Thunderdome Rave
Thunderdome rave has long been a source of nostalgia for ravers around the world. Now, this iconic Dutch event returns in 2017, looking to reinvent itself for an entirely new generation.
The venue’s mainstage is decked out in stunning displays and visuals. Additionally, there are six stages throughout the venue, each playing a distinct soundscape.
Hardcore
No doubt, the hardcore movement – which began in the 1980s and ’90s in several English-speaking countries, particularly the US – has had an immense influence on music. Its roots lie in underground scenes and DIY aesthetics of that era; however, its influence can also be seen today across genres such as grunge, thrash metal, and electronic dance music.
In the US, Phoenix was home to the most influential hardcore scene with acts like JFA and Meat Puppets. However, many notable acts from that era emerged from areas without large hardcore scenes like Portland, Oregon; Reno, Nevada; and Portland, Washington state.
Gabber, a style of hardcore music characterized by aggressive kickdrums and infectious melodies, rose to popularity in Holland with parties like the 96 edition of Thunderdome raves drawing in tens of thousands of enthusiasts.
Gabber was a highly successful subculture, yet it suffered from several detrimental elements. It was often associated with racial profiling, drugs and hooliganism; furthermore it was subject to commercial exploitation and overexposure on an enormous scale – factors which ultimately contributed to its decline.
Hardcore music genre has evolved, becoming more polarised. It could fall far below the heavy darkcore or doomcore standard or soar over 1000 BPM that it begins sounding like ambient music.
Hardcore also produced its own labels, often run by musicians or participants within the scene. These labels draw inspiration from independent record labels of the early 1980s and tend to be more creatively focused than larger labels.
ID&T Music recently released a series of CDs featuring gabber artists Critical Mass, DJ Waxweezle and Charly Lownoise from The Hague; as well as releases from Elstak, Ramon Roelofs, The Prophet, Gizmo, Buzz Fuzz and Dano.
By late 1999, ID&T’s label had begun to fade behind rivals such as Mysteryland and Electrocution, each with their own EDM aesthetic and aligned musical priorities. Due to diminishing returns from raves, company loyalty waned and Thunderdome eventually closed in 2012.
Recently, however, there has been a resurgence of hardcore music due to various smaller promoters and events across Europe. This has increased interest and relevance for this scene but also created some division within its community.
Terror
The thunderdome rave is returning to Amsterdam’s Elementenstraat for a one-day event, featuring an incredible display of lights, lasers and 3D graphics. There are six stages totalling 12,000 square feet dedicated to music to please even the most discriminating taste buds.
The mainstage is one of the most impressive venues, boasting stunning 3D displays and visuals. Meanwhile, the Tunnel of Terror features a macabre ear with a bloody nail driven through it.
If you’re in search of something more energetic, Heroes of Hardcore stage is your perfect destination. Even with its small audience, it packs a powerful punch thanks to LED lighting technology and powerful bass.
Hardcore music connoisseurs will love this venue for some of the biggest names in the business – Anger Fist and Dj Shadow being two examples – as well as some of America’s top uptempo and terror acts. Fans line up on their phones or tablets waiting to receive a complimentary bottle of Thundertaste after an incredible show!
Watching as new punters pour into the venue to partake of all that Thunderdome has to offer is quite entertaining. They might also take some time out for some tattoo fun with some of the most amazing artwork you’ve ever seen at their tattoo station, but that’s only scratching the surface; many visitors leave with a renewed respect for what Thunderdome has to offer when it comes to body art.
Techno
Techno is one of the most beloved genres in electronic dance music. This genre emphasizes four-on-the-floor rhythms, synthesizers, and drum machines as well as heavy repetition, synthetic textures, and futuristic themes.
Techno is often associated with DIY aesthetic and an enthusiasm for experimentation and invention. These traits have made it a beloved genre around the world.
The techno genre has developed into several subgenres, such as acid, minimal and dub techno. These sounds have drastically shifted from the original sound of techno.
Drum machines, synthesizers and European synth pop were the foundation of this genre which emerged out of Detroit, Michigan during the 1980s.
This genre of music developed out of underground dance clubs with live DJs. As it gained momentum, it inspired other styles such as trance, eurodance and tech house.
Today, techno music remains one of the most beloved genres. Artists from all backgrounds are drawn to its dark and experimental approach that creates moments of tension and release that appeal to a broad audience.
Some techno enthusiasts might find the genre too dark or eerie for them to appreciate. Although this can be true, there are also ways to embrace the genre without feeling overwhelmed by it.
The key to a successful techno party lies in knowing when and how to mix this genre with other styles of music. You can easily incorporate it into a playlist alongside trance, electronica or dubstep for example.
Techno stands out among other genres of dance music due to its heavy emphasis on percussive elements and ability to create moments of tension and release. It’s the perfect way to get people dancing and keep them involved throughout the night.
Are you searching for an exciting and unique way to enjoy techno music? Look no further than Thunderdome festival at Jaarbeurs in Utrecht – a spacious indoor event space that captures the industrial aesthetic of the genre perfectly.
House
Utrecht Centraal station is alive with energy as an exuberant crowd of youths dons 90s garb in preparation for Thunderdome – Europe’s biggest indoor hardcore rave!
ID&T, based in Rotterdam, have been running some of Holland’s premier dance music events for decades. Additionally, they’ve released numerous renowned CD compilations recently which showcase multiple styles of emerging dance music.
In 1992, Joop Stutterheim and Irfan van Ewijk founded ID&T with the mission of bringing dance music to all people – one of their earliest events being Mysteryland ’93 at Maasvlakte in Rotterdam that jutted out into the North Sea. As DJs from this scene, Joop Stutterheim and Irfan van Ewijk led an enthusiastic team that produced multiple events over four years – culminating in Mysteryland ’93 which cemented ID&T’s reputation today as one of Rotterdam’s premier industrial sites worldwide.
Even though ID&T were able to attract 12,000 guests at their debut party, the label recognized there was an issue. By 1999, they had turned away from hardcore electronic music in favor of EDM, spending money instead on new flagships like Sensation and Tiesto instead of investing in their existing hardcore lineup.
This was a worrying development for an organization so closely associated with its core brand. After all, part of what made this night successful was that it combined multiple genres in one night–hardcore included.
Through the ’90s and beyond, an uptempo subgenre of hardcore emerged: between 185-220 BPM. This fast-paced sound posed a challenge to the dominant mainstream hardcore sound.
Though uptempo may not be for everyone, it has recently gained prominence in hardcore, making it worth paying attention to if you’re interested in the future of dance music.
It’s similar to how Madchester altered Manchester’s image; it was a passing fad, and now its influence has faded away, but it helped shape public perception of an otherwise dull northern city.
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