perceive differences in BPM at these speeds.
Aside from the very fast tempo of speedcore, which rarely drops below 240 BPM, speedcore can often be distinguished from other forms of hardcore techno by an aggressive and overridden electronic percussion track that is often punctuated with hyperactive snare or tom-tom fills. The Roland TR-909 is often the drum machine of choice for speedcore producers due to its ability to generate heavily distorted bass-drum kicks that anchor the percussion tracks. Most producers will often overdrive their kicks so much that they become square waves, much like in Gabber, giving Speedcore its distinctive pounding sound. As with many other forms of techno, synthesizers are also heavily used, often producing heavily distorted and/or disharmonic melodies to complement the underlying drums. Although any analog or hybrid synth can be used, the analog/digital hybrid Roland Juno-106 is a common favorite with speedcore artists.
Random track: Lord Lloigor - Ray Of Darkness Roomush Remix
My notes:
ReplyDelete- In the 1990's people considered Speedcore to be above 200-250 bpm, but nowadays it is usually considered to be at least above 300 or 400 bpm, whereas 250 bpm is just Hardcore Techno. 200-250 bpm can also be the "Terror" subgenre of the Dutch scene, "Gabba" subgenre of the German scene or "Frenchcore" of the French scene.
- There are also few who only approve machinegun beats as Speedcore. In the 1990's machinegun Speedcore was called "Nosebleed" and in 21st century some called it "Splittercore" (as was mentioned already).
- One of the first known Speedcore tracks is "Summer" by Sorcerer, which used a double bassdrum. It came out in 1993.
- According to many people Speedcore originates from France. Gangstar Toons Industry released compilations half of which were fast Heavy Metal influenced Hardcore Techno tracks.
The aggressive and noisy speedcore is probably most known however Speedcore can be very diverse and it's not really a one single scene:
- Cheesy Speedcore (<- not a subgenre name) has been made by artists such as m1dy and by some artists featured in Bemani games.
- Psychedelic and atmospheric Speedcore (<- again not really a subgenre) by artists such as iGoA and DarkFreak.
- Flashcore (I think this one deserves its own post) is an experimental form of Speedcore started by Hangars Liquides label. Long article: http://www.spannered.org/music/1181/
What about the australian label Bloody Fist ?
ReplyDeleteThere will be soon more infos added.
ReplyDeleteGabba is from Netherlands!
ReplyDeleteAlso one of the first speedcore tracks was made by moby... Yes, THE moby. It came out in '93
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNQDCcqQu2Q