Anyone trying to coordinate going to a show with friends knows it isn’t always easy, and this night was no exception. After much anticipation, my friends and I were finally on our way after quite a bit of drama- One friend of mine, Matt, had just spent the last 6hrs in traffic driving to my house all the way from San Diego, while my other friend, Tyler, had a mini-emergency losing his wallet (with his ID) earlier in the day, only to find it again about 20mins before coming to my house, and lastly, my friend Angel wanted us to pick him up on the way to the venue. But at last, the emotional rollercoaster of just wanting to get to the show so we could go party was over, and it was time to go! I had been looking forward to this show for months and my anticipation had built to the point where I was bursting with excitement! The night ahead promised some of the leading names in hardcore, and was to celebrate 25 Years of the Industrial Strength Records label.
Hard Electronic: 25 Year of Industrial Strength Records lineup featured artists Deadly Buda, Cik, Fiend, Rob Gee, Lenny Dee, Tymon, Unexist, The Sickest Squad and Art of Fighters. After passing through security and catching up with some friends, I walked onto the dance floor and prepared myself for the acts I had been looking forward to for months now. I was especially was excited that night to see Art of Fighters, Unexist, The Sickest Squad, Rob Gee and Lenny Dee… it was shortly after seeing the timeslots that I discovered Lenny Dee was not on the lineup. I later found out that Lenny had injured himself and his doctor did not recommend him to fly and risk further injury.
Lenny made the following statement on Facebook to his fans:
“My love goes out to the LA crew for making it happen. Respect. West Coast Kicking Ass!!! Get ready for Hard Electronic 2.0 coming in 2017. There is no stopping what can’t be stopped…”
We wish for your speedy recovery Lenny, but once I learned of your injury I knew that the night must go on as you had intended it to!
At this point, the much-awaited US appearance of Art of Fighters took to the stage. Throughout the crowded room you could see fans waving Art of Fighters and Hardcore Italia flags, and the signature Art of Fighters hardcore sound filled the room with catchy melodies and defiant lyrics. Art of Fighters set included classic tracks including ‘Nirvana of Noise’, and eventually ended with ‘Oh My Sun.’
Following Art of Fighters was Unexist, who changed the atmosphere in the room from the melodies of Art of Fighters, to a much more brutal sound. If Art of Fighters set could be described as ‘energizing’, then Unexist’s set would be described as ‘aggressive.’ One such track that he played that exemplifies this aggressiveness was ‘Devil’s Son”.
As Unexist’s set ended The Sickest Squad took to the stage to bring their own unique brand of Frenchcore (they aptly nicknamed Sickcore) to the party. For me personally, I was just as excited for The Sickest Squad as much as I was for a Frenchcore act to perform, as US doesn’t get much Frenchcore. For those unfamiliar with Frenchcore, the sound is an entirely unique variation of the hardcore sound. Tracks often feature samples of odd instruments not normally heard in electronic music playing symphonic melodies, as well as chanting or rambling of lyrics, and the bass vibrates similar to how reverse bass is for Hardstyle. The Sickest Squad’s set included their classic ‘Boomshakalaka’, as well as their new track with Dr. Peacock ‘Frenchcore Family’ (Vive La Frenchcore 2016 Anthem).
Appropriately slated to close out the night with a dose of Gabber was American legend Rob Gee. Rob started his set by recognizing the Industrial Strength Label for achieving the 25-year milestone, and we all took a moment to pay respect to Lenny Dee who, even though he couldn’t be there with us in person, was certainly there in spirit. Rob opened with one of his classic gabber tracks, ‘Pollywaggachuggabonka’ and ‘Coming At You Strong’, before working in some of his newer tracks ‘Dark Universe’ and ‘Caramba!’ into his set, all while entertaining the crowd with his animated, high energy personality.
Throughout the night I was excited to see so many familiar faces, but one thing that I noticed was a definite, mature presence in the crowd as well. 25 Years of Industrial Strength Records meant that some of these people had been listing to hardcore more years than others at the party had been alive! That night I spoke to several who recounted their memories of their first shows in the 90’s held in warehouses, about their early Industrial Strength and Thunderdome vinyls, and it was interesting to hear their perspective of how the scene had grown and changed over the years. Trauma has a great ability to blend the past and the present in their shows in a really enjoyable way, and I have always respected and appreciated the origins of this scene. Ultimately, I would say the 25 years of the Industrial Strength Records was a massive success entertaining both new and old alike, and I look forward to more hardcore in the future!
