For Bastille Day - le 14 juillet - we will do a special feature and look at French themes in Hardcore Techno, and related genres.
This is not a conclusive, in-depth exploration of the history of "Hardcore in France". But rather a look at some notable tracks that are related or take inspiration from la nation révolutionnaire and French culture in general.
And, as it is often the case with us, we lean more on tracks from the "classic era" here.
So, without further introduction: Allons-y!
French Connection - French Connection
A track by unarguably one of the greatest producers from France - Guillaume Leroux - on one of the unarguably greatest Hardcore labels ever - Planet Core Productions (sub-label).
Gangstar Toons Industry - Mistick
Who doesn't love GTI aka Gangstar Toons Industries? Trailblazers not only of French Hardcore, but Hardcore in general - one of the first groups to push the tempo, and to combine insane beats with metal guitars and rap samples.
This is one of their finest moments here. Speedcore meets Sepultura meets Star Wars - what else do you need?
La force soit avec toi, indeed!
Taciturne - Avarie De Machine
The France-Hamburg connection, personified by this Fischkopf producer - and this Fischkopf track. Indeed one of his strangest, and greatest, tracks.
Seemingly made up of samples of heavy machinery.
Auto-Psy - Oxyde
This is soon becoming our most posted track here. But deservingly so!
This is just one of the most brutal and most vicious tracks. By this wonderful producer from France.
No Name - Control
And also no French Hardcore list without No Name! Who, together with Auto-Psy (aka Mouse) forms the Michelson sisters.
Super-Experimental Hardcore, Super-Bizarre, Super cut up and re-arranged - and Super good!
Ingler - Trek
This is foundation stone for the development of French Hardcore, right here. Massive Drums - rumbling bass, noises, chaos - what a delightful track.
Laurent Hô aka Ingler dropped this at the German Mayday Rave in front of 20.000 people, btw. (check Youtube!)
Manu le Malin - Ghost Train
What would the french scene be without Manu, seriously? Still get goosebumps when I think of his Biomechanik compilations, to name just one thing.
This is one of my favorites from his early tracks.
FFM Shadow Orchestra - French Kiss
Have you ever been kissed by a girl like this?
Not from France, but from FFM, it's great nevertheless, and referencing the portrayal of the nightlife of Paris in one of the greatest movies from the 90s and beyond - Killing Zoe (which takes place on Bastille Day - so things come full circle in this article).
Naked Steel - Viva La France
A true Oldschool Gabber Classic, and Thunderdome approved.
Actually by German producers Taucher and Torsten Stenzel (who are usually more known for Trancd stuff), with its track-title it celebrates France and its culture.
We end this article not with another track, but one of our favorite clips from one of our favorite French personalities:
And with this celebration of French culture, we conclude this feature!
Merci pour tout!
